[1] As a result of capturing that landmark event, Nettleton was invited by the Victorian Government to photograph the development of the railway system in Victoria.

In those roles, he recorded the spectacular growth of Melbourne over 35 years, photographing many of the major public works of the time, including the water supply system, bridges, roads and wharves, and the diversion of the Yarra River.

Theatres, churches, schools, banks, hospitals and markets were also captured by his camera, as well as ships such as the Cutty Sark and the American Confederate commerce raider Shenandoah.

[1] In 1858, Nettleton opened his own studio, after which he attempted portrait photographs, but due to their poor quality, he decided to concentrate on his views of Melbourne and environs.

In 1861, he was allowed to board the SS Great Britain to photograph the first English cricket team to arrive in Australia.

[4] In 1880, he took a photographic portrait of Ned Kelly, the famous Australian bushranger and outlaw, the day before his execution.

[4] In his later years, he became a member of the Collingwood Lodge of Freemasons, and was a match-winning player for the West Melbourne Lawn Bowls Club.

The new technique adversely affected Nettleton's business using the wet plate process, and he eventually decided to retire.