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Hello Sub Base Platypus

The Harbour Trust has awoken key objects and landmarks at Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney, and they’re eager to have a conversation with you! Introducing our Hello Harbour Trust initiative…

When you next visit Sub Base Platypus – our emerging community hub and waterfront parkland – look out for the red "Hello" signs to kickstart a lively and informative conversation. As you speak to key objects, including landmarks from the era when this destination was a torpedo factory and submarine base, you’ll learn about their place in the Australian narrative.

Plus, you’ll receive helpful visitor tips, and be given opportunities to have your say on important matters and provide feedback on your visit. 

So, what are you waiting for? Join the conversation!

How it works

Eager to start a conversation? Anyone can speak to our talking objects – all you need is a mobile phone!

To chat to a talking object, simply follow these steps:

  1. Look out for our red "Hello" signs (see: talking object map). 

  2. Scan the QR code on the sign or text the advertised phone number.

  3. Answer the object’s questions, provide your feedback, and get to know each other.

  4. Once you’ve wrapped up your conversation, look out for other red "Hello" signs to awaken another object. 
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Interactive map

Sub Base Platypus features five talking landmarks. Want to speak with them all? Check out this interactive map to discover where they are…

Visitor information

To ensure your time at Sub Base Platypus is enjoyable and hassle-free, refer to the below information…

Opening hours arrow
  • Public: 7am to 9pm, daily
  • Tenants & authorised users: 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Vehicular Deliveries:
    • 7am to 9am, daily via Platypus Lane (Outside of these hours, access by calling ranger/security).
    • 7am to 9pm, daily via 15min parking bays in the High Street carpark located in the Torpedo Factory.

Note: The Harbour Trust’s ultimate aim is to keep this public domain open to the public 24 hours, 7 days a week, similar to Headland Park, Mosman. This would be supported by a ranger or security on site at all times.

Directions arrow

By ferry: North Sydney Ferry Wharf is just 250 metres from the High Street Entrance to Sub Base Platypus, offering convenience and speedy travel times to Circular Quay on the F5 ferry service via Kirribilli, Kurraba Point and Neutral Bay.

By train: Both North Sydney and Milsons Point train stations are less than a kilometre’s walk from Sub Base Platypus.

By bus: Buses run every 20 minutes within 500 metres of Sub base Platypus, along Clark Road. The weekday 269 Bus from McMahons Point to Kirribilli connects with Milsons Point Train Station, and the daily 263 Bus from Cammeray connects to the Sydney CBD.

By foot: Sub Base Platypus is a 3 minute walk from North Sydney Ferry Wharf, an 11 minute walk from Milsons Point Station (0.9 km), a 13 minute walk from North Sydney Station (1.0 km), a 17 minute walk from Milsons Point ferry Wharf (1.3 km) and a 28 minute walk from McMahons Point Ferry Wharf (2.0 km). 

View our Walking to Sub Base Platypus Map to see how convenient it is to walk to the site from the closest public transport links. For further public transport information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website.

 

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Parking

We encourage you to travel to Sub Base Platypus by foot, bicycle, ferry, bus or train; however, limited parking is available at our public car park. 

  • Location: 120 High Street
  • Hours: 7am to 9pm daily
  • Time limit: Up to a maximum of 3 hours per vehicle, per calendar day. 
  • Pricing: First 2 hours of parking are free. A fee of up to $3.30 applies between 2 and 3 hours parking.
  • Exemption: Mobility Parking Scheme Permits and motorcycles are exempt from parking charges and 3 hour time limit (i.e. no ticket required).
  • Notes: Visitors must obtain and display a parking ticket for the duration of their stay.
Berthing

Recreational vessels may occupy the nearby North Sydney Ferry Wharf for up to 5 minutes for the purpose of dropping off and picking up passengers; however, they must give way to timetabled services. Commercial vessel operators must purchase a ‘Regular Use Permit’ or a Voucher Pack from Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) in order to use North Sydney Ferry Wharf and other commuter wharves. Further info is available on the RMS website.

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Sub Base Platypus has been designed for maximum accessibility. An accessible path of travel to Sub Base Platypus is available from Kesterton Park (via the Kesterton Boardwalk) and from the High Street carpark. Accessible public toilets are located on the ground floor of Building 2 (Submarine School).

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For your own safety and enjoyment, please observe the following rules, enforceable by our rangers:

Conditions of entry: Do not litter or dump rubbish; do not erect gazebos or marquees (without a permit); do not go fishing; do not operate remote-controlled vehicles (including drones); do not smoke, light fires or use portable barbeques; do not play amplified music (without a permit) or create excessive noise; do not undertake commercial activities (without a permit); do not hold private functions (without a permit); and do not climb walls, fortifications, sculptures or cliffs.

Helpful links

Want to learn more about Sub Base Platypus or speak to objects at other Harbour Trust destinations? Here are some useful links...