Sub Base Platypus is a unique site located in Neutral Bay, Sydney, Australia. The site has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was originally used as a gasworks site. In the early 1960s, the site was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and used as a submarine base until it was decommissioned in the 1990s. During this time, the bas was home to the six Oberon class submarines operated by the RAN.
Not only were the submarines themselves based here, but a torpedo factory, maintenance facilities and a school for submariners provided a complete support structure for them.
Although long retired, several of the Oberons still exist as museum displays. HMS Onslow is close by in Sydney at the National Maritime Museum, while HMS Otway sits in Holbrook.
Getting There
We chose to take public transport because parking in the area is limited. A small carpark on Kiara Close provides somewhere to park if you drive. When we visited, this area was being extended, so perhaps in the future more space will be available.
The closest train station is Milsons Point, so we got off there and walked for only 10 minutes to get to the old submarine base. On the way we passed plenty of cafes and eateries, so grabbing a snack or drink is not a problem.
We entered via an alleyway off High Street, but access is available from Kesterton Park, which has a walkway over the water and an interesting entrance sign. We exited this way, so got to see both. Future plans will have a more official entrance off High Street.
What you will Find at the Base
Today, Sub Base Platypus has been redeveloped and transformed into a public space for the community to enjoy. The site includes a range of facilities and features, including a playground, public spaces, and a memorial to submariners who lost their lives in service to Australia.
The playground is a popular attraction for families, with a range of equipment and play areas designed for children of all ages. The playground has been designed to reflect the history of the site, with play structures shaped like torpedoes and submarines. Stepping stones running through the gardens are labeled with the phonetic alphabet (alpha, bravo, Charlie etc.).
In addition to the playground, Sub Base Platypus is also home to the Submariners Memorial, which honors those who served on the Oberon class submarines, particularly the three men who lost their lives while serving. The memorial includes HMAS Oxley’s anchor and the names of the submarines on the steps.
Although currently closed, the old workshops and torpedo factory are, planned to re-open in the future. On High Street, a series of information boards show large photos of operations in these buildings.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, there are plans to further develop Sub Base Platypus into a cultural precinct that celebrates the site’s rich history and promotes community engagement. The development plans include a range of facilities, including a museum, art galleries, and performance spaces.
What Did We Think?
Overall, Sub Base Platypus is an important and unique site that has been transformed into a valuable community asset. Its history as a submarine base and gasworks site is honored through its public spaces and features, making it a significant and memorable part of Sydney’s cultural landscape.
Lift and stairs to the to of the cliffSubmarine School and workshop buildingsThe gas works Retort HouseSubmariner’s MemorialSteps with the names of the six Oberon class submarines operated by AustraliaWharfSubmarine themed playgroundPhonetic alphabet stepping stonesView over one of the public spacesOld administration building built into the cliff wallView looking over the northern part of the baseView over the workshops with the upper walkway on the leftEntrance from Kesterton ParkTorpedo Factory under constructionTorpedo maintenanceInformation board showing the old torpedo factory
HMS M1 was a submarine of the British Royal Navy, one of four vessels of her class ordered towards the end of the First World War. She sank with the loss of her entire crew in 1925.
The vessels were originally intended as “submarine monitors”, but their purpose had been changed before detailed design began. M1 was fitted with a 12-inch (305mm) gun which was intended for use against surface ships in preference to torpedoes, the argument being that, “No case is known of a ship-of-war being torpedoed when under way at a range outside of 1000 yards”.
Although the gun had an effective range of 15,000 yards (14 km), it was normally fired using a simple bead sight at periscope depth with only the barrel above the water. It was important for the submarine’s gun to sink or disable the target with the first shot, because the gun could only be loaded on the surface.
She was launched on 9 July 1917, but was not involved in active service in the First World War.
In 1923, water leaking into the barrel of the gun resulted in extensive damage to the muzzle when it was fired. She sank with all 69 hands on 12 November 1925 while on an exercise in the English Channel. A Swedish ship, SS Vidar, struck the submerged M1 and sank her in 70 m of water. The collision tore the gun from the hull and water flooded the interior through the open loading hole. The crew members appear to have tried to escape by flooding the interior and opening the escape hatch, but their bodies were never found.
