Berrima Internment Group

Item details


Name of item:	Berrima Internment Group
Other name/s:	Berrima Gaol, German Concentration Camp, Berrima, German Detention Camp, Berrima PoW Camp
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Gaol/Lock-up
Location:	Lat: -34.4819144805 Long: 150.3262074360
Primary address:	Argyle Street, Berrima, NSW 2577
Parish:	Berrima
County:	Camden
Local govt. area:	Wingecarribee
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Illawarra

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	7026	DP	1026280
PART LOT	7027	DP	1026280
PART LOT	7028	DP	1026280
LOT	7316	DP	1178372
PART LOT	450	DP	751252
LOT	2	DP	833835

Boundary:

The curtilage for the Berrima Internment Camp Huts Area is defined on the northern side of the river by the extent of crown land lying alongside the north bank of the Wingecarribee River from the end of Oxley St northwest across the crown of Nobby's Hill to the point on the river where the dam was constructed. It follows the north bank of the river back to south east back to Oxley St. On the southern side of the river the curtilage boundary includes crown land and privately owned land commencing opposite Oxley St and follows the southern bank of the river. At the beginning of privately held Lot 314 DP 751252 the curtilage follows the 640 m topographic line to the beginning of Lot 7307 DP 1133155 where it follows the land parcel boundary to the end of Lake Titicaca, a large pool formed at the bend in the river where the river turn to flow north, upstreamof the internee constructed dam.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Argyle Street	Berrima	Wingecarribee	Berrima	Camden	Primary Address

Statement of significance:


	The Berrima Internment Group is of state heritage significance for its unique historical values as a place where German Mariners were interned between 1915 and 1919 during the course of WWI. The remains contained in the precinct, including those of the huts, recreation facilities, submerged watercraft and moveable heritage associated with the site, clearly tell the story of the lives of those internees and their efforts to retain cultural identity and practices during their period of confinement. The precinct provides a tangible link to the to an important phase of our history and demonstrates how our community regarded and dealt with enemies of the British Commonwealth and also demonstrates Australia's relationship with the Britain at the time. Being the site of internment for German sailors and Naval personnel it demonstrates the way in which classes of 'enemy alien' were segregated as a matter of government policy. In addition to the historic values of the place its State heritage significance in enhanced through its association with crew of the SMS Emden and its archaeological research potential will provide a wealth of information on the method of construction of the huts, the layout of the precinct including gardens, the lifestyle and customs of the large group of 'enemy aliens' interned at Berrima during World War I. The Huts Precinct is a rare and representative example of a recreation area constructed by German Internees while confined in an internment camp during WWI. It is also to only camp in NSW to exclusively house German Mariners detained during WWI.
	Date significance updated: 09 Sep 10
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Germen Internees from ss Emden - incl Hans Grabe, Karl Wirthgen, Behrend Voss, Julius Poszpisch
Builder/Maker:	Germen Internees from ss Emden - incl Hans Grabe, Karl Wirthgen, Behrend Voss, Julius Poszpisch
Construction years:	1915-1918
Physical description:	The Berrima Internment Group includes 42.66 hectare section of bush and pasture land along the north and south banks of the Wingecarribee River downstream of the Berrima Gaol. It also includes a section of the river. It was here that the Germans interned at the gaol built a large complex of huts and other items such as watercraft, boatsheds, mooring posts, jetties and bridges to facilitate their daytime activities while in detention. These activities included gardening, picnicking, pursuing sporting and water related activities such as boating and swimming, rehearsing plays and musical performances or just relaxing. There were thought to be approximately 14 huts on the northern side of the river and around 27 huts located on the southern side of the river. Initially the huts were constructed of brush and were not much more than a primitive shelters located on the banks of the Wingebarribee River. As the war lengthened and the internees became resigned to a long stay in the camp they began to construct more substantial structures of timber slab and/or bark with rubble stone foundations. The gaps between the timber slabs or bark slabs were plugged with termite mud. The rooves of some huts were thatched with grasses, which as could be expected, did not guarantee a waterproof abode. Others huts used bark or timber slabs or scavenged corrugated iron for roofing materials. (Prisoners in Arcady Exhibition Text) Some internees made elaborate, European style cabins out of eucalyptus logs, once again plugged and internally lined with termite mud. The more substantial huts were located further back from the river and often were situated to capture the most attractive views of the river. These sturdy cabins and villas often required significant amounts of money to purchase materials. Other internees possibly with fewer financial resources used their ingenuity to design and construct houses out of materials at hand such as flattened kerosene tins or found sheets of galvanized iron. One hut was constructed completely from bundles of newspapers, which surprisingly lasted a number of years after the camp was disbanded. Another was constructed of '10,100 clay-filled jam and milk tins' (Prisoners in Arcady Exhibition Text Berrima Museum). At the end of the war prior to being repatriated and in response to the news that locals had desecrated the German memorial at Trial Bay, the Berrima internees determined that they would destroy their hand crafted watercraft and huts. While some of these artefacts were destroyed at the time a number of the huts remained intact for a number of years. Some of the watercraft had been sold to locals and one that had been sunk was discovered in 1978, buried in a sandbar (Cosmos Archaeology, WWI German Built Watercraft on the Wingecarribee River. Archaeology Impact Assessment). There is evidence of further watercraft ( up to 13 in total) in the bed of the river. The listing also includes a collection of associated moveable heritage located at the Berrima Museum and at the Berrima District Historical Archives in Mittagong. Moveable heritage collection Carved Box circa 1915 -18 Gaol Cell Door circa 1840s D.A.D.G. Banner circa 1916 Dolls House circa 1915 - 19 Framed momento of 20th Berrima Guard April 1916 German Merchant Officer's Service Record Book 1909 - 1915 Serviette Rings 1916 Carved Wooden Shield May 1916 Carved Wooden Shield circa 1917 Dugour Canoe Concert Zither circa 1900 Collection of historic photographs of the Internees and thier activities on site circaa 1915-1919
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Evidence of the huts that remain on site includes numerous stone rubble platforms and retaining walls on which huts would have been constructed. A number of these are located on the northern side of the river, both on the banks close to the water and further back commanding picturesque views of the river. During a site visit at least 10 potential sites were identified and it is expected that more could be identified on an intensive and methodical inspection. A typical example of these foundations located on the site visit was that of Alsterberg Hut which as well as the rubble foundation platform (approx 4x6 metres) has a set of steps carved in rock leading to the porch area and evidence of stone rubble retaining walls. As well as these foundation sites there are also a number of natural rock platforms with evidence of fixings or postholes for huts. These are located on both the northern and southern banks of the river. In addition an item that is likely to have been a mooring post is located on the southern bank of the river approaching Lake Titicaca, a large pool in the river where it bends to turn north upstream of the internee constructed dam. On the southern banks of Lake Titicaca is located a pile of bricks that have been disturbed by wombat activity. In addition to the huts, moorings and jetties the internees built a bridge across the river that they named Hansa Bridge. It was located directly south of the end of Oxley St on the northern side of the river and spanned the river to a continuation of Oxley St which no longer exists although is evident in maps of the town layout. (National Trust Classification Card). No evidence of the bridge was uncovered on the site visit but archaeological evidence may exist. The remains of the huts foundations are extensive and many are easily identified in the landscape.
	Date condition updated:09 Sep 10
Modifications and dates:	Built between 1915 and 1918. A number of huts destroyed in 1918.


