Talking objects
and animals

Chimney (Cockatoo Island)

"Hello, I'm a giant chimney associated with the island's historic Powerhouse – a beautiful brick building that served the power, lighting and hydraulic needs of the dockyard during part of the 20th century. Scan my colourful sign to hear my story."

Cockatoo (Cockatoo Island)

Squawk – Hello, I’m Charlie the sulphur-crested cockatoo! It’s my job to answer frequently asked questions about Cockatoo Island / Wareamah and otherwise share information that’ll help you enjoy your visit. Keep your eyes peeled for the colourful signs inviting you to say 'hello' to me."

[Note: There are multiple Cockatoo signs across the upper and lower island.]

Convict Quarters (Cockatoo Island)

"Hello, I'm part of Cockatoo Island's former prison – a UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site. Scan my colourful sign and I'll share insights into the era when criminal offenders were transported to Australia and put to work on the colony’s building projects." 

Steam Crane (Cockatoo Island)

"Toot, toot! Ever chatted with a crane? No? It's a good way to let off some steam! I'm one of Cockatoo Island's historic steam cranes! Scan my colourful sign and I'll share tales from the island's fabled dockyard era (1857 to 1992)."

Kookaburra (Headland Park)

"Hello, I'm Lala the laughing Kookaburra! It's my job to answer questions about the precincts of Headland Park, Mosman – Chowder Bay / Gooree, Georges Heights and Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh. Keep your eyes peeled for the colourful signs inviting you to say 'hello' to me."

[Note: There are multiple Kookaburra signs across Chowder Bay, Georges Heights and Middle Head.]

Military Fort (Georges Heights)

"Hello! I'm a remnant military fort known as Georges Head Battery. Today, Georges Head Lookout is a scenic picnic spot with expansive harbour views. In the 19th century, however, this area was fortified to protect Sydney from invaders. Scan my colourful sign to hear my story." 

Military Hospital (Georges Heights)

"Hello, I'm the former 21st Australian Auxiliary Hospital – a historic military hospital that dates to the First World War. I'm fondly referred to as the 'Hospital on the Hill' because of my location on the highest knoll at Georges Heights. Scan my colourful sign to hear my story."

Military Tunnel (Georges Heights)

"Hi, I'm the historic B42 Battery Tunnels! Built at Georges Heights in 1877, my underground passages were once used to supply ammunition to massive guns, above ground, that defended Sydney Harbour. Scan my colourful sign to delve into my military history."

Cemetery (North Head Sanctuary)

"Hello, I'm the Third Quarantine Cemetery. In addition to offering an epic view of the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour, I'm a heritage-listed landmark that offers insights into historic quarantine practices. Scan my sign and I'll share my story."

Echidna (North Head Sanctuary)

"Hello, I’m Anthony the ant-eating echidna! It’s my job to answer frequently asked questions about North Head Sanctuary and otherwise share information that will help you enjoy your visit. Find me and scan my sign to get started!"

[Note: An Echidna sign can be found outside the Visitor Centre. Another is located in the Barracks Precinct, outside the Gate House.]

Military Barracks (North Head Sanctuary)

"Hello, I’m a former military barracks dating to the 1930s. Now referred to as the Barracks Precinct, I feature a collection of Art Deco buildings that occupy a significant place in Australia’s military history. Scan my sign to learn more."

Military Tunnel (North Head Sanctuary)

"Hi, I'm an underground tunnel associated with North Fort – a former artillery battery that defended Sydney’s coastline during the Second World war. Scan my sign to delve into North Fort's story and learn what's underground."

Observation Post (North Head Sanctuary)

"Hello! I'm the Close Defence Battery Observation Post – a historic military landmark that played a vital role in the defence of Sydney during the Second World War. Scan my sign to hear how I once protected our city's shoreline."

Plotting Room (North Head Sanctuary)

"Hi, I might look like a shed... but I'm an underground military where personnel carried out secret duties during the Second World War. Scan my sign and I'll demystify North Fort – the Defence complex that operated here between 1938 to 1952." 

Exhauster House (Sub Base Platypus)

"Hi! I'm a historic old brick building that's embedded in a cliff at Sub Base Platypus. You might have also noticed I'm missing stairs... funny, right? Scan my sign and I'll reveal what role I played during the gas works and torpedo factory eras of this site."

Platypus (Sub Base Platypus)

"Hi, I'm Patrick the Platypus! It's my job to It’s my job to answer frequently asked questions about Sub Base Platypus –  a former gas works, torpedo factory and submarine base in North Sydney. Today, it's a community recreation and work hub. Scan my sign and I'll useful information about this area." 

[Note: There are multiple Platypus signs across the lower and upper levels of sub Base Platypus.]

Torpedo Factory (Sub Base Platypus)

"Hello, I’m a former torpedo factory that was established here during the Second World War. From supplying munitions to Allied Navies to my transformation into a vibrant public space, I’ve had quite the journey."

Goat (Woolwich Dock & Parklands)

"Bah! I mean, hello! I'm Woolly, the goat. Goats, like me, were once used by the Army to control weeds and lantana that grew in the paddocks around Woolwich Dock. Let me be your guide to this area – I'll happily answer your burning questions." 

[Note: A Goat sign is located near the mouth of Woolwich Dock. Another can be found at the entrance to Goat Paddock.]