AdBlock Detected

It looks like you're using an ad-blocker!

Our team work realy hard to produce quality content on this website and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled.

Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins

Remains of the processing plant Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins

Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins

Located in the Capertee Valley the Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins were once a thriving industrial complex. Established in 1940, the Glen Davis Shale Oil Works were a strategic investment that produced petrol for New South Wales while at the same time providing work for unemployed miners. The process involved mining shale using the underground bord and pillar method. This shale then underwent treatment at the adjoining plant to extract the oil. Refining the oil produced petrol which at the time was important for the war effort.

Dwindling shale reserves, old machinery, and poor productivity led to the facility closing in 1952. All removable items were sold leaving only the buildings which are now ruins.

Getting There

Located in the Capertee Valley, the ruins are on private property, with access by guided tour only. We drove from Kandos, through the beautiful Capertee Valley and met our guide at the gates to the property. Payment is either by bank transfer prior to the tour, or cash on the day. Electronic payments can’t be processed because there is no phone reception.

On arrival, wait at the gates to “The Poplars” in your car until the guide arrives. They will let you through the gates and run through a safety briefing before starting the tour. While we waited we took the chance to look at the amazing valley walls that make up the Capertee Valley. Covered in gum trees, with the setting sun giving the rocks a red glow was a bonus to the trip.

Remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen because it can get very hot.

The Capertee Valley walls
The Capertee Valley walls

The Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins Tour

Running around two hours, the tour takes you through the remaining structures on site. The guide was very informative and covered everything from the area’s history, how the plant worked and why it closed. For many of the buildings, he had photos of how it used to look.

The site has been used for TV show such as SAS Australia, so the guide pointed out where it took place.

The tour takes a loop through the site, so you are always seeing new sites, rather than back-tracking through places you have already see. This is great because it means the whole two hours was full with no repetition.

Unfortunately the ruins are not heritage listed, so have no protection. Also, the current owner is selling the property (as of November 2023), so a new owner is not obliged to provide tours, or even keep the buildings as they are.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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

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.

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

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.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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