Current use:	Bushland on northern bank of river, public reserve/horse stud on the southern.
Former use:	Aboriginal land, Internment Camp

History

Historical notes:

Aboriginal land
Gundungurra or Gandangarra people lived in the Southern Highlands area, which includes Mittagong, for many thousands of years. People who spoke the Gundungurra language lived in the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands and the Goulburn Plains of New South Wales. They lived in small groups of extended family members, who were attached to particular areas of country. After Anglo-European settlers caused displacement of Gundungurra people, they often worked on farms or grazing properties within and adjacent to their traditional land (Di Johnson: 2004 in SHR database 5045486). Gundungurra groups left archaeological evidence of their occupation throughout their traditional lands, including scarred trees where bark was removed for use as a boat or other object, grinding grooves on rocks where axes were ground, and occupation sites which include middens. Well-worn Gundungurra pathways on ridge tops were often the routes used as the first roads by colonists (Di Johnson 2004). Possibly this could have been the origin of the Old South Road which borders part of the Renwick site. (SHR database 5045486).

Gundungurra groups left archaeological evidence of their occupation throughout their traditional homelands, including scarred trees where bark was removed for use as a boat or other object, grinding grooves on rocks where axes were ground, and occupation sites which include middens. Well-worn Gundungurra pathways on ridge tops were often the routes used as the first roads by colonists (Di Johnson, 2004). Possibly this could have been the origin of the Old South Road where the Hassall and Jefferis Cottages are located.

The area is home to the Tharawal and Gungungurra people (Robinson, 2008).

Camden and the Cow Pastures:
The area is associated with the early history of the colony of New South Wales. Governor Hunter named it 'The Cowpastures' after cattle which had strayed from the Farm Cove settlement were discovered there in 1795 (to the south-west of Sydney). Due to the early European settlers, namely the Macarthurs, who established flourishing wool, wine and wheat industries here, the area is said to be the 'birthplace of the nation's wealth' (ibid, 2008).

Colonisation of Berrima:
Berrima is the second oldest (European) settlement in Wingecarribee Shire and the oldest continuing settlement in the shire. The first town settlement in the district was in 1821 at Bong Bong, 8km south-east of Berrima on the Wingecarribee River (Webb, 2008, 9).

