Once home to one of Australia's most renowned boatbuilding companies, Halvorsen Boatworks was a key player in the nation’s maritime history. Established in 1940 on the Parramatta River, the site became the largest boatyard in the Southern Hemisphere, producing over 1,299 vessels ranging from luxury cruisers to military craft.
With a sprawling five-acre facility, Halvorsens housed engineering workshops, blacksmithing and lumber shops, machine shops, sheet metal fabrication, and five slipways capable of handling vessels up to 90 feet and 100 tons. The business played a critical role in supplying 237 boats for Allied forces during World War II, contributing to Australia’s wartime efforts.
Beyond military production, Halvorsen-built boats became an iconic feature of Australian waterways, from Sydney Harbour to the Hawkesbury River and beyond. The company continued operations on this site until the 1970s, leaving behind an enduring legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and marine heritage.
This collection showcases striking photography capturing the remnants of this once-thriving boatyard, preserving its rich history through evocative imagery. Explore the collection and own a piece of Australia’s maritime past.
