The new facility sat idle for a few years, managed by a caretaker, and hosting various government officials and associates on picnics or social occasions. In January 1905, it was the site of a day trip for an irrigator's conference, and the convivial atmosphere is described in the press report which stated: ""... and after a cruise below the famous bridge, the vessel was steered to a small island some three miles above, known as Rabbit Island, where luncheon had been prepared. To back-country men, the title was certainly suggestive, and proved the subject of joking, but the levity became pronounced when inquiry elicited the information that the buildings nearing completion on the island were for an inebriate's home. Sir William Lyne at luncheon caused much laughter by expressing his surprise at the Minister for Works bringing them to such a place to give it baptism, but not with water"".