Tin City is a hidden enclave of 11 self-built shacks, nestled between the shifting dunes and the shoreline of Stockton Beach, New South Wales. This remote settlement is not just a relic of Australia’s past but a testament to resilience, survival, and an ever-evolving battle against the elements.
Originally formed as a squatters’ camp during the Great Depression, Tin City—then known as ‘Coral Trees’—housed a small community of homeless men in the late 1920s. By 1936, it had grown to accommodate thirty-three families, creating a makeshift village unlike any other. Today, these shacks remain under a 100-year lease signed in 1920, passed down through generations but never rebuilt, only maintained.
The constantly shifting sands and relentless coastal winds require ongoing upkeep, with residents reinforcing structures, patching weather-worn exteriors, and even digging out half-buried shacks to ensure their survival. This necessity has resulted in an organic, patchwork aesthetic—corrugated iron, scrap metal, timber, and conveyor belt rubber all forming part of these remarkable dwellings.
Completely off-grid, Tin City is powered by solar panels, wind turbines, and diesel generators, with bore water supplying the community. There is no road access—reaching the site requires a 4WD journey along Stockton Beach or a trek over the dunes from Bobs Farm.
This collection captures the raw beauty and enduring character of Tin City, preserving its unique place in Australia’s history before the shifting sands reclaim it for good.
Explore the collection and own a piece of this extraordinary coastal settlement.
