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Category: Building

Building

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Sub Base Platypus Torpedo Factory

Entrance to the Torpedo Factory

Sub Base Platypus Torpedo Factory

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 Platypus
Entrance to the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base Platypus
Torpedo Mark VIII Mod 4 on display Sub Base Platypus Torpedo Workshop
Torpedo Mark VIII Mod 4 on display
Rear underside view of the Mark VIII Torpedo
Rear underside view of the Mark VIII Torpedo
Old Signs Sub Base Platypus Torpedo Workshop
Old Signs
Old Signs
Old Signs

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Seal Rocks New South Wales

Looking down on Boat Beach

Seal Rocks New South Wales Australia

With a population of under 100, the small village of Seal Rocks on the NSW mid-north coast is a wonderfully relaxed beach and surfing paradise. At a little under 2 hours’ drive from Newcastle, it’s a popular holiday spot and can become crowded, during summer and school holidays. Part of the charm has been the residents’ opposition to commercial development, leaving the area untouched.

Surrounded by the Myall Lakes National Park and beaches, it’s an excellent place for camping, bush walking and surfing. If you have a boat, the appropriately named Boat Beach has boat-ramps onto the sand.

Looking down on Boat Beach
Looking down on Boat Beach
Looking along Boat Beach Seal Rocks
Looking along Boat Beach
Rocks and cliff at the end of the beach Seal Rocks
Rocks and cliff at the end of the beach
Lighthouse Beach Seal Rocks
Lighthouse Beach from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.

The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.

The Walk

Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.

If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.

Sea Cave

Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.

Sea Cave
Sea Cave
Small Rocky Inlet
Small Rocky Inlet

Path to the Lighthouse

On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.

Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

The Lighthouse

Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before returning to our car.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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South Eveleigh Sydney Australia

Old boiler room

South Eveleigh Sydney Australia

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 room
Old boiler room
Workshop area. Still in use by hobbyists
Workshop area. Still in use by hobbyists
Tool room
Tool room
Workshop area. Still in use by hobbyists South Eveleigh
Workshop area. Still in use by hobbyists
New business offices inside the old workshops South Eveleigh
New business offices inside the old workshops
Old jig borer on display
Old jig borer on display
Steam hammer on display South Eveleigh
Steam hammer on display
Photo display
Photo display
View from second floor showing cafe and brewery next to machinery displays South Eveleigh
View from second floor showing cafe and brewery next to machinery displays

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.