The site of Berrima was selected by Surveyor General Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1829 on a visit planning the route for a new road alignment from Sydney to replace the old Argyle Road, which had proven unsatisfactory due to a steep hill climb over the Mittagong Range and river crossing at Bong Bong. In 1830 Mitchell instructed Robert Hoddle to mark out the town based on a plan Mitchell's office prepared, along the lines of a traditional English village (with a central market place and as many blocks as possible facing onto the Wingecarribee River), and using the local Aboriginal name. The new line of road came through the town (Allman Johnston, 2007). Berrima was to be established as the commercial and administrative centre for the County of Camden.

Following the approval of Governor Bourke in 1831, the period 1824 to 1841 saw significant flourishing development as mail coaches changed their route to this new line of road. Early town lots were sold in 1833, predominantly to inn keepers and around Market Square, including the first town Lot sales to Bryan McMahon (Webb, 2008, 9).

Governor Bourke designated Berrima as a place for a courthouse and gaol to serve the southern part of the state (Webb, 2008, 9). With construction of the Jail from 1835-9 and its Court House in 1838 to serve the southern part of the state the town flourished into the 1840s as mail coaches called, public buildings including churches in 1849 and 1851, establishment of many hotels and coaching houses to service local resident needs and passing trades, persons and commercial travellers. Its 1841 population was 249 with 37 houses completed and 7 more in construction. Research has indicated there were some 13 hotels or grog houses in Berrima at the one time in the early days before the coming of the Southern Railway to the Moss Vale area, which by-passed Berrima (Allman Johnston, 2005).

The Mail Coach Inn (now the Coach & Horses Inn) operated at 22 Jellore Street from 1837-9 as a licenced public house and staging post for travel and delivery of mail. It was one of the first inns in Berrima, along with the Surveyor-General Inn and Berrima Inn. The licencee, Michael Doyle, transferred the Mail Coach Inn's liquor licence to the opposite side of Market Square in 1839 to operate from the property he and his wife had purchased, now known as the White Horse Inn (Webb, 2008, 5).

By the 1840s there were four licenced premises including the Berrima Inn, Surveyor General Inn, Mail Coach Inn and Crown Inn. Prior to the coming of the railway to the Moss Vale area, there were 13 hotels in Berrima. The first licensed inn for Berrima was the Berrima Inn, perated by Bryan McMahon, in 1834. Seven of the early hotel buildings remain today with the oldest (surviving) being the Surveyor General Inn, its first licence granted to James Harper on 29/6/1835. The Breen family, who later bought McMahon's Inn and the Coach & Horses Inn (unlicenced), were involved with two other hotels. Other inns of historic note include the White Horse Inn and the Queen Victoria Inn (Webb, 2008, 9).

The 1851 census showed the number of buildings remained the same but the population had dropped to 192. During the 1850s Berrima experienced another boom period after the discovery of gold.

Berrima is Bypassed by the Great Southern Railway:
When the Great Southern Railway bypassed Berrima in 1867 the town again began to decline as Mittagong, Moss Vale and Bowral developed. Berrima remained virtually unchanged for the next 100 years, preserving the town as an almost intact colonial village (Webb, 2008, 10).

1867 was a momentous year. In December, the newly completed railway line from Sydney opened and in anticipation for an influx of people, the owners of the large estates began subdividing, with the first town plots sold in 1863. By the time Moss Vale station opened, the town had a store, postal service and hotel, mainly to cater for the needs of the large number of railway workers and their families who had come to the district. Their small tent communities had sprung up all along the Great Southern Railway line as it forged south to Goulburn. Lewis Levy from Berrima opened the first store, having cannily anticipated the decline in business in Berrima once it was bypassed by the railway. Business people of Sutton Forest saw Moss Vale's potential as the future centre of the district and many of the first land buyers in Moss Vale were Sutton Forest and Berrima people (ibid, 2001, 82).

The opening up of the Yarrawa Brush (rainforest area, split up and cleared for farming) in the 1860s - the Robertson, Burrawang and Wilde's Meadow area - added to the importance of the rail head at Moss Vale, which became the district centre for sending produce and other freight to the Sydney market (Emery, 2001, 82).

As a result the once bustling town rapidly declined. By the turn of the century Berrima's population totalled 80 and many of its buildings had been abandoned.

Berrima Training Centre:
In 1948 the Berrima Training Centre, a minimum-security correctional centre opened at the Berrima Gaol. In the 1960s the National Trust of Australia (NSW) started to classify and seek to protect heritage properties (Webb, 2008, 22).

Since the classification of a number of buildings in Berrima by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in the 1960s, the popularity of Berrima has increased, particularly as a tourist destination. Recent developments in the town have seen the emergence of bed and breakfast accommodation facilities, reflecting the early years of the town's development that provided accommodation for travellers through the construction and operation of various inns (Webb, 2008, 10).

