12. Bedlam Point Wharf

Year

Circa 1832

About Bedlam Point Wharf

Accessed by a constructed and signposted track to Bedlam Bay from opposite Rockend, these wharf remains are within the boundary of Hunter’s Hill Municipality. They are usually described as the foundations of a wharf used in the operation of ferry services at Bedlam Point from 1833 to 1884 servicing the Great North Road. The ferryman’s cottage stood on the rock above the landing place. The first puntman was Robert Bateman who later lived in Batemans Road, Gladesville. Robert was the brother of John Batman (1801-1839) who was involved in the Black Wars in Tasmania and who negotiated the dubious treaty with the Kulin people used in the foundation of Melbourne.

The puntman, who was on call at all hours as well as taking travellers across the river, also met steamers in mid-stream to transfer passengers. In 1834, charges were 1/6d for a four-wheeled wagon, 1/- for 24 sheep or pigs, and double rates on Sunday.

The original nature of this wharf is uncertain as the structure was used for other purposes when the punt was discontinued after the opening of the Gladesville Bridge. The foundation stones may date back to the time of the punt but other layers exposed in the eroded face include a tar sealed surface which was not available in Ryde until 1887. Recent work between this wharf and the modern wharf in Banjo Patterson Park revealed foundations of another structure and early 20th century maps depict two wharves on Bedlam Point with this one being known as the coal wharf that serviced the mental hospital.

In 1915, electricity was connected to the north shore via two 52-metre towers on either side of the harbour at Abbotsford and Bedlam Point. Large iron rings embedded in the sandstone close to the site of the puntman’s cottage were used to stay one of these towers.

Location

Punt Road, Gladesville 2111 View Map

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