Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre

First published on 13 Feb 2009. Updated on 18 Mar 2009.

For close on a century Garden Island, home to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has been off-limits to the general public. In late 2005 the very tip of the one-time island, long since connected to Potts Point, was reopened, with the only access via a five-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. It’s worth a visit, if only to enjoy the relative quiet of the grounds and the odd collection of monuments and giant naval objects, including radars, a propeller and 21in torpedoes, which constitute a bizarre outdoor sculpture exhibition. The view from the former Main Signal Building is spectacular – it’s easy to see why this was the nerve centre for controlling the movement of naval vessels around the harbour. The Heritage Centre, occupying what was the Gun Mounting Workshop (dating from 1922) and an ex-boat shed (1913), includes an oceanic range of items that provides plenty of insight into navy life. Bring a picnic or enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the Salthorse Café with a lovely view across Elizabeth Bay. Open 9.30am-3.30pm daily. Admission free. Special Exhibition Gallery $5; free under-16s. No credit cards.