Garden Island became part of Australia’s naval history just 16 days after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, firstly as a ships’ garden. Its naval use further developed into a naval depot near the end of the 19th century, and ceased to be an island in 1945. Garden Island is both the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East and a working dockyard. As a secure area, specific arrangements are required for Society arranged tours. Extensive modernisation of the Base is also underway limiting access in specific areas. However, the Northern End of Garden Island (called The Hill) is accessible by special arrangement. The Hill, while integral in the development of Garden Island as a naval base, has its own unique history.