Exploring Sydney’s Shipwreck Cove in Homebush

Who knew Sydney was hiding its very own Shipwreck Cove in the Olympic City of Homebush.

One night, whilst I was aimlessly browsing through Facebook, I came across a video someone had shared titled: ‘Bizarre images captured on Google Earth.’

Of course, how could I resist, I needed to know what weird and wonderful things had been captured. One of the images, was an aerial view of a shipwreck covered in trees, laying in wait of a cove in Parramatta River, which runs alongside Sydney Olympic Park.

My first thought was, no way! How could I not have known about it and why has know one ever talked about it. So, I began a Google search online to determine whether the image was either real or fake. And, turns out, it was real.

In-fact, there was so much information about the Shipwrecks of Homebush, I didn’t know where to start looking to find out where exactly it was and how I could get there. Finally, I managed to piece together bits and pieces of information from a variety of sources telling me exactly where it was.

So, the next day off I went to explore this amazing new wonder of Sydney Olympic Park. And what a treat it was. Bicentennial Park itself is beautiful, even without the Shipwrecks.

Filled with a variety of winding tracks to choose from; that you either walk, run or ride your bicycle along. You stroll through mangroves, and alongside the fresh waters of Parramatta River. There is even a wetlands area, where you can admire a wide variety of stunning bird life. My partner and I witness an impressive show by 2 Pelicans, who were feasting on fish, as they were sucked along a causeway and into the wetlands area.

As for the Shipwrecks, they were pretty impressive also.

In total, there are 4 main wrecks to see. All are easily accessible along the path, with some even having signs and viewing platforms to make the experience that much more. Some of the locations are a little overgrown, making it difficult to take the best photo. And due to the park being a Wildlife Protection area for both plants and animals, I can’t imagine the scrub or mangroves being cut back any time soon.

How to get there? Well, that does depend what direction you are coming from. Here’s how we got there:

Head south along Australia Avenue and make a left into Bicentennial Park Drive. Although you can find parking on the street, there are also 5 main off street car parks (which you have to pay for, but are free on a Sunday). We parked in the 4th car park. Once parked, we headed off on foot along a footpath, across the road from the car park, heading in a north easterly direction. If you continue along this path, you will see the Badu Mangroves on your left (if you have time, the walk through the mangroves is very pretty), followed by the large bird wetlands area on your left. There are plenty of signs also, in case you think your lost.

Not far up from the wetlands on your right, you will see your first wreck, which is well signed. That’s when you know your on the right path. Get your camera ready, as the wrecks will start to pop up everywhere now.