In 1992 the Sydney to Canberra Freeway (F5) bypassed Berrima (Webb, 2008, 22).

Berrima Courthouse and Gaol:
During the years the village developed a courthouse and Berrima gaol were constructed. These buildings facilitated the administration of law and order in the Southern Districts of the State. Both the gaol and the courthouse were convict built structures, built from local quarried and cut sandstone.

Completed in October 1839, Berrima Gaol's ten metre high outer walls were built close to the Wingecarribee River on the south western rear side. Located through the main gates of the gaol was narrow yard and the services building consisting of the kitchens, laundry, storerooms and a small chapel. Through this building was a second larger yard with a centrally positioned tower block, with north, south and west two storey cell blocks radiating from it forming a 'T' configuration and smaller corner yards. The gaols isolation cells were located in these corner yards. Most of the cells were small, 2.4m square, however there were larger cells, 2.4m x 3m that served as duty rooms for guards and the infirmary. (Simons J. Prisoners in Arcady; German Mariners in Berrima 1915-1919. 1999 Berrima District Historical Society. Pg 34.).

Between 1944 and 1949 the gaol was rebuilt and only the entrance and outer walls remain in their original state. The entrance and external walls are listed on the State Heritage Register, Listing No. 00807.

Still in operation today, Berrima Gaol is the oldest functioning gaol in Australia. The gaol was renown throughout the 19th Century as a 'foreboding' place where hardened criminals were sent. (http://www.app.unsw.edu.au/research-docs/Jurisdiction/NSW3.asp 2010) Flogging was common practice as was solitary confinement in the underground cells deprived of light and sound. In 1862 all convicts sentenced to five years or more by NSW courts were subjected to a year of solitary confinement at the gaol. (Berrima Concentration Camp: Life on the River. Pg 231)

The Berrima facility served as NSW's principal gaol until it closed its gates in 1909. Opening again in 1915, during WWI as a German Concentration Camp, the gaol served as a satellite camp of the large Holsworthy Internment Camp at Liverpool, along with Trial Bay Gaol and a number of other facilities in the State.

With the declaration of War in 1914, people of German origin and German property immediately became the 'enemy'. As Germany had a number of colonies in the South Pacific, there were quite a number of merchant ships in the ports and German shipping vessels in various Australian harbours at the time of the declaration. As a result the ships were seized by the Australian Armed Forces while in port and German passengers and crew were detained. Other merchant ships were captured offshore by the Navy.

Based on the British Government's concentration camp model during the Boer War (1899-1902), the Australian government adopted the principal by setting up concentration camps in each of the six States to intern the 'alien enemy'. By early 1915 there were almost 3,000 German internees in Australia. In order to aid communication between camps, to cut costs and to standardise the rules in terms of the treatment of prisoners, the concentration camps were closed in all States other than NSW and all internees were transferred facilities with the State. It was a long and unpleasant journey for many internees who travelled to NSW, some were handcuffed and some were treated roughly by officials.

There were some internees who were granted reprieve from being detained in the camps. They were allowed to live in the community providing they observed conditions of their parole such as reporting to the authorities on a regular basis.

Holsworthy Internment Camp was the major camp to receive the large influx of internees who were being transported from region camps across Australia. There were also Department of Defence internment camps in Bourke in western NSW and Molonglo in the ACT.

Two other sites, Trail Bay and Berrima Gaols were set up as satellite camps in the early 1915. Berrima Concentration Camp was to be predominately for ships officers and sailors, and Trial Bay camp mainly held German internees of prominent social standing such as businessmen and professionals.

The structure of Concentration Camps at the time was based initially on the British code of instructions 'Royal Warrant', of August 1914. The constraints of the daily lives and treatment of the internees was later based on the Australian 'Rules for the Custody of and Maintenance of Discipline among Prisoners of War in NSW'. It outlined the compulsory requirements such as twice daily roll call, rising and sleep and meal times. It also stated that an elected Internee Camp Committee would look after the 'general welfare' of the internees and that Committee was to report to the Camp commandant. Under this main committee sat various other sub committees whose job it was to deal with various aspects of life in the camp such as recreation, theatre and music, kitchen services, education and other aspects.

Arriving by train to Moss Vale and then on foot along the long and rough road, the first group of 89 German internees arrived at Berrima in March 1915. The Defence Department had done little to the gaol in preparation for its 'new arrivals' other than clearing away the rubbish, making the buildings secure and building an observation platform and a small weatherboard hut for the Camp office. It was the condition of the gaol upon arriving that the internees named the place 'Ahnenschloss Castle of Foreboding'. They had no personal items as their luggage had not arrived, the prison cells that were to be their home were mostly empty of furniture and other than a very few provisions like two blankets, the makings for a mattress, and eating utensils, the internees had very little in the way of comfort. Food was supplied, however the internees had to prepare and cook their own food. (Simons J. Prisoners in Arcady; German Mariners in Berrima 1915-1919. 1999 Berrima District Historical Society. Pg 29.)

