Eden Whale Museum.

Old Tom

I had already been to the museum a  number of times, but couldn’t resist another visit last weekend,  the volunteer staff are friendly and welcoming and all too ready to give you insight into the history of Eden and the famous, association between the local whalers and the Killer Whales. If your down that way be sure to call in and be amazed.

http://killerwhalemuseum.com.au/

S.S Tamar arrives at Jervis Bay.

Living around the bay, you become accustomed to seeing all manner of vessels in the bay, from very large Navy ships to small fishing and sailing vessels.   It's hard to imagine a time when you would have only seen the occasional wind-powered ship. Navigator and explorer Captain James Cook first described Jervis Bay in his journals after passing in the HMS Endeavour in 1770, he wasn't able to enter the bay because of adverse winds but noted it's distinctive features. 21 years later in 1791  Lieutenant Richard Bowen, aboard the convict transport ship Atlantic, part of the Third Fleet, sailed into the bay and named it in honour of Admiral John Jervis, under whom he had served. From that time on the bay has been visited by many sailing ships,  some seeking shelter in it's protected waters,  others manned by explorers looking for new lands to explore and develop.  At the mercy of the wind and sea,  travel was slow, unpredictable and dangerous aboard these tall ships powered by the wind. In 1835, 44 years after Lieutenant Richard Bowen sailed past the virtical cliffs of Point Perpendicular into the bay,  the steamer S.S Tamar owned and operated by the  General Steam and Navigation Company,  steamed into the bay, heralding a new era in faster safer travel for passengers, cargo and produce,  for the settlers of Jervis Bay. ”The Tamar arrived at South Huskisson during the middle of the night and created much excitement by having a noisy high-pressure engine, she was the first steamer many of the local inhabitants had ever seen”.  In due course,  the  Tamar was loaded with wool destined for Sydney. Wreck of the Hive – 1835,  The S.S. Tamar was involved in the rescue and transportation of 100 Irish prisoners to Port Jackson.  They were part of a human consignment  being transported to Port Jackson aboard the convict ship the Hive which went ashore on Bherwerre Beach at Wreck Bay during a foul storm. In 1841,   On a calm, clear, star-filled night,  the Tamar returned to the bay, she set anchor in what was then known as the North Harbour in about 5 fathoms of water,  where she lay until morning.  She proceeded at daylight to the north-western part of the bay near to the site of Jervis Town, where she landed some passengers.  She then steered a course for Inner- Harbour where the township of South Huskisson was laid out, (present day Vincentia ) On her return to Sydney,  the passengers confirmed the good accounts of Jervis Bay as a harbour. The return voyage only took twelve and a half hours to reach Darling Harbour,  deducting the time she was detained at Wollongong.  The Tamar was soon after doing regular trips to the bay. S.S.Tamar – 200 gross tons, length 96’3”,  width 17’8”. Paddle Steamer built in Glasgow 1833, Held first mail contracts to north-east ports of Australia in 1860,  she was wrecked on Cabbage Tree Bay, Nora Head in 1873. REF: https://www.flotilla-australia.com/iscsnco.htm In 1841 the paddle steamer,  Sophia Jane,  famous for being the first steamer to operate in Australian waters, made her first trip to Jervis bay, soon after she began regular voyages, transporting wool, cargo and passengers to and from Jervis Bay to Sydney. A new era had arrived.

Royal Arthur at Jervis Bay - 1900

H.M.S Royal Arthur put into Jervis Bay on the morning of 13th December 1900,  She was carrying  the first Governer General of Australia, Lord Hopetoun who was on his way to Sydney.  The Royal Arthur had made good time coming along the coast. The N.S.W Premier was sent a message from the lighthouse-keeper at Jervis Bay stating that the warship entered the bay at about 10a.m. She will remained in the bay until Saturday morning,  giving her time to reach Port Jackson Heads about 10.a.m. An official welcome, including a street procession,  was planned for Lord Hopetoun when he reached Sydney. H.M.S Royal Arthur was the new flagship for the Australian station,  replacing the Orlando.  She was a first-class twin-screw cruiser of 7700 tons,  and was built at Portsmouth.  340ft in length, and 60ft in beam,  with a draught of 28ft 9 inches.  Her indicated horse-power was 12,000 with forced draught,  and 7500 with natural,  giving a speed of 20 and 18 knots respectively,  her coal accommodation was equal to 10.000 knots at 10 knots an hour. Her armament consisted of one 9inch 22 ton gun, twelve 6 inch quick firing guns, twelve 6-pounders,  and seven machine guns,  besides four Whitehead torpedo tubes. She was a remarked improvement on the aging Orlando,  both in regards to size and equipment.

