Maritime Museum Archives - Destination's Journey

15 August 202414 August 2024

Sydney Heritage Fleet

Founded in 1965 as the “The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum”, the Sydney Heritage Fleet operates 10 large and 55 small heritage vessels. Its 450 active volunteer workers conserve Australia’s maritime past, while preserving traditional technical methods and skills.

Three (as of August 2024) vessels are currently being restored, the 1912 ferry Kanangra, the 1950s wooden speed boat Kookaburra II and the 1927 pilot vessel John Oxley. Possibly the most well known vessel is the 1874 iron barque James Craig, now fully restored and regularly put to sea under full sail and is a beautiful site when sailing Sydney Harbour.

We booked a tour of the Kanangra restoration project, which gave us an opportunity to also see some of the other ships in the fleet. See their website for times and tickets.

Getting There

We took the light rail from Central Station to Rozelle and walked (10 minutes) to Sydney Heritage Fleet from there.

The Tour

A safety briefing started the tour, as we would be entering an active work area. Safety hats and high-visibility jackets (both provided) along with enclosed shoes (wear your own) were a requirement.

The tour started in the workshop where we saw how the parts needed for the restoration were made. Then it was on to the dock to see the boats. Although we only boarded the Kanangra, we were able to see many others very well.

On board the Kanangra we needed to stay alert, as the decking and sides of the ship were under repair. Interestingly, the largest job currently being undertaken was the removal of concrete from the hull. Large quantities had been used to stop leaks in the rusting hull plates. Apparently it’s a quick and easy fix, but difficult to remove.

We were able to see all levels of the ferry, from the engine room to the top deck and restored wheel house. Restoration should finish in 2032 when she will be back in the water. Considering how badly corroded the hull looked and the amount of steel plates requiring replacement, I can see why it will take this long.

This was a fantastic tour and highly recommended for anyone who likes old ships. The tour guides were very informative, friendly and passionate about the restoration. The tour ran two hours and we loved every minute.

Sydney Ferry Kanangra

Launched on the 14th of August 1912, Kanangra is a steel-hulled K-class ferry that operated on Sydney Harbour until 1985. Originally coal fired, she was converted to diesel in 1959.

Kanangra is currently sited on a floating dock at Rozelle Bay as part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Restoration work intends to restore her to the 1960s configuration with diesel power.

Exterior showing corrosion of hull — Kanangra

Steam Ship John Oxley

Built in 1927 in Scotland for the Queensland Harbours and Rivers Board, the John Oxley was a relief pilot vessel in Moreton Bay, a buoy tender and a lighthouse tender that operated along the Queensland coast.

In the Second World War John Oxley was requisitioned for the Royal Australian Navy and a 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun was mounted on the stern. She was returned to her former duties in 1946, and converted from coal to oil fuel that same year.

John Oxley continued in service until 1968 and was officially donated to Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1970. Since 2002 the John Oxley has been under continuous restoration at the Heritage dockyard of the Sydney Heritage Fleet, Rozelle Bay, Sydney. As of August 2024 she is nearing completion and almost ready for her first post-restoration cruise.

John Oxley officer's quarters — John Oxley restored upper works

Bronzewing-class Tugs

Four Bronzewing-class harbour tugs were constructed for the Royal Australian Navy. The ships in the class were:

Bronzewing (HTS 501)
Currawong (HTS 502)
HTS 503 (to Papua New Guinea in 1974)
Mollymawk (HTS 504)

They were constructed by Stannard Bros, Sydney, except for HTS Mollymawk (504), she was constructed by Perris Engineering, Brisbane.

Bronzewing and Currawong are currently on loan to the Sydney Heritage Fleet, where they are often used in the support of the James Craig and other heritage ships in the Fleet.

HMAS Currawong (HTS 502) — HMAS Bronzewing (HTS 501)

Motor Launch Harman

Harman is a Royal Australian Navy motor launch built in 1944 by the firm Storey and Keers. The RAN used her on Sydney Harbour to transfer personnel between ship and shore and the various establishments on the Harbour.

On retirement from the RAN in 1957, she was transferred to Cockatoo Island Dockyard where she worked as a passenger and general duties launch. She was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1992 and has since undergone several refits to keep her seaworthy.

Motor Launch Berrima

Launched in 1955 as A.O.R.1, Berrima is a motor launch owned by the Sydney Heritage Fleet and used around Sydney Harbour. Originally used by Stannard Bros on behalf of Australian Oil Refineries on Botany Bay, it ferried workers from La Perouse to the refinery on the other side of Botany Bay. At times it also doubled as the Pilot Cutter.

Berrima was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1990.

Motor Launch Berrima Sydney Heritage Fleet — Motor Launch Berrima

Lady Hopetoun

Built in 1902 by WM Ford on Sydney Harbour, the Lady Hopetoun was used as a VIP and Vice-Regal steam yacht by the NSW Government through the Sydney Harbour Trust and its successor the Maritime Services Board of NSW until the 1960s.

Motor Launch Protex

Built sometime around 1908, Protex was later purchased in 1934 by the Sydney ferry and tug company, Nicholson Bros. In line with their usual policy of naming their craft using words beginning with ‘Pro’ she was called Protex after a popular brand of soap. Up until 1970, she ferried goods and people from the Palmolive factory at Balmain to various city wharves.

In 1970, she was sold to Mr Terry Hodgson who used her as a ferry operating out of Woy Woy and Toukley, and later between Brooklyn and Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River.

The Protex became part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1981 and is berthed at their Rozelle wharf.

Steam Tug Waratah

Built in 1902 at Cockatoo Island, Waratah is a coal fired tug and part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Originally named Burunda, her primary role was to tow dredges and barges between the various ports along the NSW coast.

