Australian Naval Depot, Garden Island, Sydney Harbour

Date1904

Object number00003393

NamePostcard

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 133 x 88 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionSent on 3 November 1904, this postcard features a colourful landscape of the Naval Depot at Garden Island, Sydney from the perspective of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. In the foreground, a man sits on the fence and looks out across the still waters of Woolloomooloo Bay.HistoryGarden Island's European history dates from 1788 when the Royal Navy vessel HMS SIRIUS landed on the island to establish a naval presence (and vegetable garden) in Sydney Harbour as part of the arrival of the British First Fleet. The first enemy action and casualties occurred at the Island Dockyard on 31 May 1942 when a Japanese midget submarine sank the depot ship KUTTABUL, killing 21 sailors. Through the construction of the Captain Cook Graving Dock, the island that is no more has become the major dockyard for this corner of the globe. It remains an important repair location for the RAN fleet and continues to have strategic significance in naval defensive activities.SignificanceThis postcard provides a glimpse into what Garden Island looked like in the early 20th century. Garden Island in Sydney has assisted Australian naval activities since 1788, and since then its role and use has varied with the continual expansion of the site.