Running until May 19, 2024, The Australian Museum is currently hosting an exhibition centred on the Egyptian Pharoah Ramses II. This was a great opportunity to see some of the most important artifacts from ancient Egypt, without having to leave Australia.
Featuring over 180 artifacts, this is a large exhibition that we found fascinating from beginning to end. Starting with a short video presentation covering Ramses II’s life, it then proceeds through a series of display rooms containing the exhibits. Each section also has videos playing describing the artefacts in more detail.
Additional displays covered other aspects of Ancient Egypt, with one of the most striking being Sennedjem’s outer coffin. An artist, he worked on the tombs of Ramses and his father Seti while working on his own coffin on his days off.
Amazing jewelry, mummies of cats and crocodiles, masks and weapons gave diversity to what was displayed. As usual, the last room was a gift shop, where books and souvenirs could be purchased.
Head of a Colossal Statue of Ramses IIUpper part of an obeliskStatue of Ramses II as a sphynxRamses II showing him capturing enemies: a Nubian, a Libyan and a Syrian.Queen Tuya, Ramses motherSennedjem’s outer coffin. An artist, he worked on the tombs of Ramses and his father SetiGilded wooden mask from the tomb of Amenemope a scribe and sageGirdle of Princess Merit (bottom) and collar of Princess Neferuptah (top)Mummified catCoffin of a cat mummyCoffin and coffinettes of Sheshonq IIGold funerary mask of General WendjebauendjedBust of Merenptah, Ramses successorOuter coffin lid of Pinudjem II’s wife Princess Nesikhonsu (left) and inner coffin lid of Pinudjem ICoffin of Ramses IIRamses II
Opened in September 2023, the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base Platypus is an excellent addition to this heritage site. Managed by the Harbour Trust, the old factory was partially demolished and revitalised as an open public space.
Getting There
We used public transport, getting the train to Milsons Point Station and then walking for 10 minutes. If you prefer to drive, there is parking available on site.
History of the Site
Opened in 1942 during World War Two the factory produced torpedoes for Allied forces. Many of the employees were women, due to many men being in the armed forces. Commemorated at the site with murals, it’s a great reminder of their contribution during the war. Post war, the torpedo workshops continued to service the British Navy submarine fleet based at HMAS Penguin and the Royal Australian Navy’s destroyer fleet.
The entire base was closed in 1999 when the Royal Australian Navy moved its Collins-class submarines to Western Australia.
The Site Now
The old factory features several interesting display that explain the site’s history. These range from a Torpedo Mark VIII, information boards and murals with photos and signs from the factory. There is also a car park with electric charging stations.
Our previous blog, which covers the rest of Sub Base Platypus can be found here.
Entrance to the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base PlatypusTorpedo Mark VIII Mod 4 on displayRear underside view of the Mark VIII TorpedoOld SignsOld Signs
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in Sydney Australia, South Eveleigh has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. This transformation has turned an industrial site into a modern and dynamic precinct that combines technology, innovation, lifestyle, and heritage.
One of the major highlights of South Eveleigh is its rich industrial heritage. The site was once home to the Eveleigh Railway Workshops, which played a vital role in Sydney’s early rail history. Many of the original heritage buildings have been preserved and repurposed, offering a fascinating blend of historical charm and contemporary design.
History
Preserved within the workshop building, Bays 1 and 2 showcase a collection of machinery, tools, and artifacts used in the workshops, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the workers. Interpretive signs explain the significance and use of the tools and machinery.
Dating from 1887, the vast locomotive workship contains workshops for blacksmithing, boilermaking, and other essential trades. Importantly, these are not just static museum displays but remain in use. Courses are held locally teaching people these disappearing trades.
Current Use
Today, South Eveleigh serves as a hub for startups, tech companies, and creative industries. A modern high-tech interior provides office space for companies and business, while others house fitness centres and cafes.
A cafe within the main building is surrounded by old machinery and tool racks, while old steam powered hammer presses and boring machines are scattered throughout the office spaces.
A wonderful place to wander around, learning about the past, while surrounded by high-tech enterprises. After taking in the displays, there are cafes, restaurants and a brewery to relax at.
Old boiler roomWorkshop area. Still in use by hobbyistsTool roomWorkshop area. Still in use by hobbyistsNew business offices inside the old workshopsOld jig borer on displaySteam hammer on displayPhoto displayView from second floor showing cafe and brewery next to machinery displays
