The remains of the Explosives Wharf and tramway near the eastern end of Broad Creek.
The Explosives Wharf at Broad Creek was opened for use in June 1906. King tides regularly flooded the esturine plain inundating the jetty, wharf and tramway which were frequently damaged. In July 1917 the jetty was washed away by the highest tide on record to that date (3.6m above low tide)
A narrow guage tramway, with horse drawn wagons, connected the wharf to the magazine at Dry Creek. This method of storing and transporting the large amounts of explosives (such as dynamite used in mining) was introduced to ensure safe handling and to avoid the need to transport dangerous material through streets and populated areas.
The jetty was last used in February 1970 and demolished in 1976.
Recent colour photos by P Carter.
Acknowledgement: SLSA Digital Collection
The remains of the Dorothy S (a wooden hull, 2 masted schooner) are near-by on a sandbank in Bream Creek.
For more information about South Australian trails including bike, walking, scuba and horse trails go the the SA Trails website: www.southaustraliantrails.com
