Picture the Parramatta River gently lapping against the shores. This is Mortlake a charming suburb nestled on its banks. Mortlake boasts a rich history. It was once known as Bottle Point a far cry from its current name. This name change is a fascinating piece of history. Mortlake’s namesake is a town on the Thames in London. The Parramatta River was known as the Thames of the Antipodes. This led to many suburbs along the river adopting names from Thames-side locations. Greenwich Woolwich and Putney are nearby examples.
Mortlake held an important industrial role. The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) established a gasworks here in 1883. Coal arrived via colliers from Newcastle and Hexham. Their journey to the Mortlake wharf was a significant part of the suburb’s past. The gasworks closed after the opening of the Gladesville Bridge in 1964. This new bridge replaced an older one. The older bridge’s swing section had to open for large vessels. This disrupted operations. The gasworks site was redeveloped into the Breakfast Point residential area. Breakfast Point became a separate suburb in 1993.
World War II left its mark on Mortlake too. The Green Point Naval Boatyard assembled Fairmile B motor launches. These played a crucial role in wartime efforts. Mortlake also had an electric tramway. It connected Mortlake to Burwood Enfield and Ashfield until 1948. Imagine the sound of the trams rattling along the tracks. These trams are a nostalgic piece of Mortlake’s past. The Mortlake Ferry is a unique feature. Also known as the Putney Punt it’s the last surviving punt service in Sydney. This ferry connects Mortlake to Putney across the Parramatta River. It’s a piece of living history. A tangible link to the past.
Today Mortlake is a vibrant community. It blends history with modern life. The suburb’s past is evident in its streets and its river. The Mortlake Ferry continues to serve the community. A testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable place. Mortlake stands as a testament to its rich past its industrial heritage and its enduring charm.