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Tag: History

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Ballast Point Park Sydney Harbour

Tank 101 which symbolises the site's working harbour history

Ballast Point Park

Getting There

Located near Balmain Ferry Wharf, the easiest way to get to Ballast Point Park, is ferry. When you arrive, check out the old ferry wharf building, which is now a community library. Originally a fuel storage area, Ballast Point is now a beautifully rehabilitated public space on Sydney Harbour. Intended for sale to developers but saved by a community action group, which resulted in its current use as a public park.

Balmain Ferry Wharf
Balmain Ferry Wharf

Mort’s Dock

Walking from the ferry to the park, we walked past a memorial to one of Sydney’s ship building docks. Now filled in, Mort’s Dock was the first dry dock in Australia, operating from 1855 until its closure in 1959. Between 1940 and 1945, Mort’s Dock constructed fourteen of the sixty Bathurst-class corvettes built in Australia during the war, as well as four of the twelve River-class frigates. The memorial commemorates their construction and service in the Royal Australian Navy.

  • Mort's Dock
    Mort’s Dock
  • Mort's Dock Plaque
    Mort’s Dock Plaque
  • View of Mort Bay
    View of Mort Bay
  • Sandstone Wall on Mort Bay
    Sandstone Wall on Mort Bay

Ballast Point Park

Deriving its name from colonial times, when ships returning to England empty would source ballast here, Ballast Point Park is now a beautiful park overlooking Sydney Harbour. Previous owned by Texaco, it was planned to develop the area for housing, but a local action group convinced the State Government to retain it for public use.

The site required decontamination because of its industrial past. Retaining walls in the park re-used rubble from the demolished buildings. Several old fuel tanks remain, as a reminder of the area’s past use, along with information boards describing the fuel depot. Scattered throughout the park, shade structures, provide great places to sit and relax, while admiring the views over the harbour.

We enjoyed walking around here, especially the old tanks and the conversion of tank 101 into a huge piece of artwork.

  • View of Sydney Harbour From Ballast Point
    View of Sydney Harbour From Ballast Point
  • Ballast Point Park Tank 101 which symbolises the site's working harbour history
    Tank 101 which symbolises the site’s working harbour history
  • How Ballast Point Looked as an Industrial Site
    How Ballast Point Looked as an Industrial Site
  • Ballast Point Park Remaining Fuel Tanks
    Remaining Fuel Tanks

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Woolwich Dock on Sydney Harbour

Harbour end of Woolwich Dock

Woolwich Dock

Originally the largest dry dock in Australia when completed in 1910, Woolwich Dock is now a reminder of the past. Owned by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the dock is well maintained and access is free.

Getting There

Only a ten-minute walk from Woolwich Wharf, Woolwich Dock was once a bustling shipyard, but is now a quiet reminder of the past. Boat maintenance still takes place, but not on the huge scale in the first half of last century.

One of the best ways to get around Sydney is the ferry and train system, especially if you want to visit places close to the harbour. Ferries run regularly from convenient points all over the harbour.

The Goat Paddock

Access to the dock is through the Goat Paddock, with nicely maintained gardens. There are also great views of Sydney Harbour, along with bench seats to relax on and admire the scenery. Not sure why it’s called the goat paddock, maybe some used to be kept there in the past.

  • The Goat Paddock
    The Goat Paddock
  • Sydney Harbour and Bridge From Woolwich Dock
    Sydney Harbour and Bridge From Woolwich Dock

Woolwich Dock

Located at the base of the Goat Paddock, Woolwich Dock is accessible on both sides. A walkway runs around the dock, with handrails for protection. The rail track used for the 100 ton crane is still in place, which is great.

At the end of the dock is what looks like an old ship. It’s actually the caisson, which was used to block the open end of the dock, before pumping it dry. Several very handy information boards explain the dock’s operation, which were very useful.

Along with the dock, the caisson was very interesting to see.

Several expensive yachts were moored here, possibly for maintenance, as the Harbour Trust leases workshops to several companies.

The end of the dock ends in a cliff overhang, where ferns have grown into the sandstone, making it look beautiful. For a great perspective view, walk to the Woolwich Lookout, where a bird’s eye view lets you appreciate the dock and the harbour.

