The Hamelin Bay Jetty was built in 1882 by the M.C.Davies Karri & Jarrah Company Ltd to service the local timber mills. The original jetty was 600m long and was capable of berthing three ships at a time. The ships were loaded using steam cranes. The Karri & Jarrah Company Ltd operated in the nearby Boranup forest and the Karridale Mill provided timber for the waiting ships, via a railway line. The railway (3'6"gauge) ran the complete length of the jetty, where cranes would unload the timbers directly from the carriages onto the waiting ships. The timbers were then sent around the world to be used in road and building construction. In its heydays the area was a popular recreational destination for the timber workers who would swim and fish off the jetty. MC Davies, who had his private yacht berthed there, often held boating regattas in Hamelin Bay, providing some welcome light relief from the heavy work. Today, only a small section of the jetty remains, a sad reminder of a once busy port.
Perfect timing and composition for this shot, Merrelyn! I enjoyed reading the history of this jetty. Knowing the background certainly brings more meaning to the photo.
( forever the teacher🌻)