Naval Historical Society of Australia
Highlights
- Explore Sydney Harbour's rich naval history with engaging commentary on significant sites like HMAS Waterhen and Cockatoo Island.
- Join a three-hour cruise to uncover the Royal Australian Navy's activities from 1788 to the present, especially during WW II.
- Discover the impact of the 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack on Sydney, a pivotal moment in Australia's wartime history.
- Experience the unique perspective of a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Australian naval heritage.
The Naval Historical Society of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers.
Its mission is to record, preserve and promote the knowledge, understanding and awareness of Australian naval history at all levels of the community.
One of the ways the Naval Historical Society does this is by conducting history and heritage tours and cruises for the public. Visitors will have a choice of several interesting and educational tours and cruises on Sydney Harbour. The cruises visit historical sites around the Harbour. The heritage takes in historic sites in the Garden Island naval precinct.
Images and Video
Tour/s
Navy in Sydney Harbour Cruise West
You are invited to join the Naval Historical Society of Australia for a three-hour cruise west of the Harbour Bridge. The Society is a non-profit organization run by volunteers to preserve and honour our naval history. The sites you will see and learn about include HMAS Waterhen, Cockatoo Island, Spectacle Island and Snapper Island.
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.
The Cockatoo Island Dockyard built over 38 RAN ships and during WW II completed 31 major battle damage repairs to warships.
The Spectacle Island Armament Depot once held 1,000 tons of high explosive RAN ammunition and was central to resupply operations in Sydney.
The Sea Cadet Company once based on Snapper Island provided training for young boys and girls with many joining the RAN.
Navy in Sydney Harbour Cruise East
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 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.
Tour includes Dawes Point, Sydney Cove, Garden Island, HMAS Rushcutter, Clark Island, Rose Bay, Watson’s Bay, Georges Head, Chowder Bay, Bradley’s Head and Neutral Bay Sub Base Playtpus.
Anniversary Cruise: Sydney under Japanese Attack
The 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack on ships in Sydney Harbour remains a topical subject. However, 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 the Second World War to a vital springboard for the defeat of Japan. This cruise will provide a detailed description of events leading up to and during the attack.
This cruise will provide a detailed description of events leading up to and during the attack.
Your cruise boat will take you to sites on the Harbour where key events occurred and a comprehensive description of how those events during the fateful night of 31st May & 1st June 1942 unfolded. The story will be told by expert narrators from the Naval Historical Society of Australia.
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