We attended the free tour at 10.30 and due to the heat, were the only ones there. David, our... read more
We attended the free tour at 10.30 and due to the heat, were the only ones there. David, our... read more
Great memorial. Definitely worth a visit. Has an added section since the discovery of the HMAS... read more
Wonderful memorial and tribute to those souls lost. Very tastefully done, credit to all those involved in its design construction and maintenance, well worth a visit and an opportunity to reflect on our past and sacrifices made.
My uncles ship was HMAS Sydney and he came from Geraldton. This was a moving experience for me as although he was in hospital with leukemia at the time the ship was destroyed with all souls on board it was a part of his young life. This beautiful monument overlooking Geraldton and the sea means a great deal to many.
At a wonderful local eatery, Archipelago, a resident encouraged us to visit this memorial. And so we did, right away, that very evening. A spectacular sight unfolded: not only of the well-lit memorial itself, but of the city and port as well. Couldn't read much of the information though, because of darkness, so decided to come back the other morning: every morning, at 10.30 am, a voluntary guide will conduct a tour of the premises.
Our well-seasoned guide, Carla Jenkins, explained what had happened and led to the death of all crewmembers on board HMAS Sydney II and 81of its German opponent, the auxillary cruiser Kormoran.
I will not explain here, about that encounter: I advice you to visit the Geraldton Museum (donations only) where an impressive audiofilm tells the story.
The memorial is... astounding: it is full of symbolisms and references - DO GO and find out yourselves !
If you have the chance and/or the opportunity: make use of the offer of the daily (free) tour by a volunteer-guide: you will understand so much better !
For your convenience: there is a (free), well-maintained, toiletunit near the parkinglot of the memorial.
Corinne & Klaas,
visitors from 'Dutchieland'
This tribute to the HMAS Sydney II 645 sailors is a wonderful experience and can be quite overwhelming. The Smith's Sculptures who designed the memorial, put so much thought into each element. A tour of the memorial with the tour guides which are at 10.30 everyday is a must for everyone.
Visited the monument while on a tour. It was very interesting and gave a good idea into the full story of the Sydney and the men involved. The monument was very unusual and well worth a visit.
We did the free guided tour at 10.30. Just wait at the base of the car park footpath for it to start. Very informative and a lot of stuff explained that you would never realise about the monument without it being pointed out to you. A lovely tribute to the men who lost there lives on the ship HMS Sydney 2