History of the former Marine Biological Station
The former Marine Biological Station was built in 1881 in what is now suburban Watsons Bay. The site adjoins Camp Cove Beach and Green Point Reserve (Laings Point).
The colonial cottage was built for Russian scientist Nikolai Nikolayevich Miklouho-Maclay as a marine biological station, the first in the southern hemisphere. Miklouho-Maclay was a renowned anthropologist, marine biologist and explorer. During 1879 he was invited by naturalist, William Macleay, to live in Elizabeth Bay House and use a small laboratory there. He also spent considerable time at the Australian Museum.
Miklouho-Maclay extended his research in Australia to study the Aboriginal people. He tried to revise Darwin's theory of the selection of the species and challenged the idea that certain races of people are born genetically superior.
In 1884 Miklouho-Maclay married Margaret Clarke, the widowed daughter of five times premier of NSW, Sir John Robertson, who lived nearby at the villa �Clovelly� on Watsons Bay. They lived in Birchgrove until the end of 1884 when they moved to reside at the Marine Biological Station. Miklouho-Maclay lived and worked at the station until 1886 when he returned to Russia. He became very ill and died there in 1888 at the age of 41.
In 1885 the cottage was resumed for military purposes and became known as the Green Point Quarters, associated with the School of Gunnery on South Head. The first recorded occupant is Lieut. CW Lamb in 1899. For the next 100 years it was used as a residence for army officers until 2001 when it was transferred to the Harbour Trust.
Originally designed by prominent Sydney architect John Kirkpatrick, the cottage has been altered over time to suit changes in lifestyle and taste. Major changes and additions took place in 1905 and about 1920, including the addition of new bedrooms, a sitting room, bathroom, external stairway and garage.
In keeping with the former use of the site, the Harbour Trust has leased the building as a residence. Recent works to the house have retained the heritage fabric of the building and surrounding landscapes. Public access to the house is ensured through open days interpreting the building's defence heritage and association with the marine environment.
More information
Download brochures on Nikolai Nikolayevich Miklouho-Maclay and his cottage at Camp Cove [PDF 2562kb]
