Cockatoo Island - conclusion

Exploration of the Island

Cockatoo Island's convict quarters were transformed into a Reformatory and school for orphaned girls in 1871.  At the same time, anchored off the north-east corner of the island, was a training ship housing homeless boys.  To distance itself from its convict days, the institution was renamed Biloela (an Aboriginal word meaning black or white cockatoo).  The school closed in 1880 after a Royal Commission into the abysmal living conditions.  Cockatoo Island became Australia's leading shipyard and operated for 134 years from 1857 to 1991.  We did not have time on this visit to investigate the Island's shipyard legacy, but will return another time and look into this aspect of the Island's history.  Nowadays, the Island is the only harbour island where you can stay the night in unique accommodation including "glamping" tents.  Cockatoo Island's heritage and industrial spaces provide the perfect backdrop for many exhibitions or events.

One of the doors in the Historic Residence Precinct.  This could have been the Residence for the Clerk of Petty Sessions and later of the Foreman Shipwright and Dock Master.

This window was in the Mess Hall in the Convict Precinct.  This building was later utilised as part of the accommodation for the Reformatory and School for orphaned girls and the windows would have been enlarged and improved upon from its' convict beginnings.

The green building on the far shore is the Dawn Fraser Swimming Pool in Balmain where our champion swimmer Dawn Fraser used to train.

Sydney Tower can be seen from the Island rising high in the air across the Parramatta River.

Entrance to Tunnel 1.  This tunnel was built in 1915 and was used to transport materials easily across the island.  During the second World War it was modified to become an air raid shelter.   As we never experienced air raids in Sydney, I guess it was never used.  We walked through it to get to the Marina Cafe where we had tea and cake.