The Collection

Windang Island Wheels

Location: Warilla Beach and Windang Island

A proposal to mine Windang Island for coal appeared in the Illawarra Mercury August 1888 but did not eventuate.

In the 1890’s the private company The Illawarra Harbour and Land Corporation was given permission to build a harbour within Lake Illawarra. Plans included dredging a 23 feet deep and 100 feet wide channel across the lake; allowing ships access to Elizabeth Point (near Tallawarra Power Station) for loading coal and lead.

A tie wall was built from Windang Island to the southern channel wall. About £4,000 was spent on the works, but heavy seas soon destroyed the wall. The company could not secure further capital, and by the early 1900’s work was abandoned.

All that remains today are the rails, and wheels from trolleys, that were used to transport rock for the break wall by rail.

Rock for the construction of the break wall was reputedly quarried from Windang Island. A small pond on the western side of the island which appears to be manmade may also date from around this time.

Opening hours

Monday  9.30am–8pm
Tuesday 9:30am–8pm
Wednesday 9:30am–8pm
Thursday 9:30am–8pm

Friday 9.30am–5pm
Saturday 9am–3pm
Sunday 12pm–3pm

Shellharbour City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of Dharawal Country and recognises their continued connection to the land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the contribution they make to the life of this city.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed.