Burswood canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burswood canal |
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Burswood canal
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| General information | |
| Type | Heritage listed canal |
| Location | Burswood, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°57′20″S 115°53′39″E / 31.95556°S 115.89417°E |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 24 September 2004 |
| Reference no. | 3570 |
The Burswood canal was an important waterway built a long time ago in Western Australia. It was one of the first big building projects in the early Swan River Colony. This happened in the 1830s.
The canal was dug on the Burswood peninsula, which is next to the Swan River. Its main job was to make boat trips shorter. It helped people travel faster between Fremantle and Guildford. Back then, Guildford was a very important town, even more so than Perth.
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What is the Burswood Canal?
The Burswood Canal was a man-made shortcut. It was dug across a bend in the Swan River. This saved boats a lot of time and effort. Imagine cutting across a big loop in a road instead of driving all the way around it!
Why Was the Canal Built?
In the 1830s, the Swan River was the main way to travel and move goods. Boats carried supplies and people between the port of Fremantle and the inland towns like Guildford. The river had a big, winding bend around the Burswood area.
- Faster Travel: The canal made journeys much quicker. This was great for trade and for people visiting different towns.
- Easier Transport: It helped move goods like timber and food more easily. This was vital for the new colony to grow.
Where is the Canal Located?
Today, the area where the canal was built is known as Burswood. It's a busy part of Perth. Over time, the canal's role changed.
When the South Western Railway line was built, it crossed right over the canal. Engineers had to build a small bridge for the trains. A road bridge was also built nearby. This shows how the area developed from a river-focused place to one with roads and railways.
Why is it Important Today?
The Burswood Canal is a heritage listed canal. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It reminds us of the early days of Western Australia. It shows how people worked to improve travel and trade in the colony.
It's a piece of history that tells us about the challenges and clever solutions of the first settlers. The canal helped shape the way people lived and worked in the early colony.
