Imagine a gentle, green flash. That is the light from Robertsons Point Light guiding ships safely through Sydney Harbour. Robertsons Point is more than just a marker. It is a place steeped in history and community spirit.
Robertsons Point got its name from James Robertson. He was granted 35 hectares here in 1820. He was also the father of Sir John Robertson who was Premier five times.
Before European settlement, this area was known as Wooloorigang. It was part of the Cammeraygal territory. The waters east of Robertsons Point were called Goram-Bullagong by the Aboriginal people.
In the early days of the colony, after 1788, it was named Careening Point. This commemorated HMS Sirius. The ship was refurbished upstream in Mosman Bay.
James Milson Jnr bought the Cremorne peninsula in 1853. He planned to sell the land for residential development. The courts prevented him from selling blocks right to the water’s edge. This is why Cremorne has a public waterfront park today.
In 1856, part of the land was leased to create Cremorne Gardens. It was named after a pleasure ground in London. The gardens featured a dancing stage, a German band and many amusements. Steamers brought people from Circular Quay every half hour. By 1862, the gardens fell into disrepair and gained an unsavoury reputation.
Around 1875, a white cask was used for target practice off Robertsons Point. Balls from a cannon would land near Whiting Beach. The firing stopped for the hourly steam ferry.
In the 1880s and 1890s, Robertsons Point became a Victorian Sunday destination. In 1891, exploratory bores discovered a thick coal seam. The Lands Department refused permission to build coal wharves. The company found another location in Balmain.
In 1905, Cremorne Reserve was created after a ten-year campaign. The community fought to keep the area as public land. This ensured that magnificent harbour views remained available.
The McCallum Pool near Robertsons Point was built in the 1920s. It was built as a pool for local residents. In the 1920s, a beautification campaign transformed the reserve. Local residents helped with the transformation.
Robertsons Point Light was constructed in 1909. It is similar in design to Bradleys Head Light. Both lights were made with pre-cast reinforced concrete sections. The light flashes green every three seconds. It is a sibling of Bradleys Head Light.
Today, Robertsons Point is managed by the North Sydney Council. The site is open to the public. You can walk to the lighthouse via a footbridge.
As you stand here at Robertsons Point, remember its layered past. From Aboriginal land to pleasure gardens to a preserved public space. It stands as a testament to community action and a beacon of light.