Deep water facilitated ship-builders, as early as 1851. The biggest were Thomas Chowne’s shipyard next to Goodlet & Smith, and the Australasian Steam Navigation Company. Chowne’s yard built the first Manly ferry. ASNC engaged quarrymen to flatten Darling Island and link it to the mainland, as a foundation for a yard sophisticated enough to assemble Australia’s first iron ship (brought piecemeal from England). Shipyards, in turn, attracted metal workers; Fyfes Iron Foundry in 1855 and City Iron Works in 1865.

For more information, visit the Pyrmont History website.