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Category: Military

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Woolwich Dock on Sydney Harbour

Harbour end of Woolwich Dock

Woolwich Dock

Originally the largest dry dock in Australia when completed in 1910, Woolwich Dock is now a reminder of the past. Owned by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the dock is well maintained and access is free.

Getting There

Only a ten-minute walk from Woolwich Wharf, Woolwich Dock was once a bustling shipyard, but is now a quiet reminder of the past. Boat maintenance still takes place, but not on the huge scale in the first half of last century.

One of the best ways to get around Sydney is the ferry and train system, especially if you want to visit places close to the harbour. Ferries run regularly from convenient points all over the harbour.

The Goat Paddock

Access to the dock is through the Goat Paddock, with nicely maintained gardens. There are also great views of Sydney Harbour, along with bench seats to relax on and admire the scenery. Not sure why it’s called the goat paddock, maybe some used to be kept there in the past.

  • The Goat Paddock
    The Goat Paddock
  • Sydney Harbour and Bridge From Woolwich Dock
    Sydney Harbour and Bridge From Woolwich Dock

Woolwich Dock

Located at the base of the Goat Paddock, Woolwich Dock is accessible on both sides. A walkway runs around the dock, with handrails for protection. The rail track used for the 100 ton crane is still in place, which is great.

At the end of the dock is what looks like an old ship. It’s actually the caisson, which was used to block the open end of the dock, before pumping it dry. Several very handy information boards explain the dock’s operation, which were very useful.

Along with the dock, the caisson was very interesting to see.

Several expensive yachts were moored here, possibly for maintenance, as the Harbour Trust leases workshops to several companies.

The end of the dock ends in a cliff overhang, where ferns have grown into the sandstone, making it look beautiful. For a great perspective view, walk to the Woolwich Lookout, where a bird’s eye view lets you appreciate the dock and the harbour.

  • Information Board
    Information Board Explaining the Dock’s Use
  • Information Board
    Information Board
  • The Caisson
    The Caisson
  • Woolwich Dock
    Woolwich Dock
  • Woolwich Dock From Viewing Platform
    The View From Woolwich Lookout
  • Harbour end of Woolwich Dock
    Harbour end of the Dock
  • End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
    End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
  • End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
    End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
  • Yacht Docked in Woolwich
    Yacht Docked in Woolwich

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

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Cape Banks Botany Bay National Park

Rock Platform and the Wreck of the SS Minmi

Cape Banks

Getting There

We drove to Cape Banks and parked near the pistol club and helicopter base. This large car park has plenty of space, so parking shouldn’t be a problem.

Cape Banks Walking Track

The Cape Banks Walking track runs past the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Base towards the coast. On the way you pass an old fortress before reaching the ocean. At this point you turn right, if you turn left, you will arrive back at the car park.

The track continues along the coast to the New South Wales Golf Club, where a small bridge leads out to the cape. From here you are able to explore the rock platform and the higher ground of the cape.

  • Bridge to reach the rock platform
    Bridge to reach the rock platform

Cape Banks Fortifications

Used to protect the approaches to Botany Bay, Fort Banks is an old World War II bunker and fortification complex. During World War Two, it was armed with two 9.2 inch guns, but these are long gone. Sand dunes and vegetation are overtaking the fortifications. Graffiti also covers most of the site, which detracts from the importance of the site.

Despite this, it is still an interesting spot to walk around, with some of the building accessible through rusty doors.

Several old tombstones are stored here, removed from the nearby Hospital Cemetery.

  • Fort Banks
    Fort Banks
  • Fort Banks
    Fort Banks
  • Roof of Fort Banks
    Roof of Fort Banks
  • Fort Banks
    Fort Banks
  • Rusty Steel Doors at Fort Banks
    Rusty Steel Doors at Fort Banks
  • Old Headstones at Fort Banks
    Old Headstones at Fort Banks

Rock Platform

Exposed at low tide, the rock platform provides great views over the ocean. Be careful because you need to climb over rocks to get there. Check the tides before going, to make sure the tide will be low. Rock pools and slippery surfaces on the platform mean you need to walk carefully to avoid slipping.

The small cliff face displays some great erosion patterns from wind and waves. The colours of the rocks are also interesting.

To visit the shipwreck at the end of the cape, make your way to the rocks, where the SS Minmi can be seen up close.

