Sydney Harbour Trust Bird’s Eye View of the Port of Sydney [with report]

Approaches to Sydney Harbor from the east.

The Sydney Harbor Trust was organized by the Parliament of New South Wales in 1901, largely in response to an outbreak of bubonic plague that wreaked havoc amid the city’s shipping facilities. Labeled ‘a blessing in disguise’ in the trust’s handbook, the disease facilitated the public takeover of privately owned wharves that allowed for more efficient management, greater infrastructure investment, and, ultimately, significantly higher tonnage of freight to enter and exit the harbor.

These improvements were ongoing in the early 20th century and are showcased in this beautiful bird’s eye view of Sydney’s Harbor, designed by Harbor Trust engineer William Henry Withers. It was originally published in the 1913 (second) edition of the Official Handbook, a copy of which is included.

The image is oriented with west at the top and notes depth soundings, shipping channels, navigation beacons, and other maritime features of interest. Pictorial topography emphasizes various geographic features, but the iconic Opera House wouldn’t be open for another sixty years! The accompanying volume includes other bird’s eye views and panoramic photographs that highlight infrastructure developments across the harbor.

Source.