Unveiling Middle Head & Georges Heights For A Timeless Historical Tale of Mosman

Middle Head, nestled in the heart of Mosman is a treasure trove of history. Its narrative spans thousands of years, from the era of the Borogegal People, the original custodians of Headland Park, to the present day.

Georges Heights, another unique precinct of Headland Park in Mosman, holds a rich tapestry of history. Named after King George III, who reigned during the time of the First Fleet’s departure from Portsmouth, England, Georges Heights has been a significant site throughout various periods of history.

In 1815, Governor Lachlan Macquarie established Bungaree’s Farm at Georges Heights. This initiative aimed to introduce Aboriginal People to European agriculture. Sixteen Aboriginal men and their families were given fertile land, farming tools, and equipment, as well as access to the harbour for fishing. The Aboriginal farmers at Bungaree’s Farm originated from Broken Bay and were led by an Aboriginal man named Bungaree. The collaboration between Bungaree and Macquarie was recognized as one of the first effective relationships between the colonists and the local Aboriginal People.

In 1870, the British Government withdrew its troops from the Australian colonies, making the colonies responsible for their own defence strategy. The NSW government responded with an “outer line” of defence on Sydney Harbour, consisting of stations where soldiers could target enemy ships as they entered the harbour. In 1871 the construction began on the Georges Head Battery which still can be visited today. It consists of six circular gun pits and associated zig-zag passages and tunnels that lead to underground shot magazines and is truly a bit scary and amazing all at once.

In 1916, the third largest military hospital in Australia was built at Georges Heights to accommodate the increasing number of World War I casualties returning from the Western Front. The hospital operated a little longer until 1921, and many of the timber-framed buildings can still be seen today. During World War II, there was another surge of military activity. A submarine net was erected across the harbour between Georges Head and Green Point which was an ambitious idea in 1942 due to the width of the harbour, and quick-firing guns were set up for protection and viewing at Obelisk Point and Georges Head.

Georges Heights is also known for its architectural significance. The Georges Head Lookout, designed between 2004 and 2006 by acclaimed Australian architect Richard Leplastrier in collaboration with landscape architect Craig Burton, stands as a testament to the area’s rich history. The lookout offers a window into our past as a city of Sydney and a connection to how we have changed to now.

Long before the arrival of Europeans, Middle Head was a home and a lookout for the Borogegal People. The peninsula offered a strategic vantage point over the region, while the foreshore was a source of shelter, sustenance, water, and a gateway to other shores by boat. The rock engravings scattered around Middle Head bear testament to the social and ceremonial significance of the area.

The landscape of Middle Head underwent a dramatic transformation with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Captain John Hunter, aboard the HMS Sirius, was the first European to set foot on Middle Head. The Borogegal welcomed him warmly and guided the crew of the Sirius to a suitable landing spot. From then on, Middle Head served as a strategic defence site.

The first gun emplacement at Middle Head was established in 1801, in response to the Napoleonic Wars. Over the next few decades, a series of gun emplacements were installed along the escarpment to counter evolving threats. This included a gun battery, constructed at Middle Head Fort in 1871. This military complex, complete with underground tunnels and ancillary rooms, is a testament to the area’s military history.

The end of World War I saw a decline in the need for defence land. The Mosman Council seized this opportunity to develop a golf course. However, the outbreak of World War II halted these plans. Instead, barracks were built on the golf course to house married officers. By the end of the war, these buildings were used to intern Italian prisoners of war, who were employed as maintenance workers.

In 1947, the barracks were repurposed to accommodate and train students for the Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA). ASOPA offered a range of courses to prepare Australians for administrative roles in Papua New Guinea and served as a base for Australians consulting to the developing world.

While ASOPA was in operation, another significant development was taking place at Middle Head – the construction of the HMAS Penguin Naval Base. The naval base was commissioned in 1942 and was fully operational by 1945.

Today, Middle Head is a bustling hub of activity. The old military buildings have been repurposed into a variety of uses, including art studios, cafes, and offices. The area is also home to several popular walking trails, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The Middle Head Oval, a popular sporting venue, hosts a variety of local sporting events, including cricket and soccer matches.

Middle Head, with its rich history and vibrant present, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of the Borogegal and the transformative impact of European settlement. It serves as a reminder of our history, a beacon for the present, and a promise for the future.

Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on the history of Middle Head & Georges Heights, Mosman.

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Photograph Taken In Mosman By Mike Fernandes