From War to Peace: The Transformation of Newington Armament Depot


The Newington Armament Depot is a heritage-listed former Royal Australian Navy Armament Depot, which operated at the site until December 1999. Armaments used by Australian, British and United States Navy ships were received, inspected, tested, stored and distributed at the Depot. These armaments included gunpowder, explosive shells, cordite, fuses, depth charges, torpedoes and rockets.

It was built from 1897 initially by the New South Wales Military Forces then by the Australian Army and later by the Royal Australian Navy. It is also known as Millennium Heritage Parklands Precinct, Royal Australian Navy Armament Depot Newington, Royal Australian Navy Armament Depot, Newington Nature Reserve and Sydney Olympic Games site. The property is owned by the Sydney Olympic Park Authority. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 14 January 2011

The site now spans approximately 100 hectares. It contains 100 buildings of various ages and types. The heritage buildings provide the Armory with a unique character, which is described through a heritage interpretation program, that can be viewed at the original 1897 gatehouse. 

There are also 6.7 kilometres of narrow-gauge rail, 7 battery-powered locomotives, 30 rail wagons, three cranes, various items of moveable heritage left behind after the Depot closed, items of moveable heritage on loan from the Department of Defence, and the 48-hectares Newington Nature Reserve.

At its peak, the Depot spanned from the Parramatta River to Parramatta Road (259 hectares) and contained 191 buildings. The southern part of the Depot was developed as the athlete's village for the 2000 Summer Olympics and is now the suburb of Newington. The site includes a wide variety of buildings, blast containment structures, transport networks, landforms and moveable items associated with the storage and handling of explosives, all of which were closely associated with the topography and other natural features of the site.

 

The Newington Armament Depot is open seven days a week and can be easily explored by pushbike or on foot. Many people are thrilled to discover this unique site, which holds a significant place in our history. Come visit and experience the excitement of exploring the Newington Armament Depot!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Orphan Rock Lookout: A Peaceful Escape into Nature

Image
Reid's Plateau offers a breathtaking lookout point along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. What sets this lookout apart is the unique experience of passing under an arched, cave-like structure before emerging to a stunning view. Below, the valley stretches out with the impressive Orphan Rock standing tall and isolated. This monolith, formed over 170 million years ago, seems to rise up out of nowhere, adding to the awe-inspiring surprise of this lookout. Despite its appearance of inaccessibility, Orphan Rock was once climbed by both skilled rock climbers and ordinary tourists, a fact that may make you nervous just thinking about it. Surprisingly, this spot was once more popular than the iconic Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. A walking track built in the 1930s led visitors to the top of Orphan Rock via stone steps and ladders, until safety concerns led to its closure in the 1950s. Today, the path around Reid's Plateau is a short, well-established, and mostly paved trail. Along th...
Read more

Uncover the Stunning Views of Bardens Lookout: A Must-Visit Destination

Image
Bardens Lookout Mount York is a popular tourist attraction situated on the highest point of Mount York, New South Wales, Australia. The lookout provides an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding Blue Mountains and the valley below. Apart from the breathtaking views, Bardens Lookout and Mount York serve as significant historical sites in Australia. This article aims to give an insight into the history, attractions, outdoor activities, and everything else you need to know before visiting Bardens Lookout, Mount York. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, Bardens Lookout Mount York provides something for everyone.
Read more