Located in the ‘Garden Island Access Precinct’, The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre contains exhibitions about the history of Australia’s Navy. Items on display include silver drums and trophies, medals and telescopes, china, ceremonial silverware, uniforms and personal effects. There is also a periscope with which you can view Sydney Harbour.
Whilst at the Precinct you can also view a number of relics from Garden Island’s past including the earliest known graffiti in Australia (January 1788). The Garden Island Public Access Precinct also includes fortifications from the colonial period, the first grass tennis court in Australia (not for public use), a heritage rose garden, 150 year old trees, beautiful grass verges, and picnic tables and seating.
The ex-Main Signal Building has had its roof converted to a viewing platform. From there visitors can enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view of Sydney Harbour.
Why not bring a picnic and soak up the beautiful gardens and view. You can also make use of the islands free BBQ’s . Alternatively the Salthorse Café garden island is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 3:30pm (except for some public holidays).
You could also make a day of it and continue your ferry ride on wards to Watsons Bay.
To access the Heritage Centre you are required to catch a ferry from Circular Quay (using the Circular Quay to Watson’s Bay route). The ferries will stop at the Garden Island Wharf during RAN Heritage Centre opening hours. All visitors are to depart the Precinct by the last ferry each day. As Garden Island is an active naval base make sure you look out for a a warship or two to see from the ferry. If you go on a Sunday, all public transport is capped at $2.50 on the opal card, including ferries.
Photo credit: Hpeterswald