Description
The 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack on ships in Sydney Harbour remains a topical subject, yet many Sydneysiders know little about this watershed event. It was the first attack on Sydney, and its impact changed Australia from a quiet backwater of WWII to a vital springboard for the defeat of Japan.
The attack started at 8:15 pm on Sunday night and finished around 7 am on Monday morning. The Harbour was protected by an anti-submarine and anti-torpedo boom net and the Hollywood Fleet of patrol vessels, but the boom net had not been finished. The target was the heavy cruiser USS CHICAGO, just back from the Battle of the Coral Sea. The Japanese flew reconnaissance flights over the Harbour before the attack to identify the ships in it. The officer in charge of the Harbour was at a dinner party that night. Twenty-one sailors died on HMAS KUTTABUL because of a torpedo explosion. An unusual ceremony was held after the attack for the four Japanese sailors who died. Despite many acts of bravery and courage, no medals were awarded. A lot of luck was on our side.
Come and join the cruise to learn more about that incredible night.
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.
Transport: Ferry to Barangaroo or Train and walk from Wynyard or Town Hall Stations.
Detailed information will be emailed to you approximately 1 week prior to departure.
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 $5 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.
Yours 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
