Rapid Bay South Australia Part II for Water H2O ThursdayWhat captivates me most about Rapid Bay is the presence of the abandoned jetty and the nearby disused limestone quarry—remnants of a bygone industrial era that still quietly dominate the coastal landscape. On a recent visit, I took an unhurried stroll along the shoreline, pausing often to gaze through a telephoto lens at the weathered remains of these structures. It was a study in time and texture, where rust met salt, and silence spoke of past labours. The scene summoned the essence of urban exploration—rich with decay, solitude, and the ghosts of human endeavour. The quarry, first established in the 1940s by BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary Company), was once a major source of limestone, a vital ingredient in steelmaking. For decades, heavy machinery carved into the hillside, and limestone was transported via conveyor belts to the adjoining jetty, where ships would dock to receive their load. This old jetty, now derelict and fenced off for safety, bears the skeletal grace of abandonment. It ceased operations when the quarry closed in the late 1980s, and time has since turned its steel and timber into a canvas for the elements. Adjacent to it stands the new jetty, constructed in 2009, which extends into the turquoise waters of Gulf St Vincent. Unlike its predecessor, it serves a gentler purpose—fishing, diving, and leisure. Beneath it lies a rich marine ecosystem, making Rapid Bay a renowned destination for divers, particularly those hoping to encounter the elusive leafy sea dragon. Together, the two jetties form a striking contrast: one an industrial relic, the other a symbol of renewed public use. For those with a passion for industrial archaeology or the melancholic beauty of forgotten places, Rapid Bay offers an evocative tableau—where nature and rust coexist in quiet harmony.
BUY PRINTS AND WALL MOUNT HERE Rapid Bay South Australia Gallery
Linking Intelliblog Mosaic Monday Sky View Blog Sunday Best
Keywords:
abandoned,
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landscape,
mine,
nature,
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rapid bay,
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scenery,
south australia,
travel,
urbex,
water
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