Some of Sydney’s most unusual and awe inspiring marvels are often overlooked while its inhabitants go about their daily routines. It’s only since my children have arrived and we have begun adventuring off the beaten track that I, myself a resident for the last decade and a half, have started to discover some real delights. Today’s Hidden in Plain Sight post is dedicated to the Shipwrecks of Homebush Bay.
A month or two ago I came across a little snippet on a blog that spoke about Sydney’s floating gardens. The details were sketchy with no location clearly identified. It was enough to spark my curiosity which led to a little research. It didn’t take much to find their location and soon I was on the hunt.
In the mid 60s, a section of Homebush Bay was used as ship-breaking yard. The ships came in and were stripped, their metals salvaged and parts of them repurposed (parts of the Meggol became an artificial reef). When the yard closed, many ships were left behind. Shipwreck!
There are still many ships remaining in the bay, slowly rusting away. But why? Well, my understanding is that the historic Shipwrecks Act of 1976 appliesto any shipwrecks over 75 years of age, and any over 50 years of age in lakes and rivers (such as Parramatta River) are protected under the NSW Heritage Act of 1977.
The most visible of all the wrecks is the SS Ayrfield. Built in the UK in 1911, this steel-hulled, single screw, steam collier was purchased by the Commonwealth Government in 1912 and used to carry supplied to our allies in the Pacific region during World War II. It changed hands a few times before being deregistered in 1972 and sent to Homebush Bay for breaking up. It can be viewed near the mouth of Haslams Creek (follow the path that will walk you behind the unit blocks for the best view).
The SS Ayrfield would have been an everyday steam collier back in its day. Today it is mesmerising, becoming beautiful as it rusts away with lush greenery covering it. It has become a floating garden.
Adventure a little further into the mangroves as you’ll also catch sight of SS Mortlake Bank (also a steam collier), SS Heroic (a steel-hulled, steam tugboat), HMAS Karangi (a steel-hulled, boom defence vessel) and a handful of barges, dredges, and lighters. You can even catch glimpse of the 1970s MSB constructed ramp which now looks a little frightening with its splintered wood sticking into the air like spikes.
The Shipwrecks of Homebush Bay can be found to both the right and left of Haslams Creek. You will need to park your car on Bennelong Parkway and walk. Click here for the google map location of the Homebush Bay Shipwrecks. Of course, viewing the shipwrecks is free. Keep the kids close so they don’t fall in!
