The Story of Camp Cove’s Former Marine Biological Station
Delve into the story of an iconic Sydney building that’s notable for being the first facility of its kind in the Southern hemisphere.
ReadView of Camp Cove Beach from the backyard of the former Marine Biological Station. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
If you’ve ever visited Camp Cove – a tranquil little beach near the entrance to Sydney Harbour – you’d be forgiven if you missed the former Marine Biological Station.
The former Marine Biological Station's leafy garden. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Historic sandstone cottage
Concealed by greenery at the northern end of Camp Cove beach, this pleasant but unassuming sandstone cottage is included on the Commonwealth Heritage List due to its layers of historical significance.
Exterior view of the former Marine Biological Station, framed by a white picket fence. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
One of the area's original buildings
In addition to being amongst the earliest buildings constructed at Watsons Bay in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, the station has the distinction of being the first research facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
In this exhibition, you’ll learn about the traditional custodians of Camp Cove and become acquainted with the station’s historic occupants and architect. Plus, we’ll share photos from a recent shoot, allowing you to see how the station looks today.
Birrabirragal homeland
Watsons Bay has been the homeland of the Birrabirragal people for millennia. Remnant campsites, middens and engravings reveal their deep connection to Camp Cove and there is evidence of the shore’s community value.
Camp Cove Beach with the former Marine Biological Station in the background. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Historical accounts indicate the cove’s sheltered waters were abundant in shellfish and fish – key food sources for its traditional custodians.
Members of the NSW School of Gunnery (Long Course) at South Head loading a field gun on to a raft at Camp Cove (1898) by UnknownSydney Harbour Federation Trust
European settlers
When European settlers arrived at Watsons Bay, the fish caught their eye. After a fishery was established in 1792, a village of fishermen, mariners and merchants emerged.
Portrait of Nikolai Nikoleavich de Miklouho-Maclay (1886) by KorsuhinSydney Harbour Federation Trust
A Russian polymath on Sydney’s shore
Let us now fast forward to 1878, the year in which renowned scientist Nikolai Nikoleavich de Miklouho-Maclay travelled to Australia and proposed something radical – a marine biological research station on Sydney Harbour.
Drawings of a Heterodontus Phillipi (Port Jackson) shark (1879) by Nicholai Nikolaevich de Miklouho-MaclaySydney Harbour Federation Trust
Renowned scientist
An explorer, marine biologist and anthropologist hailing from Russia, Miklouho-Maclay became known for his groundbreaking research on sea sponges and sharks.
The Former Marine Biological Station at Camp Cove, Watsons Bay. (c. 1881) by UnknownSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Inspired by a facility established by a colleague in Naples, Italy, Miklouho-Maclay lobbied both the NSW Government and scientists from the Linnean Society of NSW to support the creation of a marine research laboratory for his use at Camp Cove.
With the society's endorsement and a £300 government grant secured, Miklouho-Maclay began raising additional funds and calling for tenders to advance the project.
A modest masterpiece by a grand architect
To design his marine research laboratory, Miklouho-Maclay enlisted rising colonial architect John Kirkpatrick.
Best known today for his work on the Commonwealth Bank building at Martin Place, the Carrington Hotel at Katoomba and the original 5 stands of the Sydney Cricket Ground, Kirkpatrick’s commission here was modest but considered and elegant.
The former Marine Biological Station’s verandah, with Sydney Harbour visible in the background. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Completed in 1881
Built to Miklouho-Maclay’s vision and completed in 1881, the 2-storey Marine Biological Station featured a wraparound verandah with sweeping views across Camp Cove and out to Sydney Harbour.
Bedroom inside the former Marine Biological Station, featuring Nick Hollo’s oil pastel of the former Marine Biological Station overlooking the waters of Camp Cove. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
The house originally had 6 rooms, including workspaces and bedrooms, with skylights in the ceilings and double interior walls packed with sawdust to make them soundproof.
The original laboratory where Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay conducted his research. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Although the upper floors were designed with skylights to support scientific work, Miklouho-Maclay actually conducted his research in the lower-level laboratories.
Exterior view of the former Marine Biological Station with Sydney Harbour in the background. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
The lower-level laboratories were housed in a stone semi-basement, while the upper level of the building was constructed from weatherboard.
