Cooks River Sewage Aqueduct, Heritage-listed sewage aqueduct in Earlwood, Australia
The Cooks River Sewage Aqueduct is a sewage conduit crossing a watercourse using decorative brick arches and steel bridges for support. The structure consists of three pipes roughly 1.8 meters in diameter and connects areas south and west of Sydney.
The structure was built in 1895 as part of a major sewerage system serving Sydney's southern and western suburbs. Contractor J. F. Carson oversaw its construction, making it a key piece of infrastructure that equipped the growing city with modern utilities.
The structure takes its name from the river it crosses and displays craftsmanship from its era of construction. Visitors can observe the red brick and white glazed tile details that characterize the aqueduct, reflecting a time when such infrastructure was visible and designed with care.
The structure is heritage-protected and viewable from outside, though interior access is not permitted. Visitors should allow time to observe the crafted details of the arches and bridges from different angles.
The aqueduct received fiberglass linings in its cast iron pipes between 1981 and 1984 to extend its operational life. This maintenance work reveals how the structure was continuously adapted to meet changing demands.
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