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Wallaroo Jetty
Title : Wallaroo Jetty Wallaroo Jetty
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Source : B 8788, Wallaroo Collection
Date of creation : ca. 1870
Format : Photograph
Catalogue record
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Description :

The first Wallaroo jetty was built by AH Gouge in 1861 and was 197 metres long. It was extended several years later with a 'divergent westerly direction'; this enabled up to six vessels to berth at the same time. A second jetty was erected in 1880, extended in 1902, and a third jetty was built in the 1920s and in 1958 converted for bulk handling with the installation of a conveyor belt.

Wallaroo was the main port for the export of copper from the adjacent mines; coal timber and explosives for the mines were received through the port. In addition to the trade associated with the mines, Wallaroo was also a major port for the export of the wheat and other grains from the surrounding farmlands.

Wallaroo is a deep water port which enabled large vessels to come directly to its jetties: loading and unloading was quicker here than at some of the other nearby ports such as Port Victoria to the south. During World War II Spencer Gulf was deemed easily defensible from wartime marauders and a number of secondary industries were moved to Wallaroo, including the manufacture of fertilizer. This continues to be a major export.
Subjects
Period : 1852-1883
Place : Wallaroo
Region : Yorke Peninsula
Further reading :
Fyfe, Dorothy M Maritime history of Wallaroo: an outline, 1802-1978 Wallaroo, S.A.: D.M Fyfe, 1979
Collins, Neville C The jetties of South Australia: past and present Woodside, S.A.: Neville Collins, 2005
Internet links :
Exhibitions and events :

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. Wooden Walls and Iron Sides August 2004-


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