Close-up of original wallpaper inside a room of the former Marine Biological Station. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Although the facility was intended to accommodate research students and visiting scientists, Miklouho-Maclay is believed to have been the only one to work at the station before its closure.
From scientists to soldiers
Miklouho-Maclay lived and worked at the station until 1886, when he returned to Russia. That same year, the station was acquired by the military.
Members of the NSW School of Gunnery (Long Course) at South Head loading a field gun on to a raft at Camp Cove (1898) by UnknownSydney Harbour Federation Trust
The station’s trustees received £500 in compensation, which they donated to the University of Sydney in the hope of establishing a new station – a dream that ultimately went unfulfilled.
Camp Cove Beach with the former Marine Biological Station concealed by greenery at the northern end. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
After returning to Russia, Miklouho-Maclay became ill. In 1888, aged 41, he died of a suspected undiagnosed brain tumour. Today, the former Marine Biological Station is recognised both internationally and by the scientific community in Australia as a symbol of his achievements.
Close-up of a skylight inside the former Marine Biological Station. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Miklouho-Maclay’s departure in 1886 marked the start of a new chapter for the station…
Bedroom inside the former Marine Biological Station. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Rechristened the ‘Green Point Quarters’, it was used by the NSW Artillery (later the Royal Australian Artillery) for nearly a century, serving as a residence for married Army officers.
People walking along Camp Cove Beach. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
The Green Point Quarters provided officers with a clear vantage point of the harbour. Further, it was located near the School of Gunnery at South Head (established in 1895), making it an ideal base for military personnel.
The former Marine Biological Station’s verandah, framed by the properties leafy garden. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
While under military control, the station was altered and extended. An additional 2 bedrooms and a bathroom were added, and the eastern verandah was enclosed.
Close-up of a pressed metal ceiling pattern inside the former Marine Biological Station. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Another addition during the Army’s occupation was a collection of pressed metal wall, ceiling and cornice panels. These elements are now considered a rare and noteworthy example of early 1900s interior decoration, adding to the building’s historical charm.
View from inside the former Marine Biological Station, looking out through the window onto the verandah. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
In 1908, the property was transferred from the military to the Commonwealth for £600. The Harbour Trust took over management of the site in 2001, safeguarding its unique place in Sydney’s history.
View of the former Marine Biological Station's backyard. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Protected by the Harbour Trust
Today, the former Marine Biological Station is leased as a private residence. However, it remains under the care and protection of the Harbour Trust, which occasionally opens the historic facility for public tours.
In February 2025, the Harbour Trust reopened the station’s doors for the first time in over 7 years, offering visitors a rare chance to explore the historic facility and enjoy its scenic garden bordered by native vegetation and distinctive coral trees.
Visitors exploring the original laboratory where Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay conducted his research during the former Marine Biological Station's 2025 Open Day. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Visitors from Open Day 2025 exploring the former Marine Biological Station’s living room. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Visitors exploring the former Marine Biological Station’s living room during the 2025 Open Day. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Visitors taking in the view from the former Marine Biological Station’s verandah during the 2025 Open Day. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
The Former Marine Biology Station Overlooking the Waters of Camp Cove (2004) by Nick HolloSydney Harbour Federation Trust
This vibrant illustration of the Marine Biological Station at Camp Cove was created by oil pastel artist Nick Hollo, who served as the Harbour Trust’s deputy executive director from 2001 to 2015.
Visitor taking in the view of Camp Cove Beach from the former Marine Biological Station’s verandah during the 2025 Open Day. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
We hope you enjoyed exploring the former Marine Biological Station through our online exhibition.
Green Point Reserve park nearby the former Marine Biological Station. (2025) by Henry LiSydney Harbour Federation Trust
Although this historic building is closed to the public, visitors can relax at the adjoining park, unwind at the beach or visit nearby Macquarie Lightstation, Vaucluse – the site of Australia’s first lighthouse, also protected by the Harbour Trust.
Harbour Trust — Extraordinary places on the world's best harbour
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Helpful links
1. Visit Marine Biological Station
2. The history of the former Marine Biological Station
3. Learn more about Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay
