Location Authorities - Harbour Trust (Sydney Harbour Federation Trust)

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust manages urban foreshore parklands around Sydney Harbour, including several former Defence bases. Many of the sites incorporate buildings and spaces in quiet locations that are currently vacant while the Harbour Trust plans their future use. In the meantime, these unique spaces are available to hire for filming:

***North Head Sanctuary, Manly
The remarkable parade ground of the former Artillery School is defined by simple Art Deco buildings amongst wild bushland overlooking the harbour. There are barracks accommodation blocks, various institutional buildings with extensive kitchens, three mess halls, a ballroom, a gymnasium, cells, an oval and large vacant sheds. One of the largest sheds on the site, the Gun Park shed, has recently been upgraded to suit small scale studio work. In a very quiet location, the clear span shed is approximately 28m x 18m, with a clearance of 5m to the side walls and 6.75m at the apex. The shed provides excellent access with full-height sliding panel doors approximately 14m wide on opposite sides, and an adjacent hardstand area of approximately 4,500m2.

***Chowder Bay, at Headland Park in Mosman
Established as the submarine mining depot in the 1890s, Chowder Bay contains a number of historic buildings nestled around the water, including a boatshed, a mine store of stone construction and a wharf. Later additions include barracks, classrooms, a lecture theatre, mess hall and offices. 30 Terminal and 10 Terminal (at nearby Middle Head), served as former Army transport depots . These locations offer a wide range of buildings from large sheds through to small timber barracks, huts, and offices. The view of the harbour from 30 Terminal is magnificent.

***Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA) Middle Head, at Headland Park in Mosman
This former school consists of a cluster of weatherboard buildings connected by undercover walkways and surrounded by Bougainvillea vines and palms.

***Former Georges Heights Training Command, at Headland Park in Mosman
This former army base comprises a number of simple clad buildings including offices, meeting rooms and kitchens. Other features of the site include underground tunnels and a large parade ground with expansive views of the harbour.

***Woolwich Dock & Parklands
Woolwich Dock extends for nearly 300m, cut directly into the sandstone cliff face. The dock and surrounding area has been developed for maritime industrial use and includes large workshops as well as more recent Army buildings. Woolwich Dock is currently leased out to consortium Murlan Noakes: 9817 6933.

***Cockatoo Island (and Snapper Island)
With the remains of a convict prison, houses dating from the 1840s, immense workshop spaces, the historic pumphouse and chimney, two dry docks and much more, Cockatoo offers many location options all on one island. There are endless possibilities for filming on Cockatoo Island and the Harbour Trust is looking closely at the possibility of long-term filming facilities for the island.

***Macquarie Lighthouse, Vaucluse
Access for filming inside Australia’s oldest lighthouse is limited, as the light still operates and is leased by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The grounds provide a large open space with dramatic views up and down the coast, with the lighthouse serving as an impressive backdrop.

***Former Marine Biological Station (FMBS), Watsons Bay
Built at the southern end of Camp Cove in 1881, this timber house with sandstone foundations is a good example of practical colonial architecture. It contains pressed metal walls and ornate fireplaces but requires considerable conservation work. From the house, there are magnificent views over Camp Cove Beach and Sydney Harbour. The FMBS is now privately leased, but the Trust retains a park adjacent.

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