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.