The majority of German internees to arrive at Berrima Camp were German merchant mariners, however a minority of internees were prisoners of war from German colonies in the region and other men captured from the German Imperial Navy cruiser SMS Emden. A large proportion of the internees were middle to high-ranking merchantmen, including first officers, chief engineers and captains. Otto Pahnke and Robert Martens held very senior positions as senior supervisors of NGL and HAL lines. From photographs, Simons points out that photographic evidence suggests that these ranks were still observed at the camp level. http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_01_2_cfm?itemid-5055109. Pg 6

Part of Germany's Pacific fleet, SMS Emden was quite an infamous Naval cruiser that had many an Allied warship in search of it soon after outbreak of war. Captained by Fregattenkapitan Karl von Muller, the Emden captured many Allied merchant mariners and either took over their vessels or sank them. Having carried out an impressive action and successful raid on Penang where the SMS Emden sank the Russian warship Zemchug and the French destroyer Mousquet, the cruiser steamed off to the Cocos Islands to destroy an important cable wireless communication station linking Australia with the rest of the world. A convoy of Australian and New Zealand warships heading to Colombo picked up wireless activity from SMS Emden and HMAS Sydney's English Captain Glossop gave the order for his vessel brake away from the convey to deal with the legendry cruiser. And that it did. Shells were fired from both vessels but the Emden was no match for the Sydney which eventually set the Emden on fire and blew away its control tower, bridge and severely damaged its steering. One hundred and thirty six of Captain von Muller's crew were killed and a further sixty-five badly injured before the Emden finally ran aground on a reef of Windward Island in the North Keeling Group.

In the publication Prisoners in Arcady - German Mariners at Berrima 1915- 1919, Simmons noted that the Emden men interned at the Berrima Concentration Camp included Chief Engineer Walter Bergien, Engineers Gerhardt Freund and Otto Fisher, Navigator Otto Monkeskieck and Bosun Karl Muller. Martin Meyer, also interned at Berrima was a young reservists who joined the Emden crew as vice navigator and soon after promoted to Lieutenant but was not on the vessel during its last days. This was the case with Bergien, Monkedieck and Muller.

Daily life for the internees at Berrima Gaol was structured around morning roll call and evening roll call at 5pm. Between these two defining events, the internees were free to wander within a two mile radius of the gaol and were locked up during the evening.

Berrima's small population doubled with the arrival of the 'enemy aliens' and the guards. The sleepy town once again began to prosper, playing an important role in providing services to the 'new arrivals'. The internees bought food, such as bread and meat and other supplies from the village stores. Relations between the townspeople, new and old, were relatively harmonious. The vast majority of the internees spoke some English due to their maritime background and could converse relatively well with the local people. Berrima also played host to families of the internees. They rented houses in the village and there began more interaction with the community, with internees often helping out in the community where needed. A school was set up in a slab hut for the children as evidenced in a photograph showing children, teacher and a sign 'Tochterschule Berrima 1917'.

The Winagecarribee River played an important role in the daily lives of the internees, providing many opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating along its course. The River winds its way through the Moss Vale and Berrima, around the cliff face below the rear of the town's gaol and then flows eleven kilometres downstream. The bank of the river was reasonably heavily wooded in 1915 with native shrubs and grasses as well as tea trees. Platypuses were plentiful in the river up until the 1940s when the exotic Willow took over the banks of the river.

Wide, deep water pools also were a feature at various points along the twisting waterway. One such pool was located just downstream from the gaol. This area was a popular swimming hole for not just the internees but also the villagers and the many visitors to Berrima. The internees named this pool Grosse See, meaning Great Lake and being close to the gaol, it was a major place of activity for them. A half kilometre west from this water hole was another deeper wider pool that the internees used extensively. This pool was given the name Lake Titicaca. (Simons J. Prisoners in Arcady; German Mariners in Berrima 1915-1919. 1999 Berrima District Historical Society. Pg 35.)

To provide better water based amenities for themselves the internees turned their hand at altering the waterway. From local rocks and clay they constructed a dam downstream from Lake Titicaca which raised the water levels in the water hole and the river upstream from it by one metre. Damming the river was a plan that the villagers had hoped that the Administration would have embarked on for many years previous to the construction by the internees. (Simons J. Prisoners in Arcady; German Mariners in Berrima 1915-1919. 1999 Berrima District Historical Society. Pg 46.)

Utilising the river for swimming was an instantly popular recreational activity amongst the internees. They swam from the sandy beaches in the river's coves and erected diving platforms around the deeper water holes. Boating was also a big feature of life on the river with Venetian carnivals being held along with competitive water sports and other such events. Being experienced seamen, the idea of building a boat was not a daunting task. Simple canoes were constructed as well as fleets of elaborately built and decorated rowing and sailing boats. One notable carnival reported in the local newspapers was a 'mock battle' staged by the Berrima Guard, where two watercraft representing the SMS Emden and the HMAS Sydney fought it out on the waters of Lake Titicaca close to the Hansa Bridge. The carnivals were usually held on culturally important days, such as the birthdays of German royalty.

