Hamilton Reach was completed two years after Jenner arrived in Brisbane. Jenner documents a selection of boats from sail, steam and rowing as they travel along the Brisbane River. The river is bathed in the afternoon sun’s glow, with Jenner facing upstream towards Newstead.

The feeling created by the light and scenery is one of tranquillity — far away from the busyness of the wharves and the bustling city centre. On the right, a carriage travels towards Eagle Farm along the unsealed Hamilton Road, later renamed Kingsford Smith Drive. At the time, Hamilton was better known as a recreational rather than a residential location until the 1893 flood, which washed away the Victoria and Albert bridges, cutting off the previously preferred prestigious southern suburbs.