Sydney has an association with submarines that started in 1914 with the arrival of the first two Royal Australian Navy submarines – AE1 and AE2.
This association with torpedoes, submarines and submariners has continued ever since.
As Sydney Harbour was the only place in Australia to have ships attacked by submarines there is a story to tell.
This tour of Sub Base Platypus led by knowledgeable Naval Historical Society Guides describes:
- the site history and story of sub base HMAS Platypus,
- different classes of submarines operated by the RAN over a century,
- the Torpedo Factory which operated on the Platypus site,
- 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack and
- the submarine service and life of a submariner.
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Tour Information
Dates: Available dates for the first half of 2022 are as follows;
15 Feb, 23 Mar, 12 Apr, 26 Apr, 10 May, 24 May, 14 Jun and 28 Jun.
Location: Sub Base Platypus is located at 120 High Street, North Sydney NSW 2060.
Time: The tour commences at 10.30am and concludes at 12.30 pm inside Sub Base Platypus.
Group Size: from 10 to 25 maximum
Meeting Point: The tour starting location is the submariner’s memorial on the northern end of the Sub Base Platypus wharf.
Mobility: Sub Base Platypus is on several levels. However, there are stairs and lifts, the tour will be on the flat to gently rising surfaces.
Footwear: Sensible footwear is a must.
Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and bottled water: The tour is outdoors. Come prepared, even if the weather is overcast.
Planning your trip: You can access Sub Base Platypus by ferry to Kirribilli Wharf or by bus. Please visit transportnsw.info for timetables. There is ample public parking on the site inside the old Torpedo Factory entranced from High Street and clearly marked.
Booking and Payment
Book online through the Societies website shop. Select your tour date and pay for the whole group in one transaction. The cost is $25 per head.
You must also provide a nominal list of group members. Proforma download
For alternative payment options please contact the Society.
Cancellation Policy: Although it is possible for the tour to proceed rail, hail or shine if cancellation or postponement is necessary, a cancellation fee of $125 will apply. This is necessary to cover fees the Society has paid to the site operator, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
COVID Protocols: All group members must be fully vaccinated, not suffering flu like symptoms and observe local site requirements.
Tour Co-ordinator Contact
Phone: 0451 218 408 (Tuesday and Thursday only 0900 to 1500)
E-mail: tours@navyhistory.org.au