Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Wharves near Fort Macquarie, Bennelong Point

Wharves near Fort Macquarie, Bennelong Point

1873
Glass photonegative

This photograph records the waterfront clutter at East Circular Quay in September 1873. In the foreground, delivery vehicles, including a baker’s cart from Patrick Freehill’s bakery in North George Street, queue to board the Milsons Point paddle steamer Transit. On the right is the castellated tower of Fort Macquarie, demolished in 1901 for the electric tram sheds, which in turn were demolished for the Sydney Opera House in 1958. Barely visible in the right background is HMS Clio, which left Sydney in October 1873.

From G.H. Reid ‘An Essay on New South Wales’ 1876

Sydney usually, wears a staid and tranquil air, befitting the mother of southern civilization. Even the streets have an old world look; and business is transacted without that feverish bustle which characterises the thoroughfares of Melbourne....The only time when we can boast of a really bustling population is on a public holiday. On such an occasion there are moored at the Circular Quay steamers of all sizes with flaming placards on which appear the names of the favourite watering-places, and the host of attractions they offer for the day. For miles in different directions there are troops of humanity, mostly of the humbler classes, all well dressed, hastening towards the steamers. [G.H. Reid ‘An Essay on New South Wales’ 1876, p1.]