Homebush Shipwrecks - and our own

I've trekked out to Homebush for sport plenty of times, however this was the first time I visited the bay. While I was looking for the ship, I didn't expect it to be so close to shore, fifty meters out from the bay the overgrown S.S. Aryfield came into view. Sent to Homebush in 1972 for wreckage the Aryfield still stands, wedged into the ground and overtaken by the mangroves.

Looking like something out of a post apocalypse film the wreckages of Homebush are incredible. As always we came prepared, a small child's row-boat was inflated and Tabasco and I set off towards the Aryfield. Climbing up was difficult, partially because of the small boat we were in and because of the very rough condition of the metal. Careful not to cut myself I climbed over and had a look around while Tabasco went back for another friend. The lower half has a dirt floor at low tide and is closer to a pool at high tide. Every step is careful, not just for safety but to do as little damage to the mangroves as possible.

There's a second level but the ladder looks unsteady at best and unfortunately our own boat has sprung a leak. Tabasco rushes quickly back to pick me up and we both head to shore. Distinctly wet as we arrive. The Aryfield is incredibly visible, only a hundred meters from an apartment block, and as the bay is a major walk way we received our fair share of odd looks. And also one old man who asked what we were up to and talked to us about the history of the area. Armed with some extra knowledge and a dry pair of pants we headed around the bend along a nature walk till we reached the other wrecks.

And now with a much better photographer with a better camera taking over.

This is the S.S. Mortlake Bank. A rickety rusted little tub. Climbing on was a difficult process, but a piece of cake compared to the Aryfield. The metal of this is really unsure though and I walked with extra caution, managed to grab a quick photo though.

The other wrecks are mostly gone, their original shape long since degrading away. Only planks remain, still, a nice place to stop over and discuss the next step in the plan.

After a quick stop over at a local toy store to get a replacement boat, and Ikea to get some meatballs. Tabasco and our friend set off towards the Aryfield themselves while I waited on dock. It was high tide by now and they couldn't climb aboard but managed to grab a few more great images.

While there's a lot to see at Homebush the Aryfield is really the star, and you should definitely go see it, take the walk along Homebush bay and take in the sight.

Because wow.

Mittagong Maltings

Well, it has been a while since my last post. Holidays, work and all that had gotten rather in the way, however I have a few big plans for this year with Urbex and to start we have a big one from the end of last year. The Mittagong Maltings.

Located in Mittagong, the Tooth and Co brewery closed in 1981and the two large factory buildings are a delight to explore. The main, seen above, has a number of floors, several of which are difficult to reach. One of which we didn't even attempt as it required a gang plank walk across the very top. Before exploring the number of rooms and levels we went the the second building.

Here I was delighted to find cavernous rooms of polls and arches, looking like an industrial roman playground.

Crawling through holes and up rusted ladders we found around five levels, the highest of which both Frostalicus and Tabasco opted not to climb too. I couldn't blame them. The wooden stairwell went straight above a drop of four floors and looked precarious at best. I wish that my photo's had come through properly. As such I have to use others whose did come out well. (Used with permission)

What looked like it should have been a tennis court rested on top, as Frostalicus gave me a lift to the top, we decided not to take Tabasco's advice on simply jumping down to one of the abandoned mattresses below and made our way by a nearby ladder.

We than moved back to the first building, with a quick stop to a badly fire damaged house that was to the side between them. Due to the roof looking, very less than stable we didn't go fully inside but still managed to get a few good pictures. As one of the rooms wall-paint was still impeccable, if with some extra decorations.

The final building had a fourth level that you had to walk up a plank to get to, Frostalicus and I had an explore there whilst Tabasco waited down a level.

This place was an amazing one to visit, and even though we spent most of the day there all of us believe a second trip is in order. Whilst the higher levels are often hard to get to and downright dangerous. At no point would I recommend anyone to attempt to reach them. The bottom levels and the general area appear to be very well trodden. We ran into numerous groups, including many teenagers and someone who had simply driven in. Always be safe and cautious, but this is one that's worth having a walk around.

It was not till I got my photo's that I realized every-time Frostalicus had borrowed my camera he had been taking a photo of my arse. I have decided not to upload those.

- Phoenix

Malabar Battery

When I was a kid I use to ride past Malabar Battery but I hadn't gone inside before.
Myself, Mouse, Frostalicus and Tabasco (They had far to much fun choosing names as we walked) went through the battery today.

Considering the paths are often not clear we decided to check it out whilst it was still light. The views were spectacular across the beaches as we walked along the cliff face.

Finally we headed into the train ditch, whilst now overgrown with weeds you can still see the metal rails running along the ground. Heading towards the main building we found most of the doors barred off with the exception of the stair case.

Inside most of the rooms were covered in graffiti and the windows bared, Tabasco forgot his flash so we were limited for some of the photos but we managed to capture some of the more interesting rooms and graffiti.

Heading back down into the trench we followed down to a second room which had a split in the train. One side had light peeping in from a staircase leading up and was only a few meters long. The other was around 50 with no light. Which of course was the one Mouse and myself decided to go down first.

Leading to my favorite piece of graffiti.

We headed back outside, leaving the main building and heading towards the cliffs as the light started to warm and turn orange we saw the last two military buildings. Far less exciting than what we already seen we mostly enjoyed the view.

Whilst this site is technically on a active firearms range it is a good kilometer from the actual firing range and despite its supposedly being off limits we ran into several hikers including a family with very young children. This site is a great one to check out for beginners and if your just interested in some spectacular views.

- Phoenix

Safety comments: The riffle range is only open on Saturdays so for extra security best not to visit the site on a Saturday and Frostalicus remember long pants as there are snakes in the long grass. Safety first always.

St Peters Graffiti Pt 2

As I said, May Lane St Peters is always changing. Here is some of the new Graffiti.

Hope you're not afraid of Clowns.

St Peters Graffiti Pt 1

May Lane near my house features some of the best street art in Sydney and it is continuously changing.

Enjoy some of the best works at the moment.

More will come, hopefully with a better camera.