StreetWindybank WaySuburbBerowraDetailsEdward Windybank was a true pioneer who worked hard to establish a pleasure resort business in Berowra. He was a shipwright and a boatbuilder and for some years, lived in a cave and when able to financially, built a small home. He would row the twelve miles to Brooklyn for materials.
The Windybank story really began when he was employed on the construction of the railway line through to Berowra in 1886/87. He saw Cowan Creek from Berowra and made his way down to the water. He already had boatsheds at Elisabeth Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. He named Waratah bay and it obviously suited him, so he gained a life-long lease for its use.
Cottage Point derived its name from the fact that Mr Windybank had built a small cottage on it and let it out. Windy’s thought was that the waters should become a public reserve “… that the people may enjoy the beauties and peacefulness of its surroundings.”
Windybank owned steamboats and used them to transport passengers before the rail bridge was built. 1909 he bought the paddle steamer ‘General Gordon’ and sawed it into two to make two houseboats out of it. Later, Edward owned many houseboats and let them to holidaymakers.Map[1]
