Secrets of the Mangroves
Scattered along the mangrove shores of the Parramatta River are the rusted and crumbling shipwrecks of Homebush Bay. These are the remnants of the former ship-breaking yard, which is now part of Bicentennial Park.
Shipwrecks Homebush Bay
The area immediately adjacent to the river has been redeveloped as Bicentennial Park, where paths, boardwalks and cycling tracks wind their way through the park and the Badu Mangroves.
We started our walk from the Badu Mangroves and finished at the SS Ayrfield shipwreck. Best access to the Badu Mangroves is adjacent to the last parking area in Bicentennial Park (P10f).
The SS Ayrfield would have to be the most well known and photographed wreck with its rusty hulk and huge cargo of mangrove trees, often reflected beautifully in the still and glassy waters of the bay. In fact, it was one of those images that inspired our outing. Although we didn’t have the ‘glassy waters’ to capture the perfect reflection, it was still wonderful to see the Ayrfield on a brilliant sunny day!
Shipwrecks Heroic, Karangi, Mortlake Bank and Ayrfield are visible from the walking-cycling track that winds its way through the Badu Mangroves and Waterbird Refuge (refer map below). Some of the wrecks appear to be adrift within the mangrove forest, like lost souls unable to find their way out, left to perish in the muddy salty waters. I found the mangrove forest atmosphere to be a little eerie at times, although an ideal resting place for these rusted old hulks!
At the end of the Waterbird Refuge is an old wooden ship-breaking ramp with a viewing platform (refer map below). From here you have a close up view of the Karangi, as well as views across the bay to Ayrfield and Mortlake Bank.
1. Shipwreck – SS Heroic
It’s hard to tell where the tugboat SS Heroic finishes and the mangrove trees start, they appear to be as one! Viewed from the track and through the mangrove forest, this is the first shipwreck we sighted. We loved the character of this old wreck with its rotting timber and rusting hulk reflecting shades of copper in the surrounding waters.
2. Shipwreck – HMAS Karangi
The location of the steel boom defence vessel HMAS Karangi reminds me a little of being lost in the Amazon jungle! Run aground within the mangroves and unable to escape, this hulk lays decaying in the mangrove forest mud.
3. Shipwreck – SS Mortlake Bank
While other wrecks lay hidden in the mangrove forest, the steam collier SS Mortlake Bank sits proudly on the bay. We viewed the wreck from the viewing platform near the Karangi. The cargo of weeds and grass was glowing brilliantly in the afternoon sun. If you walk beyond SS Ayrfield you may find better views from further around the bay.
4. Shipwreck – SS Ayrfield
For the best views of the steam collier SS Ayrfield, follow the walking track through the Badu Mangroves, past the Waterbird Refuge. When the track meets Bennelong Parkway, turn right and cross the bridge. On the far side of the bridge there’s a path to the right that follows the waterway to the bay… continue along this path for a few minutes and the view above will be yours!
If you prefer to take the easy option, drive to the Archery Centre car park on Bennelong Parkway and access the same path mentioned above. There may also be another path directly opposite the car park that leads down to the waters edge.
Eat & Drink
There are plenty of picnic shelters, BBQ and shade areas within Bicentennial Park. We visited on a Sunday and noted how popular it was… I recommend arriving early to stake out your picnic spot!
There’s also a number of cafés in the area. Our outing was a little too late in the day for lunch so we didn’t actually visit any of the cafés… next time 🙂
Information
Where: Bicentennial Park Homebush Bay – 20min West of the CBD
Website: Bicentennial Park
Allow: 1/2 day
Getting there: Drive & park at the last parking area P10f (adjacent Badu Mangroves). Alternatively take the train or bus.
Visit: Waterbird Refuge – Other Historic Sites – Inner West Places to See
Map Bicentennial Park & Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks Homebush Bay and parking locations are marked in orange.