The river environs were significantly important for the internees well being. To escape the confined spaces of the gaol that they suffered during the evening, many of the industrious internees soon after arriving at Berrima, constructed simple small huts from tea trees in the area. Brushwood branches and foliage were either tied or woven together to form the walls and roof. These initial huts, mainly constructed on the right side of the bank between the dam and Lake Titicaca, served both as private places during the day time and also as shade structures during hot or windy weather.

To take advantage of the area along the left bank of the river which were sunnier, less rockier and boasted more fertile soils the internees designed and constructed a bridge across the river. Studying the rivers varying low and high level marks, the mariners chose to construct a high level bridge above the general flood level around the area in line with Oxley Street on the right bank and just downstream from of the water hole known as the Great Lake. Constructed in three months from local timbers the bridge was officially opened in July 1915 and named Hansa Bridge. The naming of the bridge is significant in that it makes reference to the shipping company HANSA line and pays homage to the to the maritime history of Hanseatic League and the confederate cities of north Germany1260-1600. (Simons J. Prisoners in Arcady; German Mariners in Berrima 1915-1919. 1999 Berrima District Historical Society. Pg 47.)

From photographic evidence John Simmons wrote that there may have been a second bridge built next Lake Titicaca's dam wall. Simmons also noted that a few weeks after the opening of the bridge the internees constructed a large waterslide 30 metres upstream from the new bridge on the right bank that was reminiscent of an "American style water chute". (Simons J. Prisoners of Arcady German Mariners at Berrima 1915-1919)

After the bridge was constructed more huts were built, mostly on the left bank downstream from the Hansa Bridge. Some were simple brushwood and bark structures, others were built from galvanised iron sheets or flattened kerosene tins. Several more elaborate huts and cabins were constructed. One particular cabin of importance was Alsterburg, that was elaborately constructed from logs and was reminiscent of Germany's Black Forest cabins in design.

The huts and cabins were given names and tended to be grouped as in small villages. Realising that the war was to continue for some years and with having experienced Berrima's cold winter months, some of the huts were extended and improved. Also many more internees took to building huts with the peak construction period being the summer of 1916/17 with several resembling a European summer villa or lodge using eucalypt logs. One such cabin was built by NGL officers Rudolf Carstens and Richard Preiss, who also turned their hand to performing in the internee's theatre productions.

Most huts housed just a few men, however there were huts that served as club houses, such as the Sorgenfrei (Carefree), which was the Swimming Club. Another communal hut, the Lloydhalle 2, was for the use of the younger men from the NGL Line. Simons J. Prisoners in Arcady; German Mariners in Berrima 1915-1919. 1999 Berrima District Historical Society. (Pg 90.)

The cultural lives of the internees were enriched by regular theatrical and musical performances by fellow internees. A stage platform was built in a natural amphitheatre area just downstream from the first bend of the river on the left bank side. Another important enhancement was the building of a bake house not far from the amphitheatre where German style pies, cakes and pastries were made and sold. The Bake house was built by Henrich Bartels from the HANSA line.

A particularly successful entrepreneurial undertaking by the internees was the establishment of vegetable gardens. From its small beginnings during the first year, by 1917 the vegetable plots had grown from a few small gardens within the gaol and just outside the gaol to the establishment of impressive plots around the huts on the riverbanks. The produce was sold to the camp's kitchen and if there was an oversupply, the internees also sold the produce to the villagers. Such was the success of this enterprise that soon the internees with an agricultural bent rented local fields and some of the old orchards in Berrima and set to work on preparing the land for large crops of vegetables and fruit.

Word spread quickly beyond Berrima about what the Germans or 'Huns' were creating and soon many visitors started arriving in Berrima to witness the Germanic structures that were created and how they lived. With the curiosity of the visitors also came vandalism and antagonism. Some resented the perceived privileges that were afforded to the 'Huns'. As a result a high wire fence cordoning off an area of up to 20 acres on the left bank of the river for use by internees only was constructed to provide more privacy and protection for the internees. It became necessary for the internees to patrol the areas that they recreated to safeguard the watercraft and huts that they had built. Hostility by the local residents towards the internees also grew as the attitude of wartime hysteria increased.

Between 1915 to 1919 up to 400 Germans were interned at Berrima. After spending four years living as 'enemy aliens', a formal declaration was finally signed by Germany that officially ended WWI on June 1919. Although an armistice was called for and received, German internees in Australia had to wait months until they could be repatriated when this official declaration was signed. The first group to be repatriated was prisoners of war. This included a small group of internees from the Berrima camp. The remaining internees had to suffer many weeks of postponement and changing regulations as to their departure details and allowances. Adding to their growing frustration about the delays was the news that a monument to commemorate the deaths of four German Trial Bay internees had been vandalised and then completely destroyed. This prompted a reaction of the Berrima internees to leave nothing of their works behind, including huts and watercraft. They immediately retaliated by sinking their watercraft, digging up their garden beds and burning their huts.

