Gallery
Customs House, Broome
Photographed 2002 Customs House, 67 Robinson Street, Broome, Western Australia, 1889. This building was erected as the Queen’s Warehouse, and then became the customs house. In recent years it has housed a museum. The walls were formed of concrete and the roof was constructed in corrugated iron on a timber frame. Reference: Heritage Council of Western Australia, www,heritage.wa.gov.au
Customs House, Fremantle
Photographed 1994 Customs House, Philimore Street, Fremantle, Western Australia, 1908, Hillson Beasley. This building bears a resemblance to the Fremantle post office in the stark contrast between the brickwork and stone dressings. It differs in that the design is less cluttered and the roof is concealed by a parapet. The work was contracted to Warner and Ashman for 9710 pounds. Reference: Le Page, J.S.H., Building a State, The Story of the Public Works Department of Western Australia, 1829-1985. Water Authority of Western Australia, 1986, p.378.
Customs House, Portland
Photographed 1987 © Joan Beddoe Customs House, Cliff Street, Portland, Victoria, 1850, Henry Ginn. A branch of the Customs Department was established in Portland in 1840. When the bluestone customs building was erected, it served also as the administrative centre for the Portland Road District. Its architecture is simple: the gabled roof with a low parapet has chimneys at each end, and the central doorway has a simple eight paned window on each side. The rough finish of the footings and quoins contrasts with the smooth ashlar of the façade and parapet. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, vol. 2, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia, Limited, 1971, pp. 108, 109. Heritage of Victoria, The Illustrated Register of the National Estate, Macmillan Company of Australia in association with the Australian Heritage Commission, supported by H.C. Sleigh Limited, CRA Limited, p. 11 ‘Portland Customs House: a report on its architectural and historic importance and recommendations for proposed works’ Jacobs Lewis Vines, South Yarra, Victoria, 1979.
Customs House, Geelong
Photographed 1988© Joan Beddoe Customs House, Brougham Place, Geelong, Victoria 1855, James Balmain (?) There seems to be confusion about the architect who designed the building. J.J. Clark laid claims to it, although he was not officially recognised. E. Davidson is considered the architect by some, although his plans are said to have been modified by J. Perrin of the Public Works Department. W.G. Cornish was contracted as the builder for 11,950 pounds. The building was constructed of basalt rubble with façade of Barrabool sandstone on a basement of bluestone and honeycomb volcanic rock. It is the third of Geelong’s customs houses. The upper floor accommodated the long room and offices, the lower level provided for offices and living quarters for messengers, and the basement was used as a warehouse accessed from Corio Terrace. The main façade is Georgian in design with a large portico entrance in the central bay. This is flanked by side bays with symmetrical narrow windows. Reference: Heritage of Victoria, The Illustrated Register of the National Estate, Macmillan Company of Australia in association with the Australian Heritage Commission, supported by H.C. Sleigh Limited, CRA Limited, p.95. Information from the Heritage Council of Victoria.
Customs House, Melbourne
Photographed 1993© Joan Beddoe Customs House, Flinders Street, Melbourne, 1856-58, initial design John Kerr and Peter Knight, 1873-76, Johnson, Clark and Kerr. The first Customs House was built in 1837 on the site which John Batman had declared the place for a village. The present building was commenced on the site in 1858 to the design of Peter Kerr and John Knight. The Market Street end was the first section to be built; this included the long room. It was incorporated into the design of John James Clark, when the building was completed in 1870 at a cost of 90,000 pounds. The three–storied customs house is built of rendered brick; the ground floor has a banded finish, while the upper floors have a smooth finish. The main features of the design are the vertical lines of the pilasters and symmetrical windows, and the horizontal lines of the string course and cornice. An elegant parapet surmounts the projecting central bay. The building was transferred to the Commonwealth in 1908. It was occupied by Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in 1965, and by an immigration museum in 1998. Reference: Harvey, Anthony, The Melbourne Book, Hutchinson Group (Australia) Pty. Ltd., 1982, p. 89. Victorian Heritage Register, identifier H1047. The Heritage of Victoria, The Illustrated Register of the National Estate, Macmillan Company of Australia in association with the Australian Heritage Commission, supported by H.C. Sleigh Limited, CRA Limited, p. 56.
Customs House / Post and Telegraph Office, Strahan
Photographed 1991 Customs House/Post and Telegraph Office, 13 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania, c. 1901. This imposing building takes visitors by surprise. It exemplifies the importance of customs and post and telegraph services at the beginning of the 20th century. In the early years it housed the Post and Telegraph offices, Customs, Marine Board offices and the Municipal Council offices. The building is constructed of red brick with stucco render to the quoins, windows, string course. It features an impressive central section which houses the main entrance. The three arches of the entry colonnade are repeated in the arched windows of the first floor, rising to a pediment and small cupola. Reference: The Heritage of Tasmania, The Illustrated Registry of the National Estate, The Macmillan Compny ,1983, p. 78. Web page, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, Tasmanian Heritage Register, identifier R5169. Register of the National Estate, identifier 13244. Tasmania’s Eldorado, Strahan, Macquarie Harbour, originally published by John Ware, Strahan, 1908, facsimile edition West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum, 1981, printed by Mercury Walch, Hobart, p. 25.