HMS M1HMS M1HMS M1HMS M1HMS M1HMS M1HMS M1 Firing her 12″ GunHMS M1 Gun Explodes After a Leak Allowed Water into the Gun BarrelHMS M1 1925HMS M1HMS M1 in IstanbulHMS M1 in ConstantinopleOfficers in the wardroom of HMS M1. On the table is a silver cock the mascot of Commander Max Horton
We recently took a week off to travel to Melbourne from Singleton in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. The excuse for this trip was to visit our daughter who is training with the Navy on the Mornington Peninsular. She has just finished a course, so never ones to pass up an opportunity, we put a quick plan together to drive down and visit some places on the way we had not seen before.
As we were running to a deadline to be in Melbourne, not everything on our way could be seen. Many interesting things had to be bypassed, or only looked at briefly. The same was true for the return trip, as work commitments meant we had to be back.
On previous trips, we have taken the shortest route, via Sydney down the Hume Highway. This time our journey took us via the Bylong Valley and Bathurst. This takes a few extra hours of driving, but gave us the opportunity to see a part of the country we hadn’t visited before.
Day 1.
We left early at 6AM. This was done to give ourselves plenty of time in case of delays and get the most out of the day. The Golden Highway going north is generally only single lane with the occasional overtaking lane. If you get stuck behind a slow driver, truck or caravan, overtaking opportunities can be limited. Be patient, there are some long clear straights where visibility is good and there are usually overtaking lanes going up-hill. Being outside of school holidays must have worked well, as we did not get delayed at all by traffic.
We turned off the Golden Highway before Sandy Hollow onto the Bylong Valley Way. This country road is single lane, often windy and steep in a couple of places. It does however, offer some great views as you travel along the Goulburn River. At Rylstone, we made a quick stop for fuel, coffee and a change of drivers. The coffee from the café in the main street was great and the food from the bakery was excellent value. We ate some of it now and kept the rest for lunch.
Bathurst
Arriving at Bathurst around 10AM, we found that there was a race meeting on at Mount Panorama. The National Motor Racing Museum is located within the race’s boundary, so we couldn’t go in. Who would have thought? A race on at a racing track? Next time we’ll know to check if there is an event on and you can’t enter without a ticket for the event as well.
Although a little disappointed that we missed the museum, we stopped in the main street of Bathurst. A takeaway coffee was bought and we relaxed in the park off the main street. There is a statue commemorating the discovery of the area by George William Evans as well as a local aboriginal warrior.
George William Evans Statue Bathurst NSW
St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church Bathurst NSW
Bathurst NSW
Cowra
Japanese POW and ANZAC Cemetery
A 90-minute drive to Cowra brought us to the Japanese and ANZAC cemetery. This was one of the main reasons for travelling this route. A very peaceful place on the outskirts of Cowra, over 200 Japanese prisoners are buried here, most of them from the breakout late in World War 2. There is also a section nearby for the Allied servicemen who died in the area.
Cowra Prisoner of War Camp
Not far from the cemetery are the remains of the Prisoner of War camp. There is a replica guard tower and a covered area with descriptions of the camp and explanations of the breakout. There is also a memorial to the Italian prisoners who died while held there. We were not aware of the other nationalities incarcerated there, as most of the publicity is about the Japanese. There is very little of the actual camp remaining. Mostly concrete blocks. The information provided there however, helps set out the environment of the camp and the actions taken during the breakout.
Tourist Information Office
There is a very nice Tourist Information Office in the centre of town. As well as looking at the supply of brochures to see what else was on in Cowra, we spoke to the friendly woman behind the desk. She told us that the Archibald Prize paintings were on display at the local art gallery. This was conveniently located opposite the Peace Bell which we also wanted to see.
Entry to the gallery was by donation, which is very reasonable. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed, but we spent some time admiring the art work. Not being experts in art, we only spent about 15 minutes.
Peace Bell
The Peace Bell is located across the road from the gallery in Civic Square. You can walk up to the pavilion it is housed in and ring the bell. A replica of the one in the forecourt of the United Nations, it is the only one in the world not located in a city.
ANZAC War Cemetary Cowra NSW
Japanese War Cemetary Cowra NSW
Japanese War Cemetary Cowra NSW
Guard Tower Cowra POW Camp
Italian Memorial Cowra NSW
POW Camp Cowra NSW
The Peace Bell Cowra
Temora
Driving another two hours had us arriving in Temora and the Temora Aviation Museum at 2:00PM. Many of the aircraft here are in flying condition and put on a display on Saturdays. Check before you plan to visit for dates and times. The collection ranges from Tiger Moth biplanes to Meteor jet fighters and a Canberra bomber. For me the highlight was a CAC Boomerang, an Australian designed and built fighter from World War 2. The aircraft in the hanger could be walked right up to and ladders and platforms were set up so you could view the cockpits. There were plenty of staff and pilots around that you could talk to and get details of the aircraft.