Lord Hopetoun. Was a British aristocrat, politician and colonial administrator. He is best known for his brief and controversial tenure as the first Governor-General of Australia. When he became Governor-General, he was 40 years old and he remains the youngest person to have held that office; he is also the shortest-lived, dying at the age of 47. REF: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hope,_1st_Marquess_of_Linlithgow

Continue reading about the Orlando and it’s connection to Jervis Bay.

S.S Chimborazo..

Two small articles informing people of the state of the S.S Chimborazo after running headlong into Point Perpendicular on a foggy, calm morning in March 1878. Continue reading about this lucky escape from disaster.

Jervis Bay

Another beautiful morning across the bay.

On this Day.–March 7th 1958

A new pre-stressed concrete bridge was opened by Sam Larter the oldest man in the area. Built over Broughton Creek Berry, the bridge was the first of it’s kind in Australia.  The bridge is located near the Berry Training Farm. The original crossing was by the Back-Forest ferry until the early 1920’s when the Mayor of Berry, Mr. R. Shepherd,  in response to a largly-signed requisition called for a public meeting at Coolangatta Hall, to take steps towards starting an agitation to the Minister of Works, to secure the erection of a wooden bridge over the Broughton Creek.  The people of Coolangatta, Back Forest, Bolong and the business owners in Nowra saw the construction of the bridge as a project of importance. A more substantial timber bridge was built in the 1920’s but that was destroyed by floods around 1954, for some time people had to detour over poorly surfaced roads to by pass the creek.  prompting the government to start on the new concrete bridge. the bridge spans 210 feet, with 7 spans and a roadway of 20ft wide. Broughton (1798 – c.1850) was the name given by surgeon and explorer Charles Throsby to Toodood, a man of the Dharawal (Tharawal) people who acted as a guide and interpreter to Throsby, Alexander Berry and others in their travels in the Shoalhaven in the 1820s. Broughton Creek was a guide, tracker and constable.   After the death of David Berry in 1889, the name of Broughton Creek was changed to Berry by Act of Parliament in 1890 in honour of the Berry family.

Fox Hunt at Tomerong

An interesting picture of 21 unidentified people taken during fox hunt near Tomerong in the 1900’s.

1914 Shoalhaven Telegraph.

Ulladulla–on this day 1964

March 2nd 1964 – The official opening of Ulladulla Harbour extensions. In 1826 Thomas Florence mapped out the coast from Jervis Bay to Moruya, and in the five months the party took doing this they saw no other whites in the area. Florence named the place where he camped ‘Buedella”.  Which in the Aboriginal language meant, “land of the flint”.  Buedella became corrupted into “Ulladulla”. Other sources say it was known by the Aboriginals as Nulladulla,  meaning “safe harbour”. Alternative spellings as Woolladoorh or Ngulla-dulla have been recorded. The  main industries in the 1900’s were the timber mill,  the tannery and ship building all operated close to the foreshore of the harbour. Ulladulla Harbour was one of the important ports of call for the Illawarra Steam Navigation Company.   Produce was bought to the harbour from surrounding farms, corn, potatoes, cattle and pigs were bought to the wharf by horse and cart to be loaded onto waiting ships,  and taken to the Sydney markets.  In return ships would bring goods for the stores and all manner of house-hold items.     A wooden jetty was built in 1859 to service the Illawarra Steam Navigation Company. After several years and pressure and threats from the steam ship company a stone pier was built by the government.

The original Harbour was a very dangerous place to enter or leave in adverse weather conditions, several ships and lives were lost on the bomboras on the north and south side of the harbour entrance while  trying to enter the harbour. Once a vessel was moored inside the harbour,  the breakwater still didn’t offer much protection in large swell conditions, the walls were short and low, and in heavy seas waves would break right over the wall.

