[1] The term "intercolonial" referred to the British colonies on the continent of Australia, which did not federate[broken anchor] until 1901.

The major impetus for intercolonial exhibitions derived from the Agricultural Society of New South Wales, which from 1858 onwards sponsored annual shows at the Society's grounds at Parramatta, about 20 km (12 mi) west of the Sydney central business district.

In 1869, the exhibitions underwent rapid expansion on relocation to the newly established Prince Alfred Park, Surry Hills, immediately south-east of the central business district.

The Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition building opened in 1870 on the site.

[2][3][4][5] Further expanding the scope of its exhibitions, Sydney held the first international exhibition, the Sydney International Exhibition, in the Garden Palace in The Domain in 1879.