boos

That looks like a tripod mounted theodolite on the balcony.

Yes, it does. I'll see if I can find a larger version of this image so we can get a bit more detail....DONE!

A larger version will also help to show the built up area on the background hill. I originally thought this was Kosciusko, but no way is that the case with those buildings in the background. Buildings also make it likely there is a local historical society somewhere that has a good idea where this is. @Wragge on twitter (Dr. Tim Sherratt) also knows a good deal about the history of meteorology in Australia. We may need to tap him for this one.

Thanks and for those following these comments @wragge on Twitter was a great help and believes this to be a surveying station rather than a weather station. We will contact the Observatory as advised and see what else we find out.

I think that is Sydney town in the right distance - no NSW country town would have so many spires and large houses. We are looking west-ish (see shadows) from some surveying spot near Bondi. Maybe something to do with the Bondi sewage outfall? The large size image certainly helps. I am amused that with all that surveying equipment etc, they could not get the camera level!

How nice it would be if it still looked like this! No fast food stores, no luxury apartments, no carpark....

Could this be a group of orphan children at the beach on a Sunday, or a field trip of school or church children? They don't seem to be with their separate families - One can see a few adults in the background standing guard, watching. Only one child is completely bare standing at the edge of the waves, another in underwear. I get the feeling they aren't even with this group of children at all. Very few seem to be taking advantage of the ocean. Most all of the children (students ?) are wearing full public dress. Girls are wearing standard white dresses, some with smock aprons, hats, stockings and shoes are on. Boys in full dress and hats as well. Where are their bathing costumes? This group seem to be observing the water rather than enjoying it for seaside activities, early 1900s to 1910s...

Awesome!

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Best Vintage Images on Flickr, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Henry King (the photographer) took another photograph minutes earlier a little to the left -

"No.1440 Bondi Bay Sydney (H.King Syd:)" NAA, Dated 1894

Impressive coat.

Michiel2005 Indeed! He gives off a very aviator/motorcyclist vibe, doesn't he?

Will you just look at those boots! No cheap pampooties there!

amazing shot

Maybe the chap in front with the boots and coat was a driver. Driving a car in those days often meant being exposed to the elements.