The Spit Punt

Spit East has always been an important side for transportation over to the northern side of the Spit. In 1949, Peter Ellery launched crossing services across the Spit in a small rowboat.[1] In 1862, Ellery launched a hand operated cable punt in 186.[2] Ellery’s important role in the local community and entrepreneurial ventures led to the naming of Ellery’s Punt Reserve, on the north side of the Spit, in his commemoration in 1939.[3]

In 1871 the Government proclaimed a public toll ferry, and in 1888, Ellery’s punt was ultimately replaced by a larger steam-operated version.[4] A new punt was installed on the sand spit by the Public Works Department for the transport of trams from Middle Harbour to Manly in 1912, and this this service continued until the opening of the first Spit Bridge in 1924.[5], [6]

[1] Mosman Municipal Council, Parkland Environmental Planners, and Philips Marler, The Spit Reserves Plan of Management: Public Exhibition Draft, p. 16.

[2] Mosman Municipal Council, Parkland Environmental Planners, and Philips Marler, The Spit Reserves Plan of Management: Public Exhibition Draft, p. 16.

[3] “Reserve at the Spit,” The Sydney Morning Herald, November 8, 1939, p. 14, <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17634914>, accessed 25 November 2021.

[4] Mosman Municipal Council, Parkland Environmental Planners, and Philips Marler, The Spit Reserves Plan of Management: Public Exhibition Draft, p. 16.

[5] Mosman Municipal Council, Parkland Environmental Planners, and Philips Marler, The Spit Reserves Plan of Management: Public Exhibition Draft, p. 18.

[6] Mosman Municipal Council, Parkland Environmental Planners, and Philips Marler, The Spit Reserves Plan of Management: Public Exhibition Draft, p. 21.