This is a special edition of the Active Retirees E-newsletter sent for the information of Probus Club members. This E-newsletter is sponsored and paid for by Harbour Trust.
Seeking adventure in retirement? Do Sydney differently!
Think you know Sydney back to front? Think again! The extraordinary places protected by Harbour Trust are an opportunity to step off the beaten track and experience a different side to Sydney.
Located on the world’s best harbour, the Harbour Trust’s destinations are known for their natural beauty as well as historic landmarks that provide a window into Australia’s past.
Best of all? They’re FREE to visit and there’s plenty to do for retirees, including solo adventurers, people with reduced mobility and groups seeking a social activity.
Need inspiration for a great day out in Sydney? Keep reading as we spotlight some of the popular attractions offered by the Harbour Trust.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Cockatoo Island
Sub Base Platypus
Georges Heights
Known to Sydney’s First Nations peoples as Wareamah, Cockatoo Island is a former convict prison and shipbuilding facility in the heart of Sydney Harbour.
Popular attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site, 2 waterfront cafes, harbourside BBQs, the historic dockyard, public steam crane tests (pictured) and an exciting program of guided tours.
Plus: The scenic journey to Cockatoo Island is part of the experience. The F3 and F8 ferries operate to the island daily, departing from Circular Quay and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River.
Formerly a torpedo factory, submarine base and gas works, Sub Base Platypus is a fully accessible recreation hub in North Sydney.
Highlights include BBQs, picnic tables, spectacular views of Neutral Bay, a landscaped park abundant in native plants and a storytelling space (pictured) that reveals the area’s history through artefacts, archival images and First Nations art.
Getting to Sub Base Platypus is easy. It is next to North Sydney Ferry Wharf and buses stop nearby. Plus: It’s a short walk from North Sydney and Milsons Point train stations as well as the Victoria Cross metro station.
Located on the Mosman peninsula, not far from the main village, Georges Heights is known for its tranquil bush trails and harbour views.
A major drawcard is Georges Head Lookout. Perched on the ridge above Chowder Bay, it features military relics dating to the 1870s alongside a picnic area.
Other highlights include tennis court hire, the chic, Parisian-themed Frenchy’s Café (pictured) and Gunners’ Barracks – a charming, sandstone building that pairs high tea and a contemporary à la carte menu with commanding views of Sydney Harbour.
MOBILITY-FRIENDLY TOURS
Step back in time and explore jaw-dropping historic spaces with the Harbour Trust’s guided tours. The 3 tours best suited to visitors seeking a mobility-friendly experience are the Sub Base Stories Tour (Sub Base Platypus), the Shipyard Tales Tour (Cockatoo Island) and the Lower Island Tour (Cockatoo Island). Join a scheduled tour or request a private group tour.
FREE GROUP TALKS
Keen to introduce your Club to Sydney’s most spectacular destinations? Book a FREE 45-minute talk for your next catchup! The Harbour Trust offer 5 talks. Each is presented by a knowledgeable volunteer speaker who marries archival and current images with historical facts and anecdotes. The volunteer speaker will travel to present to groups with a venue in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.
CONNECT WITH US
TOP OF PAGE / PROBUS WEBSITE
Probus South Pacific Limited
PO Box 1294, Parramatta NSW 2124
T: (02) 9689 0200
1300 630 488 (Australia)
0800 14776 287 (New Zealand)
E: [email protected]
W: www.probussouthpacific.org
Copyright Probus South Pacific Ltd. 2026.
All rights reserved. ACN 152 374 395
Seeking adventure in retirement? Do Sydney differently!
Think you know Sydney back to front? Think again! The extraordinary places protected by Harbour Trust are an opportunity to step off the beaten track and experience a different side to Sydney.
Located on the world’s best harbour, the Harbour Trust’s destinations are known for their natural beauty as well as historic landmarks that provide a window into Australia’s past.
Best of all? They’re FREE to visit and there’s plenty to do for retirees, including solo adventurers, people with reduced mobility and groups seeking a social activity.
Need inspiration for a great day out in Sydney? Keep reading as we spotlight some of the popular attractions offered by the Harbour Trust.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Cockatoo Island
Sub Base Platypus
Georges Heights
Known to Sydney’s First Nations peoples as Wareamah, Cockatoo Island is a former convict prison and shipbuilding facility in the heart of Sydney Harbour.
Popular attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site, 2 waterfront cafes, harbourside BBQs, the historic dockyard, public steam crane tests (pictured) and an exciting program of guided tours.
Plus: The scenic journey to Cockatoo Island is part of the experience. The F3 and F8 ferries operate to the island daily, departing from Circular Quay and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River.
Formerly a torpedo factory, submarine base and gas works, Sub Base Platypus is a fully accessible recreation hub in North Sydney.
Highlights include BBQs, picnic tables, spectacular views of Neutral Bay, a landscaped park abundant in native plants and a storytelling space (pictured) that reveals the area’s history through artefacts, archival images and First Nations art.
Getting to Sub Base Platypus is easy. It is next to North Sydney Ferry Wharf and buses stop nearby. Plus: It’s a short walk from North Sydney and Milsons Point train stations as well as the Victoria Cross metro station.
Located on the Mosman peninsula, not far from the main village, Georges Heights is known for its tranquil bush trails and harbour views.
A major drawcard is Georges Head Lookout. Perched on the ridge above Chowder Bay, it features military relics dating to the 1870s alongside a picnic area.
Other highlights include tennis court hire, the chic, Parisian-themed Frenchy’s Café (pictured) and Gunners’ Barracks – a charming, sandstone building that pairs high tea and a contemporary à la carte menu with commanding views of Sydney Harbour.
MOBILITY-FRIENDLY TOURS
Step back in time and explore jaw-dropping historic spaces with the Harbour Trust’s guided tours. The 3 tours best suited to visitors seeking a mobility-friendly experience are the Sub Base Stories Tour (Sub Base Platypus), the Shipyard Tales Tour (Cockatoo Island) and the Lower Island Tour (Cockatoo Island). Join a scheduled tour or request a private group tour.
FREE GROUP TALKS
Keen to introduce your Club to Sydney’s most spectacular destinations? Book a FREE 45-minute talk for your next catchup! The Harbour Trust offer 5 talks. Each is presented by a knowledgeable volunteer speaker who marries archival and current images with historical facts and anecdotes. The volunteer speaker will travel to present to groups with a venue in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.
CONNECT WITH US
TOP OF PAGE / PROBUS WEBSITE
Probus South Pacific Limited
PO Box 1294, Parramatta NSW 2124
T: (02) 9689 0200
1300 630 488 (Australia)
0800 14776 287 (New Zealand)
E: [email protected]
W: www.probussouthpacific.org
Copyright Probus South Pacific Ltd. 2026.
All rights reserved. ACN 152 374 395