In addition to the operational hanger, there is an air-conditioned display hanger. This is full of other aircraft, including a Wirraway, Sabre, Dragonfly, Canberra and Vampire. Photo opportunities are excellent as the barriers are very close to the aircraft, so you can approach them all closely.
CAC Boomerang – Temora NSW
Lockheed Hudson Temora NSW
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
Boeing Stearman
We stayed overnight at the Aromet Motor Inn in Temora. At $105 for the night including continental breakfast, is was a cheap budget option. The motel is old, but is clean and the bed comfortable, which was all we were after. Dinner was at the Terminus Hotel in the centre of town. A quick counter meal with drinks only set us back $50. Typical pub food, simple, tasty and lots of it. And cold beer which is important.
Terminus Hotel Temora NSW
Day 2.
The Aromet continental breakfast was delivered at 7:00AM as we asked. Toast is a do it yourself affair using the toaster provided in the room. Make sure the toaster is set low, or if you burn the toast, the fire alarm will go off. As we found out.
Junee
There is a chocolate and liquorice factory in Junee, 40 minutes south of Temora on the Olympic Highway. There is not much to see on the drive, but watch out for the road side mail boxes. They come in all different designs, from planes and tractors to miniature houses. The chocolate factory opens at 9:AM, so as we had an hour to wait, we got a coffee in the main street. Not the best of coffees and both were deposited into a nearby bin. There is a nice park running up the centre of the main street. It contains the War Memorial and a statue to Ray Warren, a well know football commentator and radio personality. The main attraction however, is the beautiful train station and surrounding buildings dating from 1878. There were some excellent photo opportunities, as no one else seemed to be around on a sleepy Sunday morning.
Junee Train Station
Junee Train Station
Ray Warren Statue
The Chocolate factory is based in an old flour mill, built in the 1930s. It was opened promptly at 9:00 by a very friendly staff member. We had a look around the show rooms and factory area, buying some of the organically produced licorice. There is a very nice café / restaurant, serving very nice coffee and snacks. We didn’t order a meal from the restaurant, but the setting in the old mill is very nice. Licorice is produced on a Sunday, so if you specifically want to see that, that’s the day to be there.
Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory
Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory
Holbrook
Heading back onto the Olympic Highway we drove through Wagga Wagga and onto the A41 towards Holbrook. Our reason for this detour was to see the submarine that is on display. HMAS Otway forms the centrepiece of the town’s tourist attractions. As well as the sub there is a nice museum and café.
The submarine is fully accessible. Your permitted to climb the casing and walk around the deck. As well at Otway, there is a model of the B11 submarine, which was commanded by Lieutenant Holbrook a winner of the Victoria Cross (the town was renamed after him). Near the museum is a replica of submarine AE2’s conning tower. The museum displays a history a Australia’s submarine history and is really worth the small entrance fee.
HMAS Otway was purchased in 1995, after fund-raising in the district. 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.
HMAS OtwayHolbrook NSW
HMAS Otway Holbrook NSW
Submarine B11 Model Holbrook NSW
Torpedo Near HMAS Otway Holbrook NSW
Etamogah Pub
The Hume Highway heads south-west from Holbrook to Albury. We stopped off at the Etamogah Pub for a quick bite to eat. Very much set up to attract tourists, it is never the less worth having a look at, even if to just claim you had a beer there.
Etamogah Pub
Glenrowan
Not stopping in Albury, as we had been there before, we drove on to Glenrowan. This little town is famous as the last stand of the Kelly Gang. The location of the final fight with the police is well-marked out and it is possible to visualise how the fight unfolded. In the township itself, there are several museums and shops dedicated to Kelly memorabilia. The museum we looked through was very interesting, tracing the story of Ned Kelly’s life. The interpretation of Ned’s motivations and his politics are somewhat debatable, and depending who you talk to, a different set of “facts” will be proffered.
Big Ned Kelly Glenrowan Vic
Replica Ned Kelly ArmorGlenrowan Vic
Marker at the Kelly’s Last StandGlenrowan Vic
Wangaratta
For the night, we stayed at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway. The room was very comfortable and the restaurant served very delicious meals. The hotel cost $206 for the night including breakfast, which was buffet for the continental portion and table service for the cooked meal.