Customs House, Launceston
Photographed 1991 Customs House, Esplanade, Launceston, Tasmania, 1885, William Waters Eldridge. This impressive building is the longest serving customs house in Australia. It was located facing the South Esk River just upstream from its junction with the North Esk, which forms the Tamar River. This was the busy trading port, but the warves fell into disuse when the facililties were moved further downstream. Eldridge submitted the plans for approval in February 1885, and the building was completed at a cost of 10,500 pounds by the builders J.&T. Gunn. The main feature of the ground floor was the 41’by 25’ long room, and the remaining space was occupied by the strong room, examining room, and offices for the Collector and clerks. The seven rooms on the first floor were let as offices. Adjoining quarters were provided on the ground floor for the officekeeper. The huge central portico features twin Corinthian columns topped by a pediment bearing the Imperial coat of arms. The balance of the design is achieved by the composition of the paired windows. The roof is concealed by an ornamental parapet. Reference: Conservation Plan, Customs House, Esplanade, Launceston, Australian Construction Services, 1993. Reference: Apperley, Richard, Irving, Robert, Reynolds, Peter, A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture, Angus and Robertson, 1989, pp. 52-54. Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, pp. 53-55. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R3723.
Customs House, Hobart
Photographed 1991 Customs House, 19-21 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1900-1902, Shield and Baker. The sandstone used for the construction of this building is thought to have been quarried at Orford and near Oatlands, resulting in the two different shades. It was constructed at a cost of 14,689 pounds by William Duncan. The Italianate style of the design is enhanced by statues at the entrance and on the roofline. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p. 20-24. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R1776. O’Malley, Dinah, Historic Buildings of Australia, Macmillan Pocket Guide, Macmillan Company, Australasia, 1981, p. 43. Apperly, Richard; Irving, Robert; Reynolds, Peter; A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture, Angus and Robertson, 1989, pp. 100, 101.
Customs House, Port Adelaide
Photographed 1990 Marine and Customs, corner Commercial Road and North Parade, Port Adelaide, South Australia, 1879. The imposing entrance and tower give this stone building a unique corner presence. The cornices and entry and window dressings are cut stone. Originally the building had a parapet. Customs vacated the building in 1987. Reference: Tourist pamphlet, ‘The Port’, The Port Centre Project, PO Box 5, Port Adelaide, SA, 5051. Samuels, Brian, The Port Adelaide Centre, Past and Present, The Port Centre Project Office, Black Diamond Square, Port Adelaide, 1987.
Customs Boarding Station, Semaphore
Photographed 1994 Customs Boarding Station, 74 Esplanade, Semaphore, South Australia, 1882-3, E.J. Woods. This building overlooks Largs Bay which was the outer harbor for ships arriving at Port Adelaide. It accommodated customs and quarantine officers, who visited the ships prior to their entrance. It is built of bluestone, with cement rendering to the quoins, verandah pillars, and surrounds to the doors and windows. It is no longer used by the customs service. Reference: The Heritage of South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Illustrated Register of the National Estate, Macmillan Company of Australia, p. 47. Heritage Register of South Australia, 10922.
Customs Service Building, Wallaroo
Photographed 1994 Customs Service building, Jetty Road, Wallaroo, South Australia.
Customs House, Wallaroo
Photographed 1994 Customs House, Jetty Road, Wallaroo, South Australia, 1862, W. Hanson. This building was used by the first Harbour Master. It is now privately occupied. The building with its gabled roof has a central bay featuring the entrance with a fanlight. The windows and blind window recesses are arched. The quoins and opening surrounds are defined with render.
Customs House, Robe
Photographed 1988 Customs House Haigen Street, Robe. South Australia, 1863, W. Savage. Robe was proclaimed as a port in 1847. Henry Dudley Melville was appointed as Customs Officer in 1855. The port became very busy during the 1850s gold rushes as a result of the arrival of Chinese fortune seekers. They were anxious to avoid the poll tax of ten pounds required to enter Victoria whose border was only 150 kilometres east of Robe. In one year 17,000 arrived, many of them walking the distance to the unguarded border. A brisk export trade of wool, tallow and sheep skins was encouraged to fill the holds of outgoing ships. The customs house was also used as council chambers and eventually passed to the National Trust to house a museum, reflecting the decline in Robe’s importance as a port. Reference: Tourist information pamphlet, Robe District Council. Keith Norris Australia’s Heritage Sketchbook, Weldon Publishing, 1976, pp. 308,309.
