10 Fascinating Facts About White Bay Power Station
Built between 1912 and 1917, White Bay Power Station was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere at the time. It powered Sydney for around 70 years, keeping the city’s transportation network humming.
2. Engineering Feats
The station sits on a base of 4,000 ironbark tree trunks driven 20 meters deep, topped with concrete. These supports remain strong today, showcasing remarkable engineering that has stood the test of time.
3. Hollywood’s Industrial Backdrop
With its striking red brick and sandstone facade, White Bay’s Federation Free Style has made it a sought-after filming location for blockbusters like The Great Gatsby and The Matrix Reloaded. Inside, the early 20th-century design features elegant pressed metal ceilings, tiled floors, and wood-panelled stairs.
4. Olympic Swimmers' Oasis
The station’s coal docks became a surprising swimming site, attracting Olympic swimmers like John Devitt and Dawn Fraser. The canal, warmed by leftover steam, channels water from Rozelle Bay to White Bay and still operates today.
5. Heritage Landmark
Listed on the State Heritage Register in 2006, the powerhouse preserves vital machinery like the cage lift, ash handling systems, and overhead conveyors. These artifacts offer visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century industrial prowess.
6. Technological Marvels
In 1926, journalists touring the station were amazed by the scale of the turbo-alternators and coal-bunkers. The administration room, with its telewriter exchanging messages between White Bay and Ultimo power houses, led one journalist to describe the place as “haunted with weird things”.
7. The 1948 Blackout
A fuse blowout at White Bay and Ultimo power stations caused a two-hour citywide blackout, halting trains and plunging Sydney into chaos. This incident underscored the critical role White Bay played in powering the city.
8. Retirement and Revitalisation
By the 1960s, Sydney relied more on coalfield power stations. White Bay Power Station scaled back and eventually shut down on Christmas Day 1983. After lying dormant for 40 years, Placemaking NSW began rejuvenating the site in 2022, transforming it into a vibrant hub for art, culture, and community. Today, it invites locals and visitors to explore a beacon of history and innovation.
9. Country-Led Regeneration
White Bay Power Station is part of the Bays West Precinct, the first large-scale project in Australia to prioritise Aboriginal cultural heritage in its development. This approach ensures the recognition and protection of Aboriginal cultural values, integrating them into the site's revitalisation.
10. Sustainability and Innovation
The redevelopment of White Bay Power Station embraces cutting-edge sustainability practices. These include using renewable energy, restoring water quality, and creating green and blue spaces to enhance biodiversity. The project sets a benchmark for future urban regeneration, blending environmental sustainability with innovative design.