Fort Banks is a large coastal fortification setup to defend Botany Bay. It existed pre-WW2 but received an upgrade of two 9.2 inch guns around this time. The fort these days is slowly being buried by the drifting dunes and plant life. Indeed finding entrances to it now involves crawing through bushes and contortions to get in. But once inside you’ll find a large underground complex to explore. The photos below come from two visits to the site and I think there is even more to find.
Category: Exploring
Hill 60 Bunkers, Port Kembla
I went and visited the Port Kembla’s Hill 60 bunkers near Wollongong here in Australia. I was worried that the complex would all be sealed up and the long drive down the coast would be for naught. But I am happy to say, we got in and got to check out a large chunk of the underground.
North Head bunker
North Head bunkers are near the Quarantine station here in Sydney (near Manly). The area is pretty populated and there is a nice scenic drive around the head that can take you to a few bunkers and forts. But I wasn’t interested in these this time, too easy and touristy.
The abandoned Hotel in the middle of the Australian bush
According to local law, the Fretus Hotel started life as hotel in Sans Souci, NSW Australia. When the owner John Fretus fell on hard times, he made a rather bad decision. He decided to demolish the hotel and take the stone and materials to the middle of no-where and rebuild it.
Continue reading The abandoned Hotel in the middle of the Australian bush
Homebush Bay ship wrecks
This time I took a short journey to Homebush Bay here in Sydney to check out the old ship wrecks.
Middle Head Bunkers
This was my first ever exploration with a bunch of friends from back in the ZGeek.com days. We headed to Middle Head on Sydney Harbour and explored the hidden bunkers along the cliffs.
This happened around 2000.
Middle Head Bunkers – Ten years on
So it’s been over ten years since the original excursion to the Middle Head Bunkers. And I thought it would be a good idea to go back and check out what’s changed.
The hidden tunnels of St James Station, Sydney
Behind one of Sydney’s underground stations lies a labyrinth of disused tunnels. Many built for train lines that never eventuated and now lay dormant. Some have seen some seen use as a mushroom farm and film sets for movies such as The Matrix Revolutions and The Tunnel. But today they sit empty. Slowly filling with water. So much so that one of the big tunnels is now considered an underwater lake.
Today these tunnels are a popular spot for underground adventurers. Though it is highly illegal. Lucky for me, there were some official tours of these tunnels lead by a local historical group. So here are my photos from that tour.
Continue reading The hidden tunnels of St James Station, Sydney
Callan Park Hospital for the Insane
I decided to go visit the old insane asylum in Lilyfield. It’s a pretty interesting place. Full of buildings ranging from ye olde days of 1880’s up to only a few decades old. It’s also the site of Australia’s only “Kirkbride” building.
Warning, lots of images ahead.