To illustrate the point here is a dramatic photograph of the “S.S Belbowrie” being driven ashore inside the harbour in large seas which were pounding the coast in 1912. The steamers, the “S.S Belbowrie” and the “S.S Seagull” were lying at the pier awaiting for the weather to abate so they could continue their journey south,  in the former case to Kiola,  and  the latter to Bawley Point. The Seagull came into the port on Tuesday and tied to the wharf.  The Belbowrie arrived on Wednesday and moored alongside. Being the larger boat of the two the latter was squeezing the Seagull up against the pier, whereupon the Seagull drew out and let the Belbowrie on the inside. The seas increased in voilence during the night,  and at about four o’clock on Thursday morning the Belbowrie’s lines carried away and she was driven out from the shelter of the pier,  taking with her the Seagull,  which was tied to her. Both were quickly driven ashore,  the Seagull and Belbowrie ending up broadside to the beach and taking waves right over them.  The seas were running right over the breakwater and many small fishing boats and launches had to be drawn high onto the shore clear of the breakers. Both vessels were eventually refloated.

The first breakwater saw the erection of a small steel lighthouse in 1873.  The lighthouse was totally inadequate for shipping, situated so far inside the harbour behind the north and south headlands,  and was moved to Wardens Head further south of the harbour.

Ulladulla’s trawler fishing fleet slowly developed, becoming one of the chief sources of fresh fish to Sydney, the growing trawler presence meant something had to be done to improve trawler and boating safety.

In 1960 the decision was made to extend both breakwaters, extensive testing was carried out by model testing at the Public Works Department's Manly hydraulics laboratory. The design called for substantial extensions to the rock wall on either side of the harbour, more than doubling the size of the harbour,  making it much safer for the fishing fleet and boating community.   The southern and northern breakwaters would be extended to 1050ft and 500ft, respectively, at a cost of $188.040. The work on the project was finished in 1964. and opened by Hon, P.N. Ryan, MLA. Minister for Public Works, on March the 2nd 1964.

The harbour today.

Continue reading about Warden Head Lighthouse.

The Official Opening Ceremony of the Royal Australian Naval College, Jervis Bay.

Today marks 102 years since the opening of the Naval College.  On the 1st of March 1915,  the Governor General,  Lord  Denman conducted the opening.

Continue reading about the Royal Australian Naval College. (HMAS Creswell).

The Lady Denman ferry was named after the wife of Lord Denman.

Continue reading about Lady Denman and the launch of the Ferry..

The Queen of Jervis Bay.

”You have lived on a long while.” we said.  ‘' Ah, yes, she answered, with a smile.  ‘I suppose my time’ll come”.

Feb 26th 1928 - Mary Golding, known as the Aboriginal Queen of Huskisson was laid to rest in a quiet little burial ground far up Currambene Creek   Mary was at the time the oldest resident in the district,  locals stated her age was between 105 and 108.   She always enjoyed good health right up until the week before she passed away.  Her mental faculties were remarkably clear,  she could relate stories of happenings in the early history of the district.  Her husband shown here was known as King Billy died some years before Mary. Mary had been residing for many years with one of her daughters on the banks of Currambene Creek, Huskisson.  Residents of Huskisson and the police gave her every attention, except for being very thin,  she was a very well-preserved woman. Not long before she died she was photographed and appeared in a pictorial daily, and needless to say,  was greatly pleased. A few days before her death local residents paid a visit to Mary taking with them some tobacco, which they knew would cheer her old heart.  They found her sitting on a rug in the shade of a tree with her dogs about her. In full possession of her senses, she conversed pleasantly, smoking the whole while,  and telling an interesting tale of the district  when there was no residents between Kiama and Nowra. “You have lived on a long while,” we said.'  Ah, yes, she answered, with a smile.” I suppose my time will come”. A few days later Mary became ill and was attended by the Nowra Doctor,  she passed away on the 25th and the funeral took place the next day. A large number of people gathered in the lonely bush setting to pay a last tribute of respect to such an aged Australian.  The service at the graveside was particularly solemn and impressive,  with the shadow of the densely growing trees falling sombre across the grave. So passed Mary Goulding,  may the earth rest lightly on her remains.. Mary was known by other names, Queen Golden, Mary Goulding, Mary Golden and Queen Mary.

