What a history!
Cockatoo Island was first inhabited by the Eora people who would have travelled to the island and used it for fishing, hunting, and women’s ceremonial purposes.
From 1839 to 1869, it operated as a penal establishment, where convicts endured harsh living conditions and backbreaking work. Today, the island’s remnant convict structures provide visitors with a window into an era when people were exiled to Australia and put to work on the colony’s ambitious building projects. These structures include Fitzroy Dock – both the earliest graving dock commenced in Australia and the only surviving example, nationally, of a dry dock constructed by convicts.
From 1871 to 1880, Cockatoo island was the site of an industrial school and reformatory for girls. These institutions were set up to deal with orphans and juvenile delinquents but were badly mismanaged.
Cockatoo Island’s pivotal role in Australia’s industrial and maritime history began with a large dry dock that was completed in 1857. Many years of onsite shipbuilding followed, and in 1913, the island was the official dockyard of the Royal Australian Navy. During WWII, the island was the main ship repairing facility in the southwest Pacific, with around 250 ships converted or repaired.
With so much history and a walking trail featuring great information signs it is well worth a visit. Must mention the ferry trip is rather magical. There are whispers in the wind that sometime in the near future the island will be re-developed. Do not let the mention of stairs put you off as there are roadways you can use to avoid the stairs.
The sprint today featured long and short line courses as well as a score course. With lots of stairs, a tunnel and multi levels it is a tricky area in which to navigate.
Results:
Long Line 3.8kms
Short Line 2.7kms
9th Ian McKenzie, 13th Gayle Shepherd. 19th Maureen Ogilvie
Long Line High School
Jono Nolan 5th.
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| My route for the Long Line. |
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