Sub Base Stories Tour

Cost

$35 per adult
$22 per concession
$20 per child (6 to 16 years)
Free for children aged 5 and under (with a paying adult)

Hours

Duration: 60 mins
Private group bookings & special occasions only
On-demand group tour available (Mon-Fri)

Details

Although this tour is suitable for all-ages, it is recommended for visitors aged 10 years and above.
Ticket prices do not include parking rates (first hour is free; $5 per hour to a maximum of 3 hours). Public transport is encouraged where possible.

Plan your trip

Meeting Point

Level 2 near the Blue Torpedo (near High Street), Torpedo Factory Precinct, Sub Base Platypus (120 High Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060).

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Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney hasn’t always been a community recreation and work hub. Previously, the historic waterfront site hosted a gas works, torpedo factory and submarine base.

From the late 1900s until the end of the 20th century, the site met the energy needs of Sydney’s North Shore (1877-1937) and contributed to the defence of Australia (1942-1999). Eager to journey through this layered history? Book tickets to our all-ages Sub Base Stories Tour!

This 60-minute tour is an opportunity to explore a historic destination that was off-limits to the public for 150+ years! Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the lower and upper levels of Sub Base Platypus, including the Torpedo Factory Precinct.

Unveiled in September 2023, this contemporary precinct boasts a decommissioned Mark VIII torpedo, amongst other historical artefacts, as well a sweeping view of neutral Bay and an original, 3 piece artwork that celebrates Country.

This tour is accessible to people with wheelchairs and mobility scooters and for visitors with varying levels of mobility. All areas of the site are accessible via ramps and a lift. Accessible toilets are also located on site.

PRIVATE GROUP TOURS

Request a group tour

Want to arrange a Sub Base Stories Tour for a large group? Request a group tour using the webform on this page.

Subject to guide availability, we accept private group bookings from Monday to Friday. To request a private group tour, complete the form on this page (T&Cs apply).

Note: Bookings are required no fewer than 10 business days in advance of the requested date. All enquiries will receive a response within 5 business days.

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Tour details

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Preferred starting time *

Book a tour

Plan ahead

Important information

Weather conditions: This tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of dangerous weather. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled and a full refund of the ticket price will be made.
To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.
If you're driving to Sub Base Platypus, please note that parking fees are NOT included in the ticket price. Parking on site is free for the first hour and $5 per hour after that for a maximum of 3 hours.
Terms and conditions:
- Scheduled tour T&Cs (pdf)
- Private group tour T&Cs (pdf)

Content and accessibility

First Nations peoples: Our First Nations community are advised that this tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased persons.
Site conditions: This tour is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams. Access to Level 3 is via High Street or the lift on Platypus Lane. Light walking is required.
Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.
Age restriction: This tour is suitable for people of all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility: This tour is accessible to people with wheelchairs and mobility scooters and for visitors with varying levels of mobility. All areas of the site are accessible via ramps and a lift. Accessible toilets are also located on site.

What to bring

Suitable walking shoes
Wet weather clothing (if needed)
Reusable water bottle (can be refilled at our water fountain on High Street)

Getting here

For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Visit us.

If you're driving to Sub Base Platypus, please note that parking fees are NOT included in the ticket price. Parking on site is free for the first hour and $5 after that for a maximum of 3 hours.

Request a group tour

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Helpful links

Visit Sub Base Platypus

The history of Sub Base Platypus

Extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour

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Sub Base Stories Tour

Request a group tour

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Plan ahead

Helpful links

Visit Sub Base Platypus

The history of Sub Base Platypus

Extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour

What's on calendar