Customs House, Port Macdonnell
Photographed 1988 Customs House, 3 Charles Street, Port Macdonnell, South Australia, 1862, W. Hanson. The construction was undertaken by F. Reynolds, at a cost of 2,650 pounds. It accommodated the Post Office and Police Station for some years, as well as a residence for the teacher. Reference: The History of Port Macdonnell, souvenir edition, South West Tourist Region, PAP Book Company, Pty Ltd.
Customs House, Goolwa
Photographed 2002 Custom House, off Hay Street, Goolwa, South Australia, 1859. Goolwa played an important role in the river trade with Victoria and New South Wales. Goods brought down by river boats were taken overland to Port Elliott by tramway, then later by train to Victor Harbor. When a rail link was built between Morgan and Port Adelaide in 1878, Goolwa’s importance declined. The building constructed in stone rubble conveys the importance of the customs presence before that time. The original building was extended in 1864 and 1869. By 1878 it was used as the residence of the manager of the railways. In more recent times it has been occupied by the Heritage Club. Reference: Tourist pamphlet, ‘Historic Goolwa’, Signal Point Interpretive Centre, PO Box 494, Goolwa, 5214, for the Alexandrina Council. ‘Port Adelaide and Goolwa Heritage Study’. Heritage South Australia.
Customs House > Beachport
Photographed 1988 Custom House, Beachport, South Australia, 1879. This small custom house was constructed of stone with rendered quoins and door surrounds.
Customs House, Wallangarra
Photographed 1995 Customs House, Wallangarra, Queensland, 1885. Positioned on the border of Queensland and New South Wales, this customs house was important for checking goods passing through by rail and road. Built of timber it has a hipped roof with chimneys and French doors opening on to the front verandah.
Customs House, Rockhampton
Photographed: 1989 Customs House, Quay Street, Rockhampton, Queensland, 1898-1901, A.B. Brady. Design attributed to Thomas Pye, Chief Drafstman. Rockhampton was declared a port in 1860, and the grandeur of the building reflects its importance as the most accessible entry point to central Queensland. The first custom house on this site was erected in 1870. Built of sandstone, with a rusticated porphyry base, this building features Corinthian columns around the impressive curved entrance bay surmounted by a copper sheeted dome. The roof is clad with slate. A double set of curved stairs encircle the base of the portico which has a decorative iron balustrade. The side wings have arcades and arched windows. The pilasters repeat the vertical lines of the main portico columns. Oval openings are positioned above the arches of the arcades. A decorative cornice surrounds the roofline below the parapet. Because of the unstable nature of the clay strata which is forty feet thick, the building is supported on deep wooden piles capped with concrete. Although port activities ceased in 1958, Customs continued to use the building until 1986 when it was handed over to the Rockhampton City Council to be restored and used for displays. Reference: Norris, Keith, Australia’s Heritage Sketch Book, Weldon Publishing, 1976, p. 126. Freeland, J.M., Architecture in Australia, Penguin Books, 1968, p. 196. Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell, Australia, Limited, 1971, pp. 294-298. Web site Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/cultural_heritage Hogan, Janet, text; Winkle, Evean, illustrations; Queensland heritage Sketchbook, Weldon Publishing, 1998, p.58 . Hogan Janet, original photography by Richard Stringer, Building Queensland’s Heritage, National Trust of Queensland, reprinted by Boolarong Publications, 1987, p.85. Roderich, Don, ‘The Rockhampton Customs House, A Historical Survey’, Rockhampton City Council. Apperly, Richard; Irving, Robert; Reynolds, Peter; A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture, Angus and Robertson, 1989, pp. 102.
Customs House, Maryborough
Photographed 1990 Customs House and Residence, Richmond Street, Maryborough Queensland, 1898-1900, John Smith Murdoch. Maryborough was declared a port of entry in 1859. The chief customs officer also acted as the Water Police Magistrate, Harbour Master and Mining Agent. Built of brick and rough stucco render, this customs house is entered from Richmond Street via stairs leading into large arches on either side of a prominent brick porchway. This porch has three arched openings above which is the Royal Coat of Arms. The cement render extends from mid height to the roofline on all walls except the front porch, contrasting with the brick quoins and window surrounds. The roof features Dutch gables. The central section rises to a separate Dutch gable and features circular openings. Reference: Web site, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, www.heritage.gov.au
Customs House, Mackay
Photographed 1991 Customs House, 31 River Street, Mackay, Queensland, 1900-02, John Smith Murdoch. Mackay was declared a customs port in 1863. Built of local bricks for 3,797 pounds, this customs house features a curved portico to the main entrance. Columns support the entablature, and parapet bearing the Queensland State Coat of Arms. The front façade of the building follows the curve of the portico. A semi-circular window dominates the wall above the portico. The half-hipped roof of the central section of the building is elevated above the gables of the wings. The upper sections of the walls and chimneys are rendered, and a cement rendered finish distinguishes string courses and windowsills. Reference: Web site, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, www.heritage.gov.au ‘Heritage Walk in Mackay’ tourist pamphlet, Mackay City Council, Pioneer Shire Council.
