US Army Port Offices (Water Transport Division) and Troop Movement Office

Brett’s Wharf

After the arrival of the US forces in Australia and movement of Japanese forces towards Port Morseby, the need to ship men and equipment north from Brisbane became critical.

Existing shipping facilities at Brett’s Wharf, Hamilton Wharf and Newstead Wharf allowed the Allied forces to dock in Brisbane, though the facilities were expanded to meet the increased requirements. Brett’s Wharf was the main shipping facility for in-bound troops and those bound for New Guinea and other northern parts. Crated and deck cargo air craft bound for assembly facilities at Eagle Farm airfield were unloaded there.

Place information

Location

Kingsford Smith Drive

Hamilton, QLD 4077

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Place type

Naval/port facility

History

Built by company Brett & Co., Brett’s Wharf served as the unloading point for USAAF aircraft destined for assembly at Eagle Farm airfield. The wharves in the Hamilton reach of the Brisbane River represented the predominant trend in the development of the Port of Brisbane, which was the provision of port facilities by private commercial interests.

It was the main point of departure for the so-called US 'Liberty ships', and for the US Army transport fleets. It held the US Army’s Port Offices and Water Transport Division and the Troop Movement Office. Brett’s Wharf and Hamilton Wharf were operated jointly by...

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