The original Aboriginal inhabitants, who belonged to the Borogegal clan of the Eora nation, knew Bradleys Head as Borogegy, Booraghee, Booragy or Burrogy.
[2] The foremast of the cruiser HMAS Sydney, renowned for taking part in the Royal Australian Navy's first ship-against-ship engagement in World War I, is mounted on the headland as a memorial to that battle.
In June 2000 the mast was rededicated as a monument to all Australian ships and sailors lost in conflict.
In conjunction with the tower off Fort Denison, it was used for speed trials of vessels in Sydney Harbour.
Owing to increased congestion on the Harbour, it is no longer used by the Maritime Services Board for this purpose.