Finger Wharf, Heritage wharf in Woolloomooloo, Australia
Finger Wharf is a heritage port structure in Woolloomooloo that extends approximately 410 meters into the bay with twin-story sheds flanking a central roadway. The design reflects its original purpose for moving cargo efficiently, with a straightforward layout of connected buildings and sturdy construction.
Construction took place between 1910 and 1915 under engineer Henry D. Walsh's supervision and replaced Sydney's original fish market. It became the city's wool export center and drove economic activity on the waterfront for decades.
The wharf has transformed from a working port into a mixed-use destination with restaurants, galleries, and residences where locals and visitors gather. This blend shows how industrial waterfronts become social hubs rather than purely functional spaces.
The site sits about 15 minutes from Sydney's business district and is easily accessible by public transport, particularly from Kings Cross station. Parking is available on-site, and the precinct has dining and retail options, though it is popular so arriving early helps avoid crowds.
The site preserves some of the last electrically operated goods conveyors in New South Wales and retains several original electric lifts from the early 1900s. These machines reflect the technological advancement that once defined the port.
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