Day 149 of 366: Rediscovering History at Windang Island
An Early Morning Visit:
Today, I made my way to Windang Island to capture the old train wheel, a relic of the island’s historical attempts at industrialization. It had been a while since my last visit, and I was excited to see how the location had changed. As I arrived, the warm glow of sunrise was just beginning to touch the horizon, creating a serene and inspiring backdrop for the shoot.
A Brief History of Windang Island:
The history behind the train wheels on Windang Island is quite fascinating. In August 1888, a proposal to mine the island for coal appeared in the Illawarra Mercury, but it never came to fruition. In the 1890s, The Illawarra Harbour and Land Corporation, a private company, received permission to build a harbour within Lake Illawarra. Their ambitious plans included dredging a 23-feet deep and 100-feet wide channel across the lake to allow ships access to Elizabeth Point for loading coal and lead.
A tie wall was constructed from Windang Island to the southern channel wall. Despite spending about £4,000 on the works, heavy seas soon destroyed the wall. Unable to secure additional capital, the company abandoned the project by the early 1900s. Today, all that remains are the rails and wheels from trolleys used to transport rock for the break wall by rail. The rock for the construction was reputedly quarried from Windang Island, and a small pond on the western side of the island, which appears to be manmade, may also date from this time.
The Photography Session:
I started photographing the first set of wheels I came across, capturing them against the warm light of the rising sun. As I continued exploring the area, I searched for more historical remnants. While walking across the rocks, I slipped and landed hard, resulting in a sore knee. Thankfully, nothing was broken, and I was able to continue shooting until after the sun had fully risen.
Editing and Reflections:
Back home, I began sorting through the photos from the morning shoot. Despite the mishap, I found several images I was pleased with. However, one photo stood out as my favourite. It perfectly captured the sun just peeking over the top of the wheels, casting a beautiful glow and highlighting the textures of the rusted metal and surrounding rocks. The image encapsulated the serene beauty of the morning and the historical significance of the location.
Reflecting on the Experience:
Today’s visit to Windang Island was a reminder of the rich history that can be found in unexpected places. The abandoned industrial relics tell a story of ambition, effort, and the relentless force of nature. This experience reinforced my appreciation for documenting historical sites and the stories they hold. Despite the physical challenges, the morning was incredibly rewarding, yielding images that not only capture the beauty of the scene but also its historical essence.
