Leichhardt Italian Heritage

Discover how over 100 years of Italian migration has changed the face of Leichhardt forever. See how Italians have left their indelible mark on the culture, language, architecture and heritage of this early colonial settlement.

Understand why so many refer to Leichhardt as 'Sydney's Little Italy'

Early European Settlement

For thousands of years the Leichhardt area was inhabited by Aboriginal tribes. The first large parcels of and were granted to colonial settlers as early as 1794, only six years after the arrival of the First Fleet. By the late 1800s, Leichhardt had become a small hamlet. It boasted a town hall, post office, school and church and was subdivided into hundreds of small blocks of land. There was a public transport system linking it to the city, cheap housing and lots of work available in local industries. A real attraction to newly arrived migrants.

Sig. Raffaello Raffaelli, owner of Caffè Sport, Leichhardt - 1954

Italians in Leichhardt

Italian migrants have been drawn to Leichhardt for the last 150 years. The first group of Italian migrants were artists, sculptors and artisans who used their skills to beautify early colonial buildings and create statues. Then followed a large group of fishermen from the Aeolian Islands, off the coast of Sicily forming the Iron Cove fishing fleet. The majority of post WWII migrants came from Sicily. Leichhardt provided new arrivals with employment, accommodation and proximity to important land marks such as St. Fiacres Church and the A.P.I.A. Club for their spiritual life and sporting activities.

Your guide will share with you their knowledge on:

Early colonial settlement in Leichhardt; Discuss migrant settlement issues; Visit the Italian Forum; The Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Parramatta Road of the 50s-70s; Caffè Sport; La Fiamma and Rete Italia (Italian newspaper and radio station)and Pasticceria Mezzapica.

All of this with a taste of the Italian language.

Finish off your tour with a cappuccino or lunch at one of Leichhardt's many delicious Italian restaurants.

PRIVATE TOURS ALSO AVAILABLE

Meet at Casa d'Italia 67 Norton St., Leichhardt
10 mins prior to departure - Wear suitable clothing
Tour content subject to change without notice. No refunds for tours cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. Tours are conducted rain, hail or shine.

Ph: (02) 9564 0744 or email

Bookings Essential