Imagine day trippers arriving at Cowan Creek. They are eager to experience the unique charm of Windybanks Boatshed. This site was once a bustling hub of leisure and maritime activity.
Windybanks Boatshed holds a special place in the history of Cowan Creek. It represents a time when tourism began to flourish in this picturesque area. Edward Windybank, a pioneer in the region, established the boatshed in the late 1880s.
Windybank is credited with introducing houseboats to New South Wales. At one point, he had eleven houseboats available for hire. Tourists would travel from Sydney. They rented cottages and houseboats from Windybanks.
Windybanks Boatshed wasn’t just about boats. It was a family home. Edward Windybank lived here with his wife and their six children. They relied on the land. They maintained a small farm with cows and an orchard. This supplemented supplies delivered by packhorses from Berowra.
The remains of a metal boat hull can still be seen at Waratah Bay. It is a reminder of Windybanks’ innovative spirit. The Mt Ku-ring-gai to Berowra bushwalking track passes this historic site.
Windybank’s business thrived. He supplied ferries and houseboats for day trippers and holidaymakers. These visitors often departed from Cottage Point. The boatshed boasted 60 rowboats. It also had a motorboat named Lady Alicia, capable of carrying 110 people. Two steamboats, Wildflower and Lady Zara, served the boatshed too. They were likely named after his youngest daughter Zara.
Before building formal shelter, Edward Windybank lived in a cave. He oversaw the construction of his business. During the 1890s, he settled his family with him. His four sons Ned, Phil, Alan and Gordon and his two daughters Armor and Zara, were all there.
The Windybanks family were pioneers. They relied on the land. They sourced what they couldn’t get regularly from elsewhere. They kept a small farm including cows and an orchard. Daily packhorses came from Berowra. A monthly trading ship also delivered supplies.
Edward Windybank died in 1927. Sadly, he missed the opening of his son’s business in 1950. His son opened Windybanks Bait Shop.
Today, only the iron skeleton of Windybanks Boatshed remains. It serves as a testament to his vision and hard work. Walking around this area inspires the imagination. One can picture the bustling activity of a bygone era. The area was filled with the laughter of tourists and the gentle lapping of water against the boats.
The legacy of Edward Windybank is still felt in Cowan Creek. His entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the region’s identity. The remains of Windybanks Boatshed serve as a reminder of the importance of innovation and community. They also speak to the enduring appeal of this beautiful waterway.