It was laid out on section 700, Hundred of Port Adelaide by Thomas Elder and John Hart.

It is notable for the Birkenhead Bridge, which formerly opened on a regular basis so that boats could pass along the Port River.

The Birkenhead Bridge and the former HMAS Encounter Naval Drill Hall are listed on the South Australian Heritage Register.

Its southern shore was formerly the location of a naval yard (now TS Adelaide), the Bureau of Customs, Fletcher's Dock and Fletcher's Slip, DMH Dockyard, the Jenkins Street boatyards and the Port Adelaide Sailing Club, however these have mostly been closed or relocated.

is currently used by the not-for-profit Port Adelaide Artists Forum to host occasional art exhibitions and community events.