Finally on the 12th August 1919, the remaining internees loaded the waiting wagons with their most treasured possessions and were marched through Berrima towards Moss Vale where they were to be transported by train to Sydney. Here they boarded SS Ypiranga bound for Rotterdam and finally transported back home to Germany. (Prisoners in Arcady Exhibition Text Berrima Museum)

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	River flats-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Natural - regenerating native flora valued for conservation purposes-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Rivers and water bodies important to humans-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Gandangara Nation - sites evidencing occupation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Convict labour-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Demonstrating convicts' experiences and activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Ethnic influences-Activities associated with common cultural traditions and peoples of shared descent, and with exchanges between such traditions and peoples.	German migrants-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Migration-Activities and processes associated with the resettling of people from one place to another (international, interstate, intrastate) and the impacts of such movements	Moving migrants inland-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Migration-Activities and processes associated with the resettling of people from one place to another (international, interstate, intrastate) and the impacts of such movements	Developing German settlements-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures fencing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Unseen but Present-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Tourism-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of remembrance-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of cultural and natural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of military activities-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban and rural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of segregation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing rural amenity or character-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of institutions - productive and ornamental-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes used for self reliant recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Providing a venue for significant events-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	Exploring and surveying for the Crown-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	Opening Up, 1818-39-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	Routes taken by Robert Hoddle, surveyor-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Fishing-Activities associated with gathering, producing, distributing, and consuming resources from aquatic environments useful to humans.	Fishing in rivers-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Forestry-Activities associated with identifying and managing land covered in trees for commercial purposes.	Timber getting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Boat Building and Shipwrighting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Wharf and shipping history-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Bush tracks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Building and maintaining jetties, wharves and docks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing (regional towns)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Living on the land-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Crude huts-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building for seclusion-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating prisoners and internees-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating migrants in hostels and camps-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Suburban Centres-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Surveying by Robert Hoddle-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (sheep grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th century Suburban Developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing the social life of a rural community-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing government towns-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on the land-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the public service-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Workers organising workers-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in mines and quarries-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working as a manager or executive officer-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working at enforced labour-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Providing migrant labour-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working for the defence services-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	A Military Town: The Welfare of the Military-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Prisoner of War camp-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Defending the nation.-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Involvement with the Second World War-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	State links in a national network-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	Defence-May include Aboriginal battle sites, war memorials.
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Local government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Federal Government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - grants of land for agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - surveying of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - town and country planning-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Providing public offices and buildings-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - jailing prisoners-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	The rule of law-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Incarcerating prisoners-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Detaining POWs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th c bush garden style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - 20th century Organic-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing to evoke nationalistic feelings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century post WW2-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Artists, bohemians and intellectuals squat or gathering point-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Vernacular structures and building techniques-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Inspirational environments and events-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - WW2 period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - neglected, regenerating to bushland-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a prisoner-of-war camp-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a jail or gaol-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a bushland setting-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in an ethnic settlement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying picnics-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor concerts and performances-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing cards-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Doing research-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Singing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Bird watching-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a cafe-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Fitness Camp-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going fishing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going bushwalking-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going swimming-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Red Cross activities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community organisations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing exclusive clubs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Providing charity-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Fund-raising activities for community charities-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing and maintaining a local museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Commemorating war losses-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Local adaptive reuses of military sites-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Berrima Internment Camp Huts Area is of state heritage significance for its historical values as a place where 'enemy aliens' were interned between 1915 and 1919 during the course of WWI. The remains of the Huts Precinct including the foundations of huts, boat sheds, jetties etc comprise a cultural precinct established in the Australian bush around the Wingecarribee River, Berrima which tells the story of the lives and occupations of the German internees while confined. This historic landmark with its archaeological remains reveals the unique lifestyle of this group of people and their determination to retain and express their cultural identity and practices while confined as 'enemy aliens' in Australia. The area provides a tangible link to the to an important phase of our history and demonstrates how our community regarded and dealt with enemies of the British Commonwealth as well as Australia's relationship with the Britain at the time. A significant part of this story is demonstrated by the way in which relations between the Internees and villagers changed during the course of the war. It appears that the internees initially at least seemed to be relatively integrated into the community as they were free to wander in a 2 mile radius of the gaol and purchased goods from local shops and often lent assistance to locals. This seemed to change as the numbers of internees grew and the conflict in Europe was prolonged. Being the site of internment for predominantly sailors and Naval personnel it demonstrates the way in which classes of 'enemy alien' were segregated as a matter of government policy. The largest of the camps, Holsworthy Internment Camp was a centralised camp where Germans from all over Australia were interned. From there those Germans of the business and professional class and those from other British Territories were sent to Trial Bay Gaol, German Mariners were sent to Berrima Internment Camp, families were sent to Bourke, and others were sent to Molongolo.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The significance of the Huts Precinct of the Berrima Internment Camp is enhanced through its association with a number of the crew of the notorious German Merchant Navy ship, the SMS Emden. Under the command of the ingenious and daring Captain von Muller, the SMS Emden inflicted a great deal of damage to allied merchant shipping during the early months of the war. It's activities were finally curtailed by the Australian naval vessel, the HMAS Sydney on November 9 1912. 7 of the Emden crew who were injured during capture were interned at Berrima Internment Camp for the duration of the war.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Huts Area at the Berrima Internment Camp is of aesthetic significance at a State level as it shows evidence of a unique cultural precinct with a notably European layout and design, similar to the summer houses of continental Europe, set in the Australian bush at Berrima. In Europe at that time it was a common practice to establish 'summer houses' complete with plot of land for growing vegetables and flowers. While the huts no longer remain, the ruins, foundations, platforms, cellar and other remains contribute to a visually distinctive natural and cultural landscape on the banks of the Wingecarribee River. .
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The heritage significance of the Berrima Internment Camp Huts Area at a state level is enhanced through its importance to the German community in NSW. The place tells an important story in this group's history in NSW and Australia. The place also has a special association with the local Berrima Community and descendants of those who resided there between 1915 and 1919. The story of the German internees and the interaction between residents and the internees at Berrima is an important part of their own local history that is intertwined with the larger history of NSW.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The place is of State heritage significance for its large archaeological resource which will, on further investigation, provide a wealth of information on the method of construction of the huts, the layout of the precinct including gardens, the lifestyle and customs of the large group of German 'enemy aliens' interned at Berrima during WWI. It will contribute significantly to the understanding of this group of people, their experience and determination to maintain their cultural identity and practices in NSW during their wartime confinement and to our understanding of the wartime history of NSW.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The remains contained in the Huts Area at the Berrima Internment Camp is of State heritage significance as evidence of a rare and unique example of a European summer house style collection of huts, gardens and infrastructure to facilitate water-based and other activities established by a group of German Internees during WWI. The village of huts and the activities carried out there ensured that the group maintained and expressed its German identity. While at other camps such as Trial Bay Gaol the German internees constructed shelters and items to facilitate the passing of time and expression of culture, the land area utilised and facilities constructed were not as extensive as those in Berrima and the remains are not as intact and indicative of the original layout. Its rarity values extend to the fact that Berrima was the only WWI Internment Camp to house German mariners with a large percentage of these being of the middle to high level ranks.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The remains of the Huts Area at Berrima Internment Camp are representative of a recreation precinct built by WWI German Internees during their confinement in a NSW German Internment Camp. The intactness of its archaeological remains demonstrate the principal characteristics of a village modeled on the idea of the continental European summerhouse, where householders from urban areas leased or owned small plots of land on which they built 'summerhouses' and tended vegetable and flower gardens.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	1. All Standard Exemptions 2. All works and activities outlined as implemented in the Berrima District Museum Conservation Practice guideline dated 17 April 2010. 3. All works and activities in accordance with a Collection Management Plan endorsed by the Heritage Council.	Jan 14 2011
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01848	14 Jan 11	2	45

