TASPort & river
Battery Point
Hobart’s gun battery became its mariners’ village.
1818Gun battery built on the point
WHAT STARTED IT
The point on the southern side of Sullivans Cove looked over Hobart’s port, and in 1818 a battery of guns was set up there to guard it. The slopes above the waterfront became the natural home for mariners, shipbuilders and wharf workers.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
From 1839 John Watson built ships on land leased from master mariner James Kelly, whose cliff steps linked the point to Salamanca Place. The battery fired only ceremonial salutes and was decommissioned after an 1878 review found it would draw enemy fire onto the houses around it.
TURNING POINTS
1818A battery of guns is established on the point as part of Hobart’s defences.
1839James Kelly builds Kelly’s Steps, and John Watson sets up a shipyard on his land.
1878A review of Hobart’s defences leads to the battery being decommissioned; the site becomes a park.
1934Park works uncover tunnels that served as the battery’s magazine.
1973The Builders Labourers Federation places a green ban to stop demolition of historic buildings.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
An inner Hobart suburb known for its well-preserved colonial streets, including the cottages of Arthur Circus, built for garrison officers. A 1973 green ban helped protect its buildings from redevelopment.