Sullivans Cove facts for kids
Sullivans Cove is a special place on the River Derwent in Tasmania. It's right next to the heart of Hobart. This cove was where the first European settlers landed, and it became an important part of the city's port.
How Sullivans Cove Started
Sullivans Cove is where the city of Hobart first began. On February 21, 1804, Lieutenant Governor David Collins arrived here. He landed on a rocky piece of land called Hunter Island. Over time, this island was connected to the mainland. Today, this connection is known as Hunter Street. There's even a building standing right over where the island used to be.
Before Collins arrived, another European settlement was started nearby. This was at Risdon Cove by John Bowen about a year earlier. However, that settlement was later moved. Its people joined the settlers at Sullivans Cove. Collins named the cove after John Sullivan. He was an important government official at the time.
Changes to the Piers Over Time
By 1916, many piers had been built at Sullivans Cove. Piers are like long docks that stretch into the water. They help ships load and unload goods. Some of the main piers were:
- Ocean Pier (built in 1914)
- Queens Pier (its name changed in 1910)
- Kings Pier (built in 1910)
- Argyle Street Pier (built in 1875)
- Elizabeth Street Pier (built in 1866)
- Franklin Pier
- Brooke Street Pier (first built in the 1820s)
- Ferry Pier
In 1933, the Argyle Street and Elizabeth Street Piers were replaced. A single, stronger concrete pier was built in their place. This new pier was at Elizabeth Street. In 1948, the Ocean Pier was destroyed by a big fire. Around 1970, Kings Pier was taken down. A new marina was built there instead. A marina is a place where smaller boats and yachts can dock. This marina became even bigger in 2003.
Sullivans Cove Today
Sullivans Cove is very important to Hobart. It has a lot of history and special meaning for the city. The main port area is now called Macquarie Wharf. Many of the old buildings along the waterfront are still standing.
The University of Tasmania has its School of the Arts building on Hunter Street. A new apartment building called ZeroDavey was built nearby. It has a modern blue side. But it also uses sandstone to match the older buildings.
In 2004, people talked about building a tourist tram from Sullivans Cove. This tram might go to the city center. It could even go as far as North Hobart.
In 2006, a big design contest was held for the Hobart waterfront. Many ideas came from all over the world. The winning designs showed new ways to use the area. They suggested bringing back the Hobart Rivulet as a canal. This would connect to Constitution Dock.
The cove used to be mainly for cargo ships. Now, it's more for tourism and fun activities. Many old sheds in the area have been updated or replaced. These new buildings still have the same sloped roof style. Some of these buildings include:
- Elizabeth Street Pier: Now has restaurants, a bar, and event spaces.
- Princes Wharf Shed No. 1: Became a large event space called PW1 in 2011.
- Princes Wharf Shed No. 2: Replaced in 2012 by the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies center.
- Macquarie Wharf Shed No. 2: Became the MAC02 cruise ship terminal in 2013.
- Brooke Street Pier: Replaced in 2014–2015 with a new ferry terminal. This is a hub for tourism transport.
Other new projects are happening nearby. Parliament Square is being redeveloped. This is a large project behind Parliament House. In 2015, there were plans to turn an empty space into a new Civic Square.