  • Information Board
    Information Board Explaining the Dock’s Use
  • Information Board
    Information Board
  • The Caisson
    The Caisson
  • Woolwich Dock
    Woolwich Dock
  • Woolwich Dock From Viewing Platform
    The View From Woolwich Lookout
  • Harbour end of Woolwich Dock
    Harbour end of the Dock
  • End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
    End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
  • End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
    End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
  • Yacht Docked in Woolwich
    Yacht Docked in Woolwich

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Morpeth on the Hunter River

The Old Post Office

Morpeth on the Hunter River

Morpeth

Initially created through by Edward Charles Close, who selected a property of 1,000 hectares Morpeth developed as a river port from 1831-1841.

The river port grew steadily throughout the 1830s, but the construction of the Great Northern Railway in 1857, bypassed Morpeth. This resulted in Newcastle developing as the regional port. Morpeth became less significant commercially, but still survived as a township with its own history and heritage.

The town is now popular with tourists because of its historic buildings and riverside setting.

Getting There

Sitting a 10 minute drive from Maitland, the historic town of Morpeth is one of the Hunter Valley’s major attractions. On the drive from Maitland look out for the brightly painted shed advertising “Dr Morse’s Indian Root Pills”, as it’s a well known site by the Hunter River. Originally from North America, these pills are still manufactured and sold in Australia.

Parking in Morpeth can be at a premium on busy days, particularly in front of shops on the main road (Swan Street). There are more spots a available further down the road opposite the museum and old Post Office (now a vets).

  • Painted Shed
    Painted Shed Indian Root Pills on the Way to Morpeth

Swan Street

Most of the shops and restaurants face onto Swan Street, which makes them easy to find, because you are not wandering around back streets.

  • Row of Buildings in Swan Street Morpeth
    Row of Buildings in Swan Street Morpeth
  • Old Stone Walkway Morpeth
    Old Stone Walkway
  • Telephone Box in Morpeth
    Telephone Box

Morpeth Bridge

Opened on 15 June 1898, the Morpeth Bridge is a timber trestle bridge employing Allan trusses. It has two central iron cylinder span supports fabricated by Mort’s Dock. Spanning the Hunter River at Morpeth, the bridge is listed on the state heritage register because of its technical and historical characteristics. 

  • Hunter River Bridge
    Hunter River Bridge
  • Hunter River Bridge
    Hunter River Bridge
  • The Morpeth Bridge
    The Morpeth Bridge

Historic Buildings

Located on Swan Street, most of the historical buildings are in excellent condition and look beautiful. Many are now used for different purposes than what they were built for, so have small plaques in the footpath showing their original use.

  • The Old Post Office
    The Old Post Office
  • CBC Bank
    CBC Bank
  • St James Anglican Church
    St James Anglican Church
  • Derelict Trading Post
    Derelict Trading Post
  • Courthouse Plaque
    Courthouse Plaque
  • Commercial Hotel Plaque
    Commercial Hotel Plaque

Campbell’s Store

Located on the corner of Swan and Tank Streets, Campbell’s store is a collection of small businesses in one large building. From second-hand dealers, clothes and food, there is a lot to see and explore here. At the back of the building is a café and the Morpeth art gallery, which sells art and often has exhibitions on the second floor.

  • Ally Next to Campbell's Store
    Ally Next to Campbell’s Store
  • Post Box
    Post Box Outside Campbell’s Store
  • Rear of Campbell's Store
    Rear of Campbell’s Store
  • Old Railway Carriage
    Old Railway Carriage

Other Interesting Things to See

Walking around, you will find several interesting sights, including painted lane ways, sweet shops, and old telephone box, and a mannequin inviting you for free ginger beer tasting.

  • Free Ginger Beer Morpeth
    Free Ginger Beer Tasting
  • Painted Murals on Berkley Street Morpeth
    Painted Murals on Berkley Street
  • Painted Murals on Green Street Morpeth
    Painted Murals on Green Street

What Did We Think?

Morpeth is a great place to spend a day out exploring, because it has so much to offer. From historic buildings, antique shops, or a relaxing meal overlooking the Hunter River, it’s a great place to visit.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.