3 hidden Sydney Harbour historical and cultural treasures

Learn more about the history, lived experiences, and losses of Sydneysiders by visiting these three former defence sites.

While many consider Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay the city’s quintessential attractions, they aren’t the only iconic harbour-side locations it boasts. From coastal walks at North Head to camping on the harbour’s biggest island, there is so much more to discover about Sydney and the people who have lived by its shores for thousands of years.

Returned to the public in recent times, the incredible places now protected and managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (Harbour Trust) are hubs of culture and history.

1. Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah, Sydney Harbour

With uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, punch-coloured sunsets over the city skyline and a 360-degree shoreline, Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah offers a fascinating snapshot of Australian history.

Sitting peacefully in the confluence of Parramatta River and Lane Cove, this prominent island has been a meeting place for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years, connecting the homelands of the Dharug-speaking Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal peoples.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convict Site.

Since European arrival a little over two hundred and fifty years ago, Cockatoo Island has been reinvented several times. In addition to a convict gaol that is now UNESCO World Heritage-listed, it’s been host to a major shipbuilding and repair facility, a training school for girls, a reformatory for young women and two nautical schools aboard ships for boys. The monumental naval shipyards, whose soundtrack travelled across the waters for over a century, played an essential role in both the First and Second World Wars, with operations ceasing in 1991.

Not surprisingly Cockatoo Island is a popular day trip destination and an even more spectacular escape for a night or more. The well-organised, waterfront campground is popular year-round, while the stylish holiday houses and apartments offer modern facilities and are perfect for families seeking a little extra comfort.

Stay at the stylish Harbour View Apartment.

To fully understand the cultural relevance of the well-preserved buildings and shipyards, as well as the island’s Indigenous significance, visitors can join one of several daytime walking tours around the island during the day, or they can test their metal with the popular adults-only Ghost tour. Running after dark, explore the oil-slicked Turbine Shop and deserted convict buildings while learning about the paranormal occurrences that have been reported here for over a century.

Stay after dark to discover Cockatoo Island’s spooky side. (Image: Rem Brand)

2. North Head Sanctuary, Manly

Located just 11km from the CBD, North Head Sanctuary is exactly that – a sanctuary of scenic coastal bushland, rare and endangered wildlife and a system of well-kept walking trails that straddle both expansive harbour views and dramatic ocean panoramas.

This sandstone outcrop of natural beauty not only has enduring significance for the Gayamagal people, who know it as Car-rang-gel, but it was also the site of some of the earliest interactions between First Nations peoples and Europeans. A century later, it was the site of a cemetery for those who lost their lives to smallpox and other infectious diseases at the nearby quarantine station, before playing a part in the defence of Australia during World War Two.

Take a tour inside North Fort. (Image: Robert Mulally)

In fact, up until 1952, the North Fort Battery featured two 9.2-inch calibre guns, each capable of firing a distance of 26.4km. Visitors can discover North Fort on the Defence of Sydney Tour – an exploration of the former army base led by knowledgeable Harbour Trust volunteers. The guides include former service people, who bring a historical (and often personal) context to the military narrative.

For those wanting to stretch their legs among the 74 hectares of remnant bushland, the extensive system of walking trails provides spectacular views. Lucky walkers may even spot a member of the endangered long-nosed bandicoots, as well as other species – like the eastern pygmy possum, brown antechinus and bush rat – that have been classified locally extinct in other parts of Australia.

Despite being just a five-minute drive from famous Manly Beach, this area is also home to various frogs, echidnas and about 100 different bird species, including the little wattlebird, New Holland honeyeater and white-browed scrubwren.

Take a hike along the expansive walking trails. (Image: Remy Brand)

3. Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney

Situated on the quiet waters of Neutral Bay and homeland of the Cammeraygal people, this tranquil part of the harbour has been inhabited for over 60,000 years.

In the late 1870s Europeans brought their industries here, including a gas works that operated for over half a century. Later, when Australia was deep in conflict during World War Two, a world-class torpedo factory was established here as the primary source of torpedoes for Allied Navies in the South Pacific. For the next decade, the factory continued to service the British Navy submarine fleet based at HMAS Penguin and the Royal Australian Navy’s destroyer fleet. In the last iteration of its military life, this area served as the base for the Royal Australian Navy’s Oberon-class submarines and was operational until the introduction of the Collins-class submarines in the 1990s.

Enjoy the tranquil surrounds of Sub Base Platypus.

Now known as Sub Base Platypus, the area has been reimagined as a recreation and educational precinct. Discover calming views of Neutral Bay, a vibrant three-piece mural by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding, an event and storytelling space, a playground and a soon-to-open waterfront landscape, Wirra Birra Park.

Visitors are invited to delve into the area’s cultural significance and military history on the Harbour Trust’s Sub Base Stories Tour, which covers both levels of Sub Base Platypus, including the newly-opened Torpedo Factory Precinct. With an experienced guide, visitors can access areas that were closed to the public for over 100 years.

For those wanting a more relaxed visit, there are shaded BBQ facilities, seating and a maritime-themed playground that pays tribute to the former submarine base, HMAS Platypus – all framed by sparkling harbour views.

Tour the newly-opened Torpedo Factory Precinct.

Start planning your Sydney Harbour adventure at harbourtrust.gov.au.