From 1948, her age and condition restricted her to operating within the Newcastle Port and by 1968 she was considered to be beyond economical repair and was set to be scrapped. Saved by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, she is now, once again, fully operational and regularly takes passengers on trips around Sydney Harbour.

14 March 202411 March 2024

Australian National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum

Covering Australia’s maritime history from pre-colonial times to the present, the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney has an excellent collection of ships and artefacts on display. The most obvious displays are the ships and boats of the heritage fleet docked on Darling Harbour, but those inside also deserve a lot of attention.

Indigenous Watercraft

As the oldest users of the Australian coast and waterways, a large section is devoted to indigenous watercraft and heritage. Displays of canoes from around Australia and the Torres Strait are on display.

Ilma from the Bardi Jawi people — Aboriginal Bark Canoe

Kay Cottee and Blackmores First Lady

In 1989, Kay Cottee became the first woman to circumnavigate the world alone, without stopping, without assistance, by way of both hemispheres and the five southernmost capes. It took her 189 days in Blackmores First Lady, in a time before Social Media and with poor communications.

Visitors are able to enter the boat and experience how small it is. Getting on board really makes you realise what an incredible achievement it was.

Blackmores First Lady in which Kay Cottee became the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world

Inside Kay Cottee's Blackmores First Lady Australian National Maritime Museum — Blackmores First Lady in which Kay Cottee became the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world

Model Ships

One section of the Museum has beautifully made ship models relevant to Australia. As the museum is based in Sydney most of the Royal Australian Navy’s shops named HMAS Sydney are displayed. The largest and most impressive is the aircraft carrier, which has amazing detail.

Other models range from sailing ships to bulk iron ore carriers. All were important either for exploration or trade.

Model of The Royal Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney (III)

A model of BHP Pacific Iron — Model of The Royal Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney (III)

Other Exhibits

Interesting displays located throughout the museum include the ships bell from USS Canberra (AG-2) which was named after HMAS Canberra, a heavy cruiser sunk during the Second World War. A 40mm cannon from a Royal Australian Navy ship lets you get a close up look at this important anti-aircraft weapon.

The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2 Australian National Maritime Museum — The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2

Spirit of Australia - The World's Fastest Boat 1978 Australian National Maritime Museum — The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2

HMAS Vampire

HMAS Vampire (II) D11 was a Daring class destroyer operated by the Royal Australian Navy. Launched in 1959 and decommissioned in 1986. Entry to Vampire and the other ships is included in the ticket cost of the Maritime Museum (as of March 2024).

HMAS Vampire 4.5" Guns National Maritime Museum — HMAS Vampire

HMAS Onslow

HMAS Onslow was an Oberon class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy. Commissioned 1969 in and decommissioned in 1999. Walking through the submarine makes you realise how cramped the conditions are. This isn’t somewhere I would want to live months on end.

Engine Room HMAS Onslow National Maritime Museum — HMAS Onslow

Historical Fleet

The historical fleet contains ships that have importance to Australia’s maritime heritage. Possibly the most impressive to still be preserved is the Krait. This ex-Japanese fishing boat was used by Australia Special Forces during the Second World War to sneak into Singapore Harbour where they damaged 37,000 tonnes of Japanese ships.

4 April 20232 April 2023

Sub Base Platypus Sydney

Steps with the names of the six Oberon class submarines operated by Australia

Sub Base Platypus Sydney

Sub Base Platypus is a unique site located in Neutral Bay, Sydney, Australia. The site has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was originally used as a gasworks site. In the early 1960s, the site was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and used as a submarine base until it was decommissioned in the 1990s. During this time, the bas was home to the six Oberon class submarines operated by the RAN.

Not only were the submarines themselves based here, but a torpedo factory, maintenance facilities and a school for submariners provided a complete support structure for them.

Although long retired, several of the Oberons still exist as museum displays. HMS Onslow is close by in Sydney at the National Maritime Museum, while HMS Otway sits in Holbrook.

Getting There

We chose to take public transport because parking in the area is limited. A small carpark on Kiara Close provides somewhere to park if you drive. When we visited, this area was being extended, so perhaps in the future more space will be available.

The closest train station is Milsons Point, so we got off there and walked for only 10 minutes to get to the old submarine base. On the way we passed plenty of cafes and eateries, so grabbing a snack or drink is not a problem.

We entered via an alleyway off High Street, but access is available from Kesterton Park, which has a walkway over the water and an interesting entrance sign. We exited this way, so got to see both. Future plans will have a more official entrance off High Street.

What you will Find at the Base

Today, Sub Base Platypus has been redeveloped and transformed into a public space for the community to enjoy. The site includes a range of facilities and features, including a playground, public spaces, and a memorial to submariners who lost their lives in service to Australia.

The playground is a popular attraction for families, with a range of equipment and play areas designed for children of all ages. The playground has been designed to reflect the history of the site, with play structures shaped like torpedoes and submarines. Stepping stones running through the gardens are labeled with the phonetic alphabet (alpha, bravo, Charlie etc.).

In addition to the playground, Sub Base Platypus is also home to the Submariners Memorial, which honors those who served on the Oberon class submarines, particularly the three men who lost their lives while serving. The memorial includes HMAS Oxley’s anchor and the names of the submarines on the steps.

Although currently closed, the old workshops and torpedo factory are, planned to re-open in the future. On High Street, a series of information boards show large photos of operations in these buildings.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, there are plans to further develop Sub Base Platypus into a cultural precinct that celebrates the site’s rich history and promotes community engagement. The development plans include a range of facilities, including a museum, art galleries, and performance spaces.

What Did We Think?

Overall, Sub Base Platypus is an important and unique site that has been transformed into a valuable community asset. Its history as a submarine base and gasworks site is honored through its public spaces and features, making it a significant and memorable part of Sydney’s cultural landscape.