These artefacts are labelled ‘CuGl’ and are found throughout the museum. The Big Dig excavations began in 1994, uncovering over a million artefacts and the remnant foundations of more than 30 buildings, including early convict homes and businesses.
The archaeology was carefully preserved during the building of Sydney Harbour YHA, lifted high above the site on pillars, and YHA opens the site to the public during daylight hours. It is a short walk from the museum.The Big Dig site provides a great opportunity explore a neighbourhood higher up ‘on The Rocks’, and to link artefacts displays in the museum to where they were found.
The site provides access to other elements of the archaeological record, including remnant foundations, eco-facts and the influence of the landscape, and when considered together provides a rare insight into early urban life in Sydney. Curriculum linked educational programs are run at The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre in partnership with Sydney Learning Adventures.