Located in the Sydney suburb of Waverley, Sawmillers Reserve is a beautiful park with an industrial heritage. For 100 years from 1880, the area housed a sawmill, but is now a leafy park on Sydney Harbour. Not only are remnants of the sawmill visible, but a ship wreck sits on the harbour foreshore.
Getting There
Public transport is a great option when visiting here, because parking is limited. We used the train, getting off at North Sydney Station before walking ten minutes to the reserve. On the way we stopped at a little coffee shop, before continuing.
Alternatively, it’s only a 10-minute walk from McMahons Point Ferry Wharf, giving another easy way to get here.
Ruins at Sawmillers Reserve
The reserve contains the remains of the sawmill, which have been placed together by artist Jane Gillings. The ruins draw attention to the changing use of the site from industrial, to open public space.
Remains of the Timber Yard
Ship Wreck
The wreck of a Marine Service Board Hopper Barge lies just offshore, making an excellent backdrop to Sydney Harbour. Now slowly rusting away, the barge broke its moorings in the 1960s, before grounding in Berrys Bay off Sawmillers Reserve. This barge was used to carry dredged material out to the spoil dumping grounds off Sydney, but is now a heritage listed wreck.
Wrecked Barge on the Foreshore
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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
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 Explaining the Dock’s Use
Information Board
The Caisson
Woolwich Dock
The View From Woolwich Lookout
Harbour end of the Dock
End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
Yacht Docked in Woolwich
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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
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
Roof of Fort Banks
Fort Banks
Rusty Steel Doors 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
Waves Breaking Over the Rock Platform
Eroded Cliff on Cape Banks
Undercut Cliff
Eroded Cliff on Cape Banks
Looking Along the Cape From the SS Minmi
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
Wreck of the SS Minmi on 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.
