Saturday, 7 August 2010

Cockatoo Island, Fitzroy Dock

Cockatoo Island has a long history of ship repair and shipbuilding activities. Fitzroy Dock was the first dry dock, built using convict labour between 1847 and 1857. Shipbuilding began on the island in 1870 with the construction of dredges, barges and tugs. Nearby Sutherland Dock was built with free labour between 1882 and 1890. In 1913, Cockatoo Island became the naval dockyard of the Royal Australian Navy and grew to become Australia's biggest shipbuilding and dockyard facility. The shipyard closed in 1992 but many of the workshops, docks and equipment were retained.

16 comments:

  1. Enjoyed this photo very much. Interesting bit of history and a great photo.
    An English Girl Rambles

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  2. Ah you went across the other side of the dock. I must have taken dozens of just this little area alone. I think we were there later in the afternoon and our light was lower.

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  3. These are fantastic shots!! Just discovered your blog. Great to find another Sydney local. Now following you. Pruxxx

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  4. I haven't been down that way, interesting to see the area and remember the history.

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  5. Such a shame the docks are no longer in operation, it's the same over here. All the old docks feel like ghost towns.

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  6. It's a shame this dry dock closed. No wonder they had to send the Manly Ferry 'MS Freshwater' up here to Brisbane for an overhaul.

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  7. Left behind in time - an eery atmosphere. Nice shot and interesting history. Thanks.

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  8. Thanks for the interesting history and wonderful picture.

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  9. Nice shot, Jim... although the place looks rather grim, so desolate. Wouldn't that building be cool renovated into artists' lofts or something?

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  10. Hi J Bar
    grande questa foto !
    Buona giornata.
    Da oggi sono finalmente in ferie :-))

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  11. Great capture! Wish to visit this place someday.

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  12. Francisca, that's a great idea or maybe it could be used as some sort of art school. They are slowly redeveloping the island so I'm sure they will eventually renovate this building too.

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