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Tag: Fortress

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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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Federation Cliffs Walk Sydney Australia

Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

Federation Cliffs Walk

The five-kilometer Federation Cliffs Walk offers spectacular coastal views, with sandstone cliffs, a lighthouse and a shipwreck memorial.

Getting There

We chose to use public transport to the Federation Cliffs Walk, as this meant we could start at one end of the Walk and finish at the other, without having to return to the starting point. A ferry from Circular Quay took us to Watson’s Bay Wharf, where we started the walk, while the return trip was by bus to Central Station, from Diamond Bay Reserve.

The Gap Lookout and Walking Track

From Watsons Bay Wharf, we made the short walk to the Gap Lookout, where we started our walk. From the lookout, views of the cliffs and out to sea are amazing. Well-made and maintained walkways make the track easy to walk and from here heads south to Bondi and beyond.

Wreck of the Dunbar

Launched on 30 November 1854, the Dunbar was a first-class passenger and cargo carrier. On the night of 20 August 1857, the ship approached the entrance to Port Jackson from the south, but heavy rain and a strong gale winds made navigating difficult. Possibly mistaking The Gap as the port’s entrance, the captain ran the ship onto the rocks. Of the 122 people on board, only one survived.

As a result of this tragedy and the loss of the Catherine Adamson at North Head nine weeks later, the Government built Hornby Lighthouse.

Containing one of Dunbar’s anchors, a memorial stands on the cliffs above the wreck site.

Dunbar Memorial
Dunbar Memorial
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

Signal Hill

Constructed in 1892-1893, Signal Hill Battery was one of many defensive forts built around Sydney. Originally armed with a BL 9.2-inch (234 mm) Mk VI breech-loading counter bombardment British Armstrong disappearing gun, the fort operated until just after World War Two. By this stage the original gun had been replace by two six-inch guns. Fortunately, the 9.2-inch is on display at North Head, near the Memorial Walk.

Memorial plaques give tribute to those who served here as well as providing historical context for the structures.

This is a great place to stop on your walk to understand some of Sydney’s history and admire the fantastic views.

Cliff Top Fortifications
Cliff Top Fortifications

Memorials

Walking along the Federation Cliffs Walk, you will come across many memorials, it is worth stopping to view them. Some are for loved ones lost overseas, while others commemorate the locations of fortifications or the service of military regiments.

Lieutenant Grieve's Memorial
Lieutenant Grieve’s Memorial

Macquarie Lighthouse

Designed by James Barnet and built from 1881 to 1883, Macquarie Lighthouse is 26m tall. Heritage listed, it is still fully operational and under the control of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The white tower makes an outstanding photo when set against a deep blue summer sky.

Macquarie Lighthouse on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Macquarie Lighthouse

The Grave Of Edmund Barton

Sir Edmund Barton, GCMG, PC, KC (18 January 1849 – 7 January 1920) was an Australian politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1901 to 1903. Located in South Head General Cemetery and marked by a cross headstone, Barton’s grave is difficult to find amongst all of the others found there.

An interesting place to visit because of the historical importance of Barton.

Edmund Barton's Grave
Edmund Barton’s Grave

Diamond Bay Reserve

Federation Cliffs Walk offers many superb views of the ocean and cliffs. One of the best is at Diamond Bay, where walkways and a viewing platform provide excellent views. Fishermen have constructed stairs and a gateway on the cliff face. The walkway provides a safe place for photographers

Waverley Council encourages visitors to Diamond Bay Reserve to stay away from the cliff’s edge. A 27 year-old woman past away recently after slipping when taking a photo on the cliff’s edge. Fencing and signs are there for your safety.

Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay
Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay
Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs
Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

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

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Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is an abbey built on an island that used to be isolated at high tide, established by a bishop after seeing a vision from the Archangel Michael (hence its name).

Why Did We Go?

Mont Saint Michel is one of those iconic places that looks fantastic in a photo, making it a must see on many people’s to do lists.  The idea of being able to see it, when we may never return to this part of France meant we had to visit.  We chose a day trip from Paris.  It was a very long day, with a three and a half hour journey each way, and four hours spent at Mont Saint Michel.

We were very lucky to have a good guide for this trip and her descriptions of the Mont and the Abbey were excellent.  A huge bonus was the headphones, as she could talk to all of us, despite the huge crowds and noise.

The Bus Trip

It was long.  It was boring.  The rest stop was at a roadhouse service station.  The sort of generic ones you see everywhere.  The queue for the toilets was huge and took most of the available time.  Trying to buy food and drinks was equally hopeless.  Fortunately, we brought our own, so were well supplied.

When you arrive, the tour has organised lunch in one of the restaurants.  If you are not on an organised tour, there a several places to eat before going out to the Mont.  There is a row of shops on either side of the road by the car park. These sell food and a wide range of souvenirs.  I would suggest eating here as the food on the Mont itself is overpriced (unless you really want to have a meal over there).

Shuttle Bus

There are two ways to get out to the Mont itself.  The causeway is set up for pedestrians, so if you have time you can walk.  However, there is a shuttle bus that runs across.  As we were with a tour and had to stay together, we all took the shuttle.  Well, we took two as the first was crowded and we could not all fit on.

Mont Saint Michel

The tour through the Abbey and ramparts was fascinating.  Without a tour guide, or lots of prior knowledge, we would have wandered around, but missed many points of interest.  The outside is just like you see in the photos, an Abbey perched on top of a small island.  The interior though is quite spartan, with most furnishings missing.  Without a guide, the function and history of each room would be a mystery.

Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel

The Abbey
The Abbey

The Village

Well, it’s more of a street and any similarity to Medieval times is the way the shop keepers try to swindle money out of you.  It is the typical tourist trap.  The street is full of gift shops selling poor quality overpriced items and restaurants selling overpriced food and beer.

The Village Street
The Village Street

The Ramparts

The Abbey’s walls are a place not to be missed because the views across the bay and to the Atlantic are very good.  Walking around the walls also gives a great impression of how impregnable this would have been.  A great spot to take some spectacular photos.

What Did We Think?

We really liked the Abbey and its setting.  It is no wonder that it is UNESCO listed.  The bus trip however was too long.  What we should have done, was plan a longer stay in Normandy and combined our trip to the D-Day battlefields and our trip to the Loire Valley Chateaux.  We would have seed far more and spent less time on a bus.