
Sub Base Platypus
Explore a historic naval site transformed into a vibrant harbourfront park, blending industrial heritage with natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Park buzz and cafe open

Sub Base Platypus
Best Time
Park buzz and cafe open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic naval site transformed into a vibrant harbourfront park, blending industrial heritage with natural beauty.
"A brilliant place with many interesting historic layers, harbour, gasworks, torpedo factory and submarine base."

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the historic layers and parklands. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Leave the Car
Public transport, especially ferries to Neutral Bay, is highly recommended. ⛴️

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 109 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wirra Birra Park
North Sydney Foreshore
A vibrant new parkland connecting you to country, featuring native plants and stunning harbour views.

Torpedo Factory Precinct
Sub Base Platypus
Step back in time exploring the historic architecture of this former industrial powerhouse.

Harbourfront Tranquility
Sub Base Platypus Foreshore
Enjoy peaceful walks, picnics, and birdwatching along the serene waters of the harbour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History & Nature
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the historic layers and parklands. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Leave the Car
Public transport, especially ferries to Neutral Bay, is highly recommended. ⛴️
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of space for picnics with BBQs and seating available. :picnic_table:
☕ Cafe Torpedoes
Grab a coffee, wine, or bites at the onsite cafe. ☕
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the historic layers and parklands. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Leave the Car
Public transport, especially ferries to Neutral Bay, is highly recommended. ⛴️
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of space for picnics with BBQs and seating available. :picnic_table:
☕ Cafe Torpedoes
Grab a coffee, wine, or bites at the onsite cafe. ☕
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
A lovely spot to walk your dog, just watch out for seagulls! 🐕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sub Base Platypus, highlighting its fascinating historical layers and the beautiful new parklands. It's praised as a tranquil spot with great picnic facilities and a well-designed playground, offering a perfect blend of history and nature.
"Fantastic place. Catch the freedom, North Sydney, Enjoy reading about the history, Seeing the architecture And having a barbecue. Walk to neutral Bay (About 20 minutes away) Catch the ferry back.
Leave the car at home."
Peter Lloyd
"So happy to live next door. Looking forward to the upgraded amenities and easier access. But even now a lovely place next to the water with nice spaces to walk our dog and just enjoy your time in tranquility. Also a nice place to spot birds - just beware of the seagulls, as they can be vicious."
Andreas Ludwig
"Great history and plenty of space to have a picnic 😀."
Julia MayoRamsay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is via public transport. Take a ferry to Neutral Bay and enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk, or catch a bus to North Sydney. Driving and parking can be challenging, so public transport is often preferred.
Limited parking may be available, but it's not the most convenient option. Many visitors recommend leaving the car at home and utilizing public transport like ferries or buses.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from North Sydney station, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. You'll pass through some lovely areas on your way.
Absolutely! Ferries to Neutral Bay and various bus routes serving North Sydney provide excellent public transport access to the site.
Walking is ideal for exploring the site itself and the surrounding foreshore. Consider a ferry trip to Neutral Bay for a different perspective and easy return.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Sub Base Platypus and Wirra Birra Park is free for the public. You can explore the grounds and enjoy the amenities without purchasing tickets.
The parklands are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific building access may vary, but the public spaces like Wirra Birra Park are open for enjoyment.
Wirra Birra Park is a new public precinct at Sub Base Platypus and is open to everyone free of charge.
Yes, Sub Base Platypus offers unique venues for events and functions, including corporate events and private gatherings.
Generally, the park is open to the public. However, always check the official Harbour Trust website for any specific event-related access changes or temporary closures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic torpedo factory and submarine base, enjoy the new Wirra Birra Park with its playground and native gardens, have a picnic, spot wildlife, and learn about the site's rich past.
Yes, Wirra Birra Park features a cleverly designed children's playground, making it a great spot for families.
Absolutely! There are BBQ facilities available, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic or gathering.
The site offers lovely foreshore trails perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying the harbour views. Some trails connect to longer routes like the Bondi to Manly Ultra.
You can discover the site's layered history, including its past as a gasworks, shipping facility, torpedo factory, and submarine base.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe called Torpedoes located onsite, offering coffee, wine, beer, and light bites.
Definitely! Sub Base Platypus is a fantastic spot for picnics, with ample space and BBQ facilities available.
Yes, the nearby areas of North Sydney and Neutral Bay offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants.
The cafe, Torpedoes, serves coffee, wine, beer, and various bites, perfect for a casual stop during your visit.
Yes, if you're planning an event, catering services are available, offering cocktails and canapés for a memorable experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the harbour, the historic industrial architecture, and the native flora in Wirra Birra Park. The foreshore offers beautiful light, especially during golden hour.
The harbourfront location provides excellent opportunities for sunset photography, with the water reflecting the changing colours of the sky.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and heritage sites. It's best to check with the Harbour Trust for specific regulations regarding drone operation.
The juxtaposition of the old industrial buildings with the new parklands, and the natural harbour environment, offers unique photographic potential.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both landscapes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive park areas.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit