After an outline of pre-colonial times, this book presents a concise historical account of the early days of the NSW colony and how it has progressed since those beginnings to the current day.

Each section focuses on a different cultural or historical aspect which is examined thoroughly from the beginnings of British settlement. The complete development of the state is told, weaving through these various areas of focus, along with all the important people and events. Remarkable pioneers have helped shape not only the state but the country as a whole: the voices of those prior to Cook's explorations are of course silent, but the stories of those since make fascinating reading.

No such work would be complete without acknowledging and exploring the exceptional role played by the Indigenous population. There are copious references made to the valuable contributions they made, and continue to make. This history looks back at all aspects of the development of the country's earliest and most populous state.