A flat bottomed carvel planked timber oyster punt built by Merimbula oyster farmer Augustus (“Gus”) Cole around 1918 for his own use. Typical of the “flatties” constructed and used locally from WWI up until the 1980s, the punt features local timbers and traditional techniques. The generous use of grown timber knees made from the natural crook of tree branches is particularly interesting.

The punt was eventually abandoned in mangroves on the shores of Merimbula’s Top Lake until oyster farmer Chris Boyton retrieved it and donated it the Merimbula Imlay Historical Society. Although Gus Cole built a number of timber punts and fishing dinghies, this is the only example of his work known to have survived.

Gus Cole’s timber oyster punt is on exhibition at the Merimbula Old School Museum.