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
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.
