Holbrook

Our destination of Holbrook was part of a seven-day road trip from the Hunter Valley to Melbourne.  Our reason for stopping here was to see the submarine that is on display.  Yes, there is a submarine on display in a town over 100km from the coast!  HMAS Otway forms the centrepiece of the town’s tourist attractions, many of which involve submarines.  As well as the sub there is a nice museum, café and submarine related monuments.

The outside of the submarine is fully accessible.  You are permitted to climb the casing and walk around on the deck.  A model of submarine B11 is nearby.  It was commanded by  Lieutenant Holbrook a winner of the Victoria Cross. The town was previosly called Germanton, but was  renamed after him in 1915.  Near the museum is a replica of submarine AE2’s conning tower.  Scuttled after being damaged by a Turkish torpedo boat, AE2 was the only RAN vessel lost to enemy action in World War 1. 

The museum displays a history a Australia’s submarine history and is really worth the small entrance fee. You to trace the changing technology of submarines and their use by Australia because the displays are arranged chronologically. A section comprises the interior of a submarine, which lets you experience how cramped it is.

Fund-raising in the district allowed HMAS Otway to be purchased in 1995.  Most of the $100,000 raised was from Lt Holbrook’s widow.  This was enough to buy the outer casing of the submarine above the waterline, which is what is now displayed in the town.

The adjoining café served very nice light meals and coffee, with seating inside, or out in the shade.  An excellent place to stop for a break, stretch you legs, have a coffee and learn about submarines.