Garden Island

Visited only on Sundays as it is only accessible by ferry. Very short distance from the ring pier. The museum is located at the northern end of the naval base on Garden Island and is very well furnished with over 9,000 artifacts. A lonely security guard at the ferry terminal greeted me, gave me a rundown and pointed me in the right direction, and in the early hours of Sunday morning I was actually the only person in the place until someone arrived at the information desk shortly after I arrived. According to the guards, by last Sunday they were about 130 people. Most of the items were inside and there were only some larger things outside, such as barrels. I couldn't explore outside due to a heavy rain. It is worth mentioning that the observation tower with a view of Sydney's magnificent views from the top of the hill. Obviously it was a bit higher when it was a signal station, but the upper floors were demolished a few years ago. Ferry runs about every half an hour. Free to visit.

The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre/Museum is located in the public access area of Gaden Island and is one of the best kept secrets in the city. It is only a short ferry ride from the ring pier (Circular Quay) (only open on Sundays since November 2019 due to construction works). Admission is free. Lots of attractions both inside and outside the main museum building. The exhibits are well arranged (telling the history of RAN from its inception to the present) and well signed. Highly recommend visiting (quiet as it is not a well-known attraction)! Tip, be sure to view the scenery from the roof of the old signal building located at the top of the garden.