  • Rock Platform and the Wreck of the SS Minmi
    Rock Platform and the Wreck of the SS Minmi
  • Waves Breaking Over the Rock Platform
    Waves Breaking Over the Rock Platform
  • Eroded Cliff on Cape Banks
    Eroded Cliff on Cape Banks
  • Undercut Cliff on Cape Banks
    Undercut Cliff
  • Eroded Cliff on Cape Banks
    Eroded Cliff on Cape Banks
  • Looking Along Cape Banks From the SS Minmi
    Looking Along the Cape From the SS Minmi
  • Overhanging Eroded Rock on the Cliff Face
    Overhanging Eroded Rock on the Cliff Face

Wreck of the SS Minmi

Located at the far end of the rock platform, the remains of the wreck of the SS Minmi are easily accessible at low tide. Salvage work in the 1930s removed the forward part of the ship, so only the rear portion now remaining.

The SS Minmi was a 75m long, 1,455 ton collier built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1927. It was named after either the lower Hunter Valley town of Minmi, or the nearby Minmi Colliery.

The Minmi’s captain for all of her ten-year service was Captain McPhall, who had brought the ship to Australia. Captain McPhall commenced two weeks’ leave in the first week of May, leaving Chief Officer Callum to take over as Captain. On 8 May 1937 at 10 pm while returning to Newcastle after delivering coal to Melbourne, the ship struck the outside of Cape Banks. Frederick Boulton, the ship’s cook, collapsed and died of a heart attack soon after the ship struck the rocks.

The Minmi split in two at about 12:45 am, with crew members stranded on both the front and back sections. Those at the front were rescued without incident, but it was more perilous for those in the rear. During the rescue, one life was lost because of the heavy seas.

  • SS Minmi on the Rock Platform
    SS Minmi on the Rock Platform
  • SS Minmi on the Rocks
    Wreck of the SS Minmi on the Rocks
  • SS Minmi Wreckage Strewn Over the Rocks
    SS Minmi Wreckage Strewn Over the Rocks

What Did We Think?

This was a great little walk, because we saw an old fort, a shipwreck, and enjoyed some nice views. The walk is short, but does require some climbing over rocks and a visit at low tide is a must.

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Australian Army Infantry Museum

Matilda Tank Outside the Australian Army Infantry Museum

Australian Army Infantry Museum

Only a ten-minute drive south of Singleton in the Hunter Valley, the Australian Army Infantry Museum showcases the history of Australia’s infantry men and women from colonial times to the present.

Entry is free for Australian Defence Force members, with a modest $8.00 fee for adults (2020) and discounts for children and pensioners.

Located adjacent to the Lone Pine Barracks, the museum has a new car park with plenty of parking spaces.

The Museum

Housed in a new, state of the art, purpose-built building, the museum is a huge improvement on the previous building. The display hall is large, spacious and has sombre lighting. Professionally curated, the displays tell the story of Australian Infantry, their equipment, training and deployments.

The museum also houses a cafe, where you can purchase drinks snacks and light meals.

Outside Displays

In the outside courtyard a Matilda Tank and a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle an Australian-built four-wheel drive armoured vehicle.

Matilda Tank Outside the Australian Army Infantry Museum
Matilda Tank Outside the Australian Army Infantry Museum
Bushmaster
Bushmaster

Entrance

The entrance has a beautiful wall of remembrance, covered in poppies and listing the names of those fallen in battle.

The first exhibit that greets visitors is a huge bronze sculpture of an infantryman, which makes a great first impression.

Wall of Remembrance
Wall of Remembrance
Infantryman Statue Australian Army Infantry Museum
Infantryman Statue

Ground Floor Displays

The ground floor contains exhibits that cover heavy equipment the infantry used, from field-guns and personnel carriers to a helicopter. The walls contain display cases showing operational deployments, from Sudan in 1885 through to current commitments.

Universal Carrier
Universal Carrier
Pak 38 German Anti-Tank Gun
Pak 38 German Anti-Tank Gun
Equipment Display
Equipment Display
M113A1 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle Australian Army Infantry Museum
M113A1 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle
Bell UH-1 Iroquois
Bell UH-1 Iroquois

Upper Floor

Exhibits on the upper floor range from personal weapons such as rifles and grenades to uniforms and mortars. All of the exhibits are accompanied by explanations, which give excellent context to the displays. The displays show how they have developed and influenced the tactics, techniques and procedures of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps.

Weapons Display at the Australian Army Infantry Museum
Weapons Display at the Australian Army Infantry Museum
Weapons Display at the Australian Army Infantry Museum
Weapons Display at the Australian Army Infantry Museum
Uniform Display
Uniform Display
Uniform Display

What did We Think?

If you are travelling through the area, this is an excellent museum to visit. It provides a history of Australian Infantry, without glorifying war. It shows how the army has evolved from colonial times to the present, illustrating it with very professional displays.

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

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