Man O'War Steps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Man O'War Steps |
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Man O'War Steps, Sydney, in 2019, from Opera House steps
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| Location | Farm Cove Crescent, Bennelong Point, Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1810– |
| Owner | NSW Maritime |
| Official name: Man O'War Steps | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 18 April 2000 |
| Reference no. | 1432 |
| Type | Pier/Jetty |
| Category | Transport - Water |
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The Man O'War Steps is a special old jetty in Sydney, Australia. It's located near the famous Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. This historic spot was built a long time ago, starting in 1810, and is still used today! It's owned by NSW Maritime, a government group in New South Wales. Because it's so important, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2000.
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History of the Man O'War Steps
The Man O'War Steps has a long and interesting past. It began as a small landing place for Governor Macquarie around 1810. This first version was likely made of wood. It even had a small, protected boat area called "Port Lachlan."
Over time, this landing spot was fixed up and made better. By 1850, it was a "stone pier" used for ships to get water. Many of these ships were warships. This is probably how it got its name, "Man O'War Steps," which means "warship steps." The name likely became common around the 1860s.
For many years, different government groups argued about who was in charge of maintaining the Steps. This argument went on for over 100 years! Even with the disagreements, the NSW Public Works Department often did the repairs and building work.
The Steps were mainly used by the navy. Sailors would use them to get on and off ships, and for moving supplies. But other boats used them too. Merchant ships, which carry goods, also used the jetty. Around the 1890s, Sydney Ferries sometimes used it as a stop. The small harbour next to the jetty was also used by water taxis and commercial boats.
When the Sydney Opera House was built, much of the area was changed. However, the Man O'War Steps survived! It was rebuilt in the early 1970s and opened again in 1973. Today, you can see special plaques on the stone pillars. These plaques tell the story of the Steps, especially its naval history.
In the past, wooden wharves and sheds were added to the stone jetty. These were mainly for naval use, but the shed also served as a waiting area for ferry passengers. After the Opera House construction, new floating platforms (pontoons) were added. Now, the Man O'War Steps is a main place for people to get on harbour cruises.
Naval ships no longer use the Steps much. They now use bigger facilities at Garden Island. But the Man O'War Steps is still remembered for its important role in naval history. The memorial plaques remind everyone of this special past.
What the Man O'War Steps Looks Like
The Man O'War Steps is a stone pier that sticks out into the water. It has a bend, like a dog's leg, and creates a safe spot for small boats. There are also stone steps that go down to the water. The oldest parts of the structure date back to 1810-1820. Most of what you see today was likely built around the 1860s as part of the Farm Cove seawall.
Memorial Plaques
There are two important plaques at the Man O'War Steps.
- Northern Plaque: This plaque is on the northern side of the entrance. It honors the British and Australian navies who used the Steps for 150 years. It also remembers the 2,215 officers and sailors from the Royal Australian Navy who left from these steps to serve in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Malaya, and the Vietnam War, and never returned home. The plaque was updated on April 13, 2003.
- Southern Plaque: This plaque is on the southern side of the entrance. It was put there on October 20, 1973. It explains that the Man O'War Steps was restored in 1973 when the Sydney Opera House opened. It also mentions that the stone jetty is near where Governor Macquarie built his private landing steps. The plaque notes that naval vessels used the jetty for moving people and supplies for many years.
Changes Over Time
The Man O'War Steps has been changed and improved many times since it was first built in 1810. The main part of the structure today is probably from the 1860s. Over the years, wooden wharves and pontoons were added. A large wooden shed was also built, mainly for naval use, but it also served as a waiting area for ferry passengers. After the Sydney Opera House was built, new pontoons were added. Today, the Steps are a main place for harbour cruises. In 1973, the jetty was restored, and a ramp and berthing pontoon were added.
Why the Man O'War Steps is Important
The Man O'War Steps is very important to the history of Sydney Harbour. It is one of the only remaining structures from Governor Macquarie's time that is still in its original shape and still used every day. It's a valuable reminder of the "Old Navy" days when warships anchored in Farm Cove. It also shows how different government groups argued for a long time about who was responsible for it!
The Man O'War Steps was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2000 because of its historical and environmental importance.
- Historical Importance: It is important because of its long connection with naval activities in Sydney Harbour, both old and new. It shows how the navy used the harbour for many years.
- Environmental Importance: The stone jetty is a key part of the beautiful harbour area. It sits near the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens at Farm Cove, adding to the beauty of the place.
Images for kids
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Fort Macquarie & Man of War Steps; Alfred Tischbauer, watercolour, 13th August 1893
