The first English navigator to explore the River Derwent was Lieutenant John Hayes – in 1793 he came ashore at this location and named the bay for the semi-precious cornelian stones[2][3] found on the beach.

Soon after Sullivans Cove was settled in 1804, the Cornelian Bay site became the Government Farm, supplying fresh vegetables and other produce for the first residents of Hobart Town.

[6] The Commonwealth War Graves Commission also erected a memorial to 18 Australian service personnel - 16 soldiers, one sailor and one airman - who were cremated at the Crematorium in the latter war,[7] as well as the Tasmania Cremation Memorial, to four service personnel whose ashes were scattered elsewhere in Tasmania.

William Nevin Tatlow Hurst, Secretary for Lands (1925–1938) is buried in Section W, in his family's grave number 224.

Sport and Recreation House, the headquarters of Basketball Tasmania[10] is also located at the Rugby Park.