SS Ayrfield — Attraction in Sydney

I’ve known about this place for some time and only recently got round to taking some photos before going to the archery range next door and wish I’d visited earlier! The bay itself is worth a visit if you’re in the area as there’s the main lookout with a couple of wrecks however it’s the “floating forest” which is the highlight, with healthy green trees growing out of the 100+ year old wreck it’s hard not to be impressed. In terms of access you’ll need to follow the promenade path around as you can’t really see it from ship wreck lookout. For photographers there’s plenty of scope to shoot from the path If you want long exposures on sticks etc. in the morning the sun rises just behind to the right of the wreck, If it rises too high - even with NDs you’ll struggle with brightness if you want a big wide

For those wanting aerial shots (drone), you are allowed to fly here BUT it is a high risk area. When I visited I was contemplating getting the top down shot but the area was hazy from the bushfires and there were helicopters moving back through the area so I decided not to. You also need to consider that there is a huge residential medium rise complex next to the wreck so if you want to launch I’d suggest launching from the ship wreck lookout and not the promenade to avoid anybody complaining/distracting you, the height you’d need to be is lower than some of their balconies (unless you have the m2p zoom) and you don’t want people to over react and think you’re spying on them 🙄 Especially because you won’t be the first person to get this aerial shot so they may not welcome another drone hovering outside their window.

I’d also suggest getting this aerial shot just after sunrise (before 06:30am), or after morning commute has died down or golden...

Floating Forest of Homebush Bay, Sydney, Australia

Contrary to its name, the Floating Forest is not, in fact, a forest. It’s a decommissioned ship sitting in Homebush Bay, and its name refers to the greenery that has overtaken the hull. Fully grown mangrove trees now adorn this rusted old boat, lending some color and life to an abandoned vessel. Originally called the SS Ayrfield, the boat was built in 1911 in the UK as a steam collier, and was later used to bring supplies to US troops stationed in the Pacific during World War II. It was retired in 1972 and sent to Homebush Bay, where it has...

The Homebush Bay shipwrecks is a hidden gem. Between 1960 to 1970, the area used to be a shipwreck yard for old and unused vessels were decommissioned and disposed of.

The SS Ayrfield shipwreck is a popular spot for taking sunrise photos. The photos I've shared were taken on my mobile. Love walking along SS Ayrfield shipwreck to SS Mortlake Bank, It's a tranquil and beautiful place, especially during sunrise. Sunset and night walks...