26/01/2026
The City’s links with Australia originated through the Royal Navy and its commission to develop a colony in New South Wales in 1788.
Captain James Cook and Captain Arthur Phillip were prime movers in this task. Their success laid the foundations for modern Australia and it is good to see that the Cities of Portsmouth and Sydney have formed a Sister City relationship to build upon and retain links.
All eleven of the original ships reaching their destination within three days of each other from the 26th of January 1788, while only 48 of the 1,350 embarked died during the nine-month voyage.
The Bicentenary re-enactment left Portsmouth on 13 May 1987 arriving on Australia day 1988, welcomed into Sydney Harbour by over 3,000 vessels. It was this feat and the work to achieve it after its conception in 1977 that started the modern link between our cities.
We wish Sydney and Australia happy 238 birthday.
