Why does this jetty jut out here? The Man O’War Steps tell a tale of naval history and remembrance right here.
The Man O’War Steps have stood here since 1810. They are located on Bennelong Point. The steps are next to the Sydney Opera House. They are near the Royal Botanic Garden.
Governor Macquarie built a small landing place. It was for his private use. It became known as the Man O’War Steps. It was initially a wooden structure. It enclosed a small beach. This created a protected boat harbour. It was briefly named “Port Lachlan” after Macquarie’s son.
Over time the jetty was improved. It was no longer just for the Governor. By 1850 the Admiralty called it a stone pier. Ships anchored nearby used it for water. Warships often used it giving the steps their name.
The NSW Colonial and Imperial Governments argued. The Royal Navy and Australian Government also debated. The Sydney Harbour Trust and Maritime Services Board were involved too. They disagreed about who was responsible for the Steps. This went on for about 120 years.
The NSW Public Works Department did most of the construction. Naval authorities sometimes reimbursed the cost. For years the Steps served naval purposes. Liberty boats used them. Ships handled watering and stores here. Crews embarked from here. Merchant vessels also used the jetty. Sydney Ferries Limited used it as a city terminus around the 1890s. Watermen and commercial launches used the small harbour. People picnicked here too.
The Sydney Opera House construction destroyed the area. But, the Man O’War Steps survived. They were rebuilt in the early 1970s. They reopened in 1973. Plaques commemorate the steps’ history. The plaques focus on its naval context. Wooden wharves and pontoons were added. A wooden shed served naval purposes. It was also a waiting shed for ferry passengers. Rear Admiral Beaumont complained about “idlers” in 1902. Captain GH Field complained about “disreputable” women in 1903.
Today pontoons have reappeared. The Man O’War Steps are an embarkation point for harbour cruises. Naval use has ceased. Major warships use facilities at Garden Island now. The memorial plaques remind us of the Man O’War Steps’ naval history.
A plaque honors the British and Australian fleets. It recognizes 150 years of service. It also honors Royal Australian Navy members. They served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. They never returned.
Another plaque details the pier’s history. It mentions the restoration in 1973. It highlights the connection to Governor Macquarie. It notes the site was once called “Watering Place”.
The Man O’War Steps stand as a testament. They remind us of naval history. They honor those who served. They connect us to Sydney’s past.