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Wingecarribee Heritage Survey	1991		JRC Planning Services		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Electronic	Australian Prisons Project	2009	Berrima Correctional Complex	View detail
Written	Berrima District Historical Society	2009	Prisoners in Arcady Exhibition text	View detail
Written	Caroline Chissell	2000	Berrima Memorial Park Landscape Conservation Area	View detail
Written	Cosmos Archaeology	2006	WWI German-built Watercraft on the Wingecarribee River. Maritime Archaeology Imact Assessment
Written	Gerhard Fischer	1989	Enemy aliens : internment and the homefront experience in Australia, 1914-1920	View detail
Written	Lieutenant Edmond Samuels	2009	Diary of Berrima Internment Camp	View detail
Written	Migration Heritage Centre, Powerhouse Museum, Berrima District Museum	2009	Prisoners in Arcady : German mariners at Berrima 1915-1919 : [An exhibition at Berrima District Museum]	View detail
Written	Simons, J.R.	1999	Prisoners in Arcady - German Mariners at Berrima 1915-1919	View detail
Photograph	Speer, D.	1919	48 views of the Concentration Camp, Berrima, New South Wales, Australia, 1914-1919 Record 2 of 214795 Cite this Email this Add to favourites close Citations We are currently revising our Endnote export formats, moving from XML format to a RIS format	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5051583
File number:	HO3/00276 & 10/21359

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