Cockatoo Island revisited

Back in 2010 we visited the island to see an art exhibit set up in the many old buildings on the island.

 

 

We wondered what differences we would see in the intervening five years. They now have some luxury tents for glamping.

 

The basic version.

 

The island was used for ship building and repair and has old cranes, buildings and equipment everywhere.

 

Australia uses shade cloth so well.

 

It was interesting to see items that I remembered from five years before. This time there was more vegetation which softened the Easter Island effect from last time.

 

We could not get into this old air raid shelter this time. The island would have been an obvious target in WWII so shelters were built all over the island.

 

A very glamorous tent.

 

The center of the island is a hill with more buildings on it.

 

One of the monster slipways. Notice the workmen up near the top of the chimney.

 

Tunnel from one side of the island to the other.

 

You might notice the seagull chick cowering beside the wall. The gulls tried to scare us off with their calls.

 

It must be breeding season because of the din from all the gulls protecting their chicks in the long grass.

 

Several of the buildings were closed this time which was disappointing.

 

That clothes hoist is in trouble.

 

I remembered from last time how the floor was covered with shiny steel balls.

 

There cannot be too many examples of these narrow slits in Australian buildings. Of course, they were common in European castles.

 

One of the wharf areas had been converted into a marina.

 

The buildings seemed so empty. They were so much more interesting housing the various art works.

 

Empty theater showing nothing.

 

We both remembered a really interesting video was shown on the walls.

 

This area was closed off by the slatted gates.

 

More angry gulls. It reminded me of the old Hitchcock film, the Birds.

 

It still is a great place to take photos. It is obvious that my new camera takes much sharper photos than the camera from five years ago. By the way, it is a Lumix ZS50 and it is small enough to fit into a pocket but has a 30 times zoom and a viewfinder. It has a precision feel to it and I really like it. Marianne complained that I took her camera on my trips and she had nothing to use. 

However, looking back at the 2000 photos, I think they are better composed than most of my current efforts.

 

The slats in this building were used to provide ventilation for the wood that was drying inside.

 

Finally a sign to keep away from the nests.

 

Painted by Aboriginal activist in 2000.

 

 

The shipyard closed in 1991 so until then it was a common place of employment. Here is a photo of office workers in  the 70's. You cannot miss the mini dresses, common back then.

 

I walked into this room and immediately decided it would be a good room for my stereo gear.

 

The other end of the room.

 

The view out of the windows. Not too shabby.

 

The lovely front veranda of this house. It was a pleasure to sit and enjoy the breeze and the fabulous view.

 

Side veranda.

 

We enjoyed his paintings, shown below.

 

This really reminded me of going to the shipyard in my hometown of Maryborough when ships were launched. It was a big occasion even though the vessels were not as large as those launched here.

 

Tennis court. It would have been tricky playing here with the strong breeze.

 

The house with the wide veranda.  I wouldn't mind living there.

 

The wharf for the Woolwich ferry in the distance.

 

I wondered how many tents were actually used each night. I did not see too much activity there.

 

We walked through one of the tunnels.

 

Sandstone layers.

 

Vastly different layers.

 

We walked to the electricity power plant and passed this jumble of electrical gear. I see from the old blog that nothing had changed.

 

The power generating building was closed this time which was disappointing.

 

Definitely something you would not want to touch.

 

It si obvious that the island needs money for further upkeep. Perhaps leasing some of the buildings is a way to raise money.

 

A cafe, but with no obvious customers.

 

These buildings are massive.

 

I love seeing these huge pieces of machinery, even if they are no longer used.

 

Restoration workshop, but not much activity.

 

We will have to take a look at the film. There were still photos showing snow laying around the buildings which is impossible with Sydney's temperate climate.

 

I find these large halls and the old machinery really fascinating. They exude a sense of former power and purpose.

 

Interesting cloud patterns.

 

Entrance to the dogleg tunnel.

 

 

The walls with the sandstone layers are really interesting. It is quite cool in the tunnel.

 

The curve of the dogleg.

 

Overall I enjoyed the first time more because it was so interesting with both buildings and art exhibits. However, it was a good idea to return and take a look at the place again. We enjoyed it.