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Navy in Sydney Garden Island & Platypus Cruise

Name: Navy in Sydney Garden Island &amp; Platypus Cruise
SKU: 78639
Price: 90.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$90.00

Would you like to know more about Royal Australian Navy (RAN) activities and facilities in Sydney Harbour from 1788 to the present, especially during WW II?

You are invited to join the Naval Historical Society of Australia for a three-hour cruise Garden Island & Platypus East of the Harbour Bridge. A comprehensive commentary is provided supported by information and photos on TVs to bring the commentary to life. A complementary booklet with lots of information and photos is provided as a souvenir

If booking for a group of 10 or more contact the Cruise Coordinator, Email: – cruises@navyhistory.au or Phone 0451 218 336, to create your booking to receive your discount. If you can organise a group of 60 to 80 people it may be possible to schedule a dedicated cruise for you.

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SKU: N/A Category: Tours and Cruises

Description

The History of the RAN

Learn the fascinating history of Australia’s Navy from its actual beginnings in 1913 on the arrival of its first fleet into Sydney Harbour and subsequent service in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and a number of other conflicts.

These topics will be covered by a commentary and PowerPoint presentations:

Garden Island

Also known as Fleet Base East, Garden Island has a unique and rich history from a Naval, architectural and colonial perspective. The island, which was joined to the mainland at Potts Point in 1941-45 is a working Navy base and home to many buildings dating from 1887. Notably, the Naval Chapel and its stained-glass windows some well over 90 years old and each tells its own Naval history.

The Ships of Garden Island

A commentary on the ships home based and alongside at Garden Island. There is always an interesting variation in the types of ships, their ages, functions, history & future.

The Construction & Operation of the Captain Cook Graving Dock (The Dry Dock)

Learn about the reclamation of land between the island and Potts Point from 1941-1945. This massive project increased the size of Garden Island from 11 acres to 67 acres & simultaneously enabled the construction of the dock which is still continuously in use today.

The Japanese Midget Submarine Attack

A commentary on the Japanese Navy’s midget submarine attack on Sydney Harbour. On Sunday 31 May 1942, three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour with the intent of sinking or damaging the cruiser, USS Chicago. Two submarines were destroyed and one escaped to eventually be discovered off the Sydney’s northern beaches.

The History of HMAS Platypus

HMAS Platypus was commissioned on 18 August 1967 as the eastern Australian base for the six RAN Oberon-class submarines. Over its years of operation, Platypus has provided a home base for Australia’s Submarine Squadron. You will be given a virtual tour of an OBERON class submarine. It was Australia’s only dedicated submarine Base. The base was closed in 1999.

The Future of the RAN

Learn about the changes in technology and the planned changes in the fleet. Also learn about a recent strategic review, some recent announcements and the way forward

Departure Point:
King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW

Vessel: MV BENNELONG

Check-in Time: 09:30am. Boarding Time: 09:45am. for 10:00am. departure

End Time: between 12:30pm. – 1:00pm.

Departure Point: King Street Wharf 3, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW.

Access: Ferry to Barangaroo or Train and walk from Wynyard or Town Hall Stations.

Detailed information will be emailed to you approximately 1week prior to departure.

Tour Co-ordinator Contact

Email: – cruises@navyhistory.au or Phone: – 0451 218 336

Group Bookings (10 or more): – Contact the Cruise Coordinator.

As this event is being conducted by the Naval Historical Society of Australia which is a ‘not for profit’ organisation the cruise can only proceed if sufficient tickets are sold to cover boat charter costs. In the most unlikely event that sufficient tickets are not sold, a decision will be made 14 days prior to the event on whether to proceed or not. Naturally all concerned will be advised and a full refund will be made to ticket holders if a negative decision is made.

As an all-volunteer, not for profit organisation we understand the need to keep the cost of our services to members and supporters as low as possible and have done so for several years. Unfortunately, inflationary pressures and a recent change in our tax status have forced us to review prices.

Accordingly, the ticket prices for our history cruises have risen by $10 per person. That is, the rate for a group booking is now $85pp and a private booking is $90pp as from the 10th. April 2026.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to providing you with an interesting and unique experience unpacking naval history on Sydney Harbour.

Your faithfully,

NHSA Cruise Team

Ticket Cancellation Policy
More than 30 days full refund of ticket. 30 -15 days – 75 % of ticket value
14 – 7 days – 50% of ticket value. Less than 7 days – no refund