Everleigh Locomotive Works in Redfern

Elna and I spent some time exploring the old Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops at South Eveleigh, one of Sydney’s great surviving industrial spaces. Once part of the enormous Eveleigh Railway Workshops, where locomotives were built, maintained and repaired from the late 19th century, the precinct still retains its wonderful old brick buildings, huge machinery, railway infrastructure and raw industrial character. 

It was an amazing place to spend a few hours creatively. We started at The Grounds Coffee Factory. Elna then settled down to paint while I wandered off with my camera, photographing the old buildings, machinery, textures and details. I loved the combination of industrial history and modern life—the sense that so much of the original character has been preserved rather than polished away. It’s exactly the sort of place I love photographing: atmospheric, full of history and with interesting compositions everywhere you look.

Elna's beautiful art

Cockatoo Island

A fun Sunday at Cockatoo Island taking photos of the old docking sheds, machines and cranes. It's a wonderful place with a fascinating history.

Some interesting facts about Cockatoo Island

• Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour, spanning about 17.9 hectares.
• It’s a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, recognized in 2010 for its convict-era history.
• The island was originally known as Wareamah and was significant to the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal, and Gadigal peoples.
• From 1839 to 1869, it operated as a high-security prison for convicts transferred from Norfolk Island.
• Convicts built many of the island’s historic structures, including sandstone barracks, a hospital, and underground grain silos.
• Between 1871 and 1888, the island served as an industrial school and orphanage for girls.
• It became Australia’s primary shipbuilding and repair facility, operating from 1857 until 1992.
• Over 12,000 vessels were serviced at Cockatoo Island, including warships during World War II.
• Major dry docks like Fitzroy and Sutherland were carved into the island to support shipbuilding.
• The 1918 powerhouse on the island housed one of the country’s largest DC generators at the time.
• During World War II, tunnels beneath the island were converted into air-raid shelters.
• Visitors can stay overnight in glamping tents or heritage-listed apartments—making it the only harbour island with accommodations.
• Since reopening to the public in 2007, the island has hosted art biennales, festivals, and large cultural events.
• Ferries from Circular Quay, Barangaroo, and the Parramatta River make access to the island easy.
• The island offers stunning panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and skyline.
• Some small-scale maritime activity still continues on the island today.

Ferry journey

Cockatoo Island

Historical photos