First Fleet arrive in Jervis Bay - 9 News Report 1988

This was a fantastic day, the ships moored close to the mouth of Currambene creek, during the night their masts and rigging were festooned with lights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNt7SL4Fd4I

A scene from the past.

Today we had the good fortune to have a very historic visitor in the bay. Very early this morning in the distanct haze and light you could make out the silhouette of a three-masted sailing ship at anchor near Honeymoon Bay. The tall ship James Craig. 1874 - Built in Sunderland England  she was first launched as the “Clan Macleod” Plying the world trade routes for 26 years, carrying general cargo,  rounding Cape Horn 26 times. 1905 -The name was changed to the James Craig. She was purchased by br Mr J.J. Craig of Auckland, New Zealand, who used her on trans-Tasman trade routes carrying general cargo. 1911- she was laid up because of competition from steamers and was eventually stripped and used as a copra hulk in New Guinea. Early 1920’s – She was bought by Henry Jones “IXL” and refitted in Sydney, but her return to service was brief. 1925 – She was reduced to a coal hulk at Recherche Bay Tasmania. 1932 – She was abandoned and became beached after breaking her moorings in a storm where she remained until 1972. 1972 – Volunteers from the Sydney Heritage Fleet refloated her. 1973 – She was towed to Hobart and temporary repairs carried out. 1981 – She was towed to Sydney and restoration work commenced. 1997 – The James Craig’s restored hull was relaunched. She is one of only four Barques still capable of sailing world wide, and the only one in the southern hemisphere. She now reguarly carries the general public to sea. She is a full restoration not a replica. This morning. Around 7.15am she slowly started to make her way out of the bay in a scene reminiscent of the early 1900’s,  she soon disappeared into the haze behind Bowen Island to continue her journey south.

At anchor in the early morning golden light near Honey Moon Bay.

Leaving the bay in the early morning haze.

After posting the story above Alan Woods sent us this photo of the James Craig entering the bay under sail yesterday afternoon -  22nd Feb.

James Craig. https://www.shf.org.au/explore-the-fleet/our-operational-vessels/james-craig-1874-tall-ship/

Jervis Bay Map 1894

This map was released in 1894,  showing Jervis Bay and it’s features.

H.M Penguin.

Jervis Bay,.dramatic mood.

If you take the opportunity to walk along the beach at sunrise you can be rewarded with spectacular scenery.

Jervis Bay

Another spectacular morning “down the bay”.

Whaling Jervis Bay

Sydney Morning Herald 1842

Continue reading about whaling near Jervis Bay.

Paddle steamer Natone seeks shelter in Jervis Bay.

23rd October 1884,  the double ended paddle steamer Natone was on a voyage between Sydney and the Tamar River in Tasmania when she encountered very heavy seas while approaching Jervis Bay.  Like many vessels caught in deteriorating conditions along the south east coast she sought shelter inside the protected waters of the Bay until conditions improved.    The Natone arrived safely at her destination on the 29th October. This type of vessel was made to be used on rivers,  not on the open ocean.  One can imagine the journey across Bass Strait to Tasmania would have been filled with apprehension. The Natone was built in 1883 at Mort's Dock in Sydney for the Tasmanian Steam Navigation Company and was capable of carrying 800 passengers.

Hourigan’s Camp Sussex Inlet.

Leave the dusk and musk, the hustle and bustle of the city far behind you . . . come to the garden of Eden.

Yesterday,  I  had a meeting with Sonya Cropper,  Sonya along with her husband Danny manage Cropper’s Cabins located on  a small strip of land on the eastern side of Farnhem Headland, overlooking the entrance to the sea from Sussex Inlet river mouth. Croppers Cabins was originally known as Hourigans Inlet Camp and named after Henry Hourigan.  Henry was granted a lease on the land in 1918. Next year will mark 100 years since the camp was established.  Sonya has collected a lot of historical information and old photographs of the camp,   and has asked me to help her put together a small book about the history of the camp to be released next year for the  anniversary. Below is a brochure produced by Henry Hourigan to advertise the camp. The camp also overlooks the wreck of the S.S Mokau, which went ashore at the entrance to the river in 1922 becoming a total wreck. Continue reading the fascinating story about this wreck and it’s links to Ireland and the Southern Highlands.