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The Dictionary of Sydney
Derricourt, Robin

Derricourt, Robin

Author

Robin Derricourt is a Sydney writer and publisher

Camp Cove as Author

HMAS Watson as Author

Macquarie lighthouse as Author

South Head as Author

South Head Signal Station as Author

The Gap as Author

Watsons Bay as Author

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Camp Cove

Camp Cove and the freshwater pond behind it were traditional camping and fishing sites for the Cadigal traditional owners. The Europeans made first landfall there on 21 January 1788, while exploring Port Jackson, but Aboriginal people lived there until the 1840s. The cove later became a water police base, research station and a tourist destination.

HMAS Watson

The site of many Aboriginal carvings, HMAS Watson has been part of Sydney's military defences since 1854.

Macquarie lighthouse

Early colonial Sydney relied on the safe arrival of ships bringing goods and supplies into the harbor and the construction of lighthouses has a long history. Today a Sydney landmark, the Macquarie lighthouse still stands proud and tall against the dramatic beauty of South Head.

South Head

Used by Aboriginal people as a base for settlement, fishing, shellfish collection, art and associated rituals, South Head became the landmark of arrival at Sydney after European settlement. A lookout, signal station, lighthouse and fortifications were built there at different times, to keep ships from shipwreck and to protect the settlement. It is now a series of parks.

South Head Signal Station

For the colony's first 50 years the signal station was a basic lookout hut, a flagpole and a signal staff for semaphore flag signals. A new signal house was built in 1841, and added to over the years, until the station went out of official use in 1992. Now run by volunteers, the station provides visual signals for recreational sailors.

The Gap

Famed for its ocean views, the Gap has been a tourist attraction since the beginning of European settlement. It has also been the site of many suicides, and an important site of military installations.

Watsons Bay

Known as Kutti to the Cadigal people, Watsons Bay became crucial to the early colony's maritime life, with the signal station, pilot station and lighthouses nearby. Fishing was important too. At the same time, grand houses, hotels and public buildings were built for the upper classes. From the mid-nineteenth century, regular ferry services brought tourists and day-trippers to Watsons Bay's tea rooms, hotels and tourist attractions.