Aerial view of Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney.
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Sub Base Platypus

4.5
·109 reviews·North Sydney, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Park buzz and cafe open

CrowdMedium
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Aerial view of Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney.

Sub Base Platypus

Best Time

Weekends

Park buzz and cafe open

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(109 reviews)

"A brilliant place with many interesting historic layers, harbour, gasworks, torpedo factory and submarine base."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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. ⛴️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 109 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wirra Birra Park

Wirra Birra Park

North Sydney Foreshore

A vibrant new parkland connecting you to country, featuring native plants and stunning harbour views.

Torpedo Factory Precinct

Torpedo Factory Precinct

Sub Base Platypus

Step back in time exploring the historic architecture of this former industrial powerhouse.

Harbourfront Tranquility

Harbourfront Tranquility

Sub Base Platypus Foreshore

Enjoy peaceful walks, picnics, and birdwatching along the serene waters of the harbour.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History & Nature

Sub Base Platypus blends fascinating industrial history with beautiful harbourfront parkland. Explore former torpedo and submarine facilities, then relax in the new Wirra Birra Park. Plan for walking and enjoying the outdoors.

Getting There & Around

Leave the car at home! Public transport is recommended. Consider ferries to Neutral Bay and walking, or buses to North Sydney. The site is expansive, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring its many layers.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Park buzz and cafe open
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Tranquil exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you hear?👂Wirra Birra Park – a brand new harbourside precinct at Sub Base Platypus – is opening to the public TOMORROW (Friday 29 March)! Watch on for a sneak peek of what awaits at this exciting new foreshore park in North Sydney 👀 Plan your trip via the link in our bio. #WirraBirraPark #SubBasePlatypus #NorthSydney #SydneyWhatsOn #HarbourTrust
harbourtrust
85 likes • 2.7K views

👟 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. ⛴️

Magical night at Sub Base Platypus with our 🦭 friend #nofilter #northsydneyliving #northsydney #neutralbay #coffee #sealife
baristaslab
78 likes • 3.1K views
To mark Australian Citizenship Day, we hosted a special ceremony at Sub Base Platypus to welcome our newest citizens 🦘🌏 It was a meaningful occasion to reflect on the value of citizenship and the diverse stories that shape our community. 🎥 Watch the video to hear from some of our newest Australians about what this milestone means to them. #AustralianCitizenshipDay
north.sydney
30 likes • 1K views

🧺 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. ☕

WIRRA BIRRA PARK OPENS THIS FRIDAY✌️🌳 Grab the kids and head to Wirra Birra Park this Easter – a brand new public space at Sub Base Platypus, North Sydney, which officially opens on Good Friday. The foreshore park is located at the foot of the Torpedo Factory Precinct and is designed to connect us with country, learn about Australian native plants and admire the stunning views overlooking Neutra...
mosmancollective
117 likes • 7.2K views

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

4.5
(109 reviews)

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

Rich historical significance
Beautiful new parklands
Great picnic facilities

What People Dislike

Seagull activity

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Ferries to Neutral Bay and various bus routes serving North Sydney provide excellent public transport access to the site. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Wirra Birra Park is a new public precinct at Sub Base Platypus and is open to everyone free of charge. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Sub Base Platypus offers unique venues for events and functions, including corporate events and private gatherings. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, Wirra Birra Park features a cleverly designed children's playground, making it a great spot for families. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! There are BBQ facilities available, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic or gathering. Reddit

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. Instagram

You can discover the site's layered history, including its past as a gasworks, shipping facility, torpedo factory, and submarine base. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a cafe called Torpedoes located onsite, offering coffee, wine, beer, and light bites. Reddit

Definitely! Sub Base Platypus is a fantastic spot for picnics, with ample space and BBQ facilities available. Reddit

Yes, the nearby areas of North Sydney and Neutral Bay offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. Reddit

The cafe, Torpedoes, serves coffee, wine, beer, and various bites, perfect for a casual stop during your visit. Reddit

Yes, if you're planning an event, catering services are available, offering cocktails and canapés for a memorable experience. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

The harbourfront location provides excellent opportunities for sunset photography, with the water reflecting the changing colours of the sky. Instagram

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. TikTok

The juxtaposition of the old industrial buildings with the new parklands, and the natural harbour environment, offers unique photographic potential. Instagram

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. Instagram

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