Customs House, Goondiwindi
Photographed 1989 Customs House, 1 McLean Street, Goondiwindi, Queensland, 1860s. Goondiwindi was one of eight customs collection points along the border with New South Wales. Its strategic position on the Macintyre River enabled customs officers to scrutinise goods moving between the colonies. Queensland imposed higher tariffs than New south Wales on several basic goods such as tea and tobacco, and the balance of movement of goods was in New South Wale’s favour. Accordingly, as early as 1871, police were given the power to collect duties. The first customs officer was the Police Magistrate. There is no hard evidence that the building was officially operated as a customs house; it was always a private residence. Customs records were actually kept at the court house. However strong local tradition links the building to the customs service, and it most probably was used by customs officials. Because it was constructed in stages at different times, the structure varies from single slab through to chamferboard. Verandahs with shaped timber posts enclose three sides. The gabled roof has scalloped barge boards at the ends and a sturdy brick chimney. Reference: Web site Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland Government, http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/cultural_heritage
Customs House, Brisbane
Photographed 1989 Customs House, 427 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 1885-1889 Charles McLay, chief draftsman in the office of George Connolly, Colonial Architect. Sometimes attributed to A.B. Brady The customs house was constructed by John Petrie and Son for the sum of 37, 434 pounds. Sandstone from Toowoomba and Helidon was used for the columns and pilasters. The walls are rendered brick. The façade to Queen Street has a central bay in the form of a colonnade supported by columns the full two-storey height of the building. The side bays have tall rectangular windows set between pilasters. Each bay is surmounted by a pediment bearing the Queensland coat of arms. They are set forward from the balustraded parapet. The façade facing the river is similar in appearance, but the central bay houses two floors, providing a balcony on the upper floor. The end façade facing Petrie’s Bight is a circular bay surmounted by the large copper dome. Reference: Cameron Ian, 125 Years of State Public Works in Queensland,1859-1984, Boolarong Publications, 1989, pp. 84-86. Thomas, Malcolm, The Brisbane Customs House,University of Queensland Prees, 1994. Newell, Peter, text; White, U., Jopson, J., Roberts, A., drawings; Queensland Sketchbook, Rigby, 1976, pp. 60, 61. Apperly, Richard; Irving, Robert; Reynolds, Peter; A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture, Angus and Robertson, 1989, pp. 56-58.
Customs House, Newcastle
Photographed 1994 Customs House, 1 Bond Street, Newcastle, New South Wales, 1874-77, James Barnet; 1898, Watt Street extension, W.L. Vernon Newcastle was declared a free port in 1846. This two-storey brick building is dominated by the 36 metre clock tower which rises to a cupola. The simple roof line with chimneys is decorated only by bracketed eaves. The main entrance is a simple but dignified portico surmounted by a parapet with a segmented pediment. The arches of the windows of this façade are emphasised with alternating cream and black bricks. A protruding string course divides the two floors. The side of the building facing the forecourt is distinguished by a ground floor loggia, arched windows with darker brick reveals and stone sills, and two oriels. Reference: NSW Heritage Branch, Department of Planning website, http.www.heritage.nsw.gov.au Leary, Frank and Judith, Colonial Heritage, Historic Buildings of New South Wales, Angus and Robertson, 1992, p.239.
Customs House, Sydney
Photographed 1990 Customs House, Alfred, Young and Loftus streets, Circular Quay, Sydney, New South Wales, original section, 1885, James Barnet. This building replaced the earlier sandstone custom house which had been built in 1844-45 to the design of Mortimer Lewis. However, the old building was not completely demolished, and sections were incorporated in the new custom house. Its simple classical design was reflected in Barnet’s three storied building. Later additions included the addition of the fourth floor in 1900. The internal courtyard was enclosed for office space beneath an additional fifth floor and attic in 1917. The government architect W.L. Vernon also added the second floor colonnade with its pairs of columns of polished Moruya granite at this time. In the mid 1990s the building was refurbished for use as an exhibition and cultural centre. Reference: Australian Customs History Journal, no. 7, June, 1996, p. 16. Smith, Keith and Irene, Smith’s Guide: Sydney City, Smith’s Guides, 1988, p. 56. NSW Heritage Branch, Department of Planning website, http.www.heritage.nsw.gov.au Leary, Frank and Judith, Colonial Heritage, Historic Buildings of New South Wales, Angus and Robertson, 1972, p.24