Bradleys Head Fortification Complex

The Bradleys Head Fortification Complex is a small fort located on the northern side of Taronga Park Zoo that formed part of a total defence system for Sydney Harbour and recalls a period when the colony of New South Wales became increasingly aware of its isolation and wealth. The fortification is located on Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, Australia.

The main firing wall of the Bradley's Head Fortification Complex.

Gun emplacement overlooking Port Jackson

History

Construction of the fort began in 1840-42 and consisted of a gun pit and firing wall that was built out of large blocks of sandstone and carved partly from the original rock that was located on site. The earlier stages of construction during this period were done with the supervision of Major George Barney, a Commanding Royal Engineer who used hired labour that was supplied by Governor Gipps.

In 1871 the fortification received an additional barracks. The barracks were constructed from large sandstone blocks and carved out of the existing rock on the headland. The 1871 barracks were designed and constructed under the direction of James Barnet, a colonial architect. This most recent addition consisted of three gun pits and had connecting galleries for the riflemen. The upgrade of 1871 was complementary to some of the larger fortifications being constructed during the same period on Middle Head, South Head, Georges Heights and Georges Head.

The site is now part of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

The only entrance to the battery constructed in 1871.	A feature inside the onsite barracks.	One of the barrack hallways with an entry point to the innermost chamber on the right hand side.	The innermost chamber of the barracks
Trenches leading to gun emplacements and into the underground chambers on site.	Large gun emplacement constructed 1840-42	Cannon and gun emplacement constructed 1871	Empty gun emplacement constructed 1871

Malabar Battery

Malabar Battery was a coastal defence battery built in 1943 during World War II at Malabar Headland, Malabar, New South Wales, Australia. The battery is also known as Boora Point Battery.

Four story observation post forming part of the Malabar Battery (below)

The battery was constructed to complement the existing coastal defence batteries at nearby Henry Battery, Banks Battery and Bare Island Fort.

Two 6 inch Mark XII guns in gun emplacements on mountings were constructed at the battery. An underground counter bombardment facility, with gun crew ready rooms, ammunition supply and engine room together with a narrow-gauge tramway which was cut into the sandstone and lined with sandstone and a large battery observation post were also constructed at the battery.

The tramway was a single track of 560mm (22in) and was to transport the 6" projectile munitions to the shell expense stores/magazines in the base of each gun emplacement. The tramway traverses through a deep continuous cutting lined with sandstone leads from the ammunition drop off point to the basement of the ammunition supply room and up to the two gun emplacements. Before reaching the gun emplacments the line enters a rectangular section concrete tunnel which is 94m (310ft) long.

Also constructed as part of the battery were northern and southern searchlight blockhouses with associated engine rooms and the battery barracks and toilet blocks.

Following decommissioning of the gun emplacements after the war, the site fell into disrepair.

Beehive Casemate

The Beehive Casemate is an historical fortification located on the banks of Obelisk Bay, in Sydney Harbour. Construction began in 1871 and was completed in 1874.

The fort was constructed under the supervision of colonial architect James Barnet.

The underground Casemate was one of the first to be locally designed and built after the withdrawal of British troops in 1870 and the Cardwell Reforms.

The fortification contains three domed chambers that were used as gun emplacements, each chamber had a small opening or window for the gun to fire through with each window looking out towards the Sydney Heads.

The underground chambers were made of brick and mortar and were built into the excavated cavities in the sandstone bedrock. They were intended to fire on enemy ships as they navigated the passages around Sow and Pigs Reef, within the entrance to Sydney Harbour.