David took the boys down to Wollongong Harbour today to check out the “Notorious” Ship that was going to be there, but unfortunately they couldn’t stay due to rough conditions. They actually had tried to dock in Wollongong but due to the big swells they had to cut and run, literally!
So instead of wasting a day out n about David, Cameron and Kyle decided to stay where they were and discover more about Wollongong Harbour History {we really should arrange to do the History Walk one day}
Wollongong Habour History ::
“The Central Spur and tee-jetty in 1887. By this time Wollongong Harbour was the third largest in N.S.W”
The View At Lunchtime ~
Great winter Day for being out exploring
Wollongong Harbour History
Information from The Plaque
“The original inner harbour completed by a convict workforce in 1844 required further improvements during the 1860’s and 1880’s in order to accommodate the rapid increase in shipping trade.
To meet the growing demand for ship loading facilities a tee-shaped jetty was built from the Central Spur in 1880. A stream driven crane operated from the end of a railway running along the jetty.
Demolished in the 1920’s, the jetty’s only remains are the cranes iron and concrete base seen jutting from the harbour directly forward of this position.
Still to be seen within the western wall of the central spur is the slipway once used in the launching the Harbour Pilot’s life boat.
Lighthouse History ::
The lighthouse was built in 1871, is situated in the Belmore Basin on the southern breakwater.
Edward Orphan Moriarty, the Engineer-in-Chief of Harbours and Rivers Department, NSW, designed the Lighthouse.
The tower is constructed of wrought iron on a ferro-concrete base.
Joseph Mather won the contract to build the lighthouse, as well as an identical one which was built next at Ulladulla, later moved to Warden Head.
The wrought iron plates were designed and assembled in his foundry, after which they assembled them on site.
It is not known when the original oil burner was replaced. Gas was supplied to the town in 1883. It is known in 1908 that a Kern Gas Burner was installed.
An acetylene gas burner was installed in 1916 and was considered to be a great improvement.
Again it is not clear when the light was upgraded to electricity. Some believe 1922, others as late as 1947.
The first request for a lighthouse was made in 1866 by the Wollongong Borough Council.
Until the lighthouse came into service a temporary red light was fixed in a box at the end of the pier.
While the lighthouse was being constructed their was concern that the tower would not survive in gale force weather, and that under these conditions the keeper would not be able to reach it on the end of the breakwater.
Work was delayed by heavy seas which the lighthouse tower did survive.
Even though the lantern was installed in July 1871 the light was not exhibited regularly until January 1872.
The original Chance apparatus was dismantled about 1970 and the Maritime Services Board of NSW proposed to use it at Eden on the South Coast.
The new Wollongong Head Lighthouse was constructed on Flagstaff Point to the south of the Breakwater in 1937 and took over as the major light in the area.
The breakwater light was extinguished in 1974.
{Information from Lighthouse of New South Wales }
Interesting to see the photos that David took today, and interesting to see how much information he found out regards the Harbour! He sure had a good time with his boys, and maybe he needs more time out with them on a Saturday instead of working!!
Have You Done The Wollongong Harbour History Walk?
Cheers
Lisa
New Life on the Road
Looks amazing. I’ve never explored these areas – but hope to one day. Love the lighthouse.
Caz (The Truth About Mummy) recently posted..Taking a walk inside my childhood memories
Its a great place to explore 🙂 And there is something about Lighthouses!
I haven’t been there yet, but if given the chance, I would. I love history walks, it gives a different perspective to things!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..Springtime in the Old Town Square in Prague
Yeah History Walks are so much fun 🙂
Have never been there so thank you for this sneak peek, it looks really interesting and who doesn’t love a harbour and a lighthouse?
Seana – Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel recently posted..Brain Boosting Podcasts For Mums – Guest Posting at Village Voices
Its a must see place!!! Actually I love to search out Lighthouses 🙂
And the harbour is so beautiful in Wollongong.