The night WWII came to Sydney

  • Varighed: 2 Timer
  • Sted: PYRMONT, NSW

Event Details:

This fascinating story is covered in books and documentaries. But how much better to hear it on the harbour, and follow the movements of the midget submarines. Over two hours your vessel will cruise to the sites of engagement at Georges Head, Taylors Bay and Garden Island. Hear why and how this mission took place and failed; the meticulous planning by the Japanese Imperial Navy; the lack of preparedness of Sydney Harbour’s defences, and the effective action by a few that saved the day.

Highlights:

  • Learn how the three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour on a mission to destroy Allied warships on the night of Sunday 31 May 1942
  • See where the first submarine was caught in the boom
  • Learn how the second submarine tried and failed to sink the USS Chicago; instead, killing 21 seamen on board the dormitory ferry HMAS Kuttabul
  • Witness where the third submarine was blown up

Event Information:

What to wear: Please wear sensible footwear and bring a windproof jacket.
What to bring: Please bring a water bottle and a face mask.
Boarding Time: 9:45am
End Time: 12.15pm

Meeting Point: At the two anchors outside the main entrance of the Australian National Maritime Museum
Vessel: Heritage Motor Launch - Harman 1943 or Berrima 1955

We are a registered COVIDSafe company. 

Transport: 

  • Walk from Town Hall station across the historic Pyrmont Bridge (15 min).
  • Darling Harbour ferry from Wharf 5 at Circular Quay and alight at Pyrmont Bay. 
  • Light Rail from Dulwich to Central. Operates every 15 minutes. Alight at Pyrmont Bay.
  • Bus No 389 which runs from Bondi Junction to Pyrmont and goes through the city via Park St. (https://transportnsw.info/routes/details#/sydney-buses-network/389/31389
  • Parking at Harbourside Car Park, Murray Street. 
  • When booked on one of our sails you are eligible for discounted parking. To claim your discount, please go to the Main Reception of the Wharf 7 Building during open hours and ask for your ticket to be validated.
Other special instructions: 
  • If, in the opinion of the Master on the day of the event the wind or sea state is deemed unsuitable for the comfort of passengers, the event will be cancelled. A raincheck voucher will be issued. Smoking on board strictly prohibited.
  • To comply with COVID - 19 regulations we will require a phone number and email address for each passenger. 
  • Please take the time to carefully read through the terms and conditions prior to purchasing a ticket. Terms and conditions are available here https://shf.org.au/terms and at checkout.  
  • To make a 10+ group booking contact the office 02 9298 3888 or info@shf.org.au
To view full terms and conditions click here.


Image 1: Third midget submarine raised from the harbour
Image 2: First midget submarine being raised from the harbour - State Library of Victoria
Image 3: USS Chicago - Australian War Memorial
Image 4: The Japanese A-type midget submarines carried two torpedo tubes and a crew of two. - © Commonwealth of Australia 2020, Royal Australian Navy, www.navy.gov.au.
Image 5: HMAS Kuttabul, Graeme Andrews