Inner Middle Head Battery
Inner Middle Head Battery is a heritage-listed former World War II army base and now residential housing estate located at Old Fort Road, Artarmon, on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the Department of Defence and built from 1940 to 1941 by John Brown & Company. It is also known as Middle Head Fortifications and Inner Middle Head Fortifications. The property is owned by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 June 2004.
Structure and Design
Inner Middle Head Battery was one of a series of reinforced concrete bunkers and gun emplacements constructed along the foreshore of Sydney Harbour during World War II. The battery was designed to house two 9.2-inch breech-loading guns on disappearing carriages. The gun emplacements were located in an earth-covered reinforced concrete pit with the guns mounted on rails. The pit was surrounded by a blast wall and had an armoured roof. There were also two searchlights located in the battery.
Purpose and Utilization
The Inner Middle Head Battery was one of four coastal batteries constructed to defend the approaches to Sydney Harbour during World War II. The other three batteries were located at Georges Head, Middle Head and Chowder Bay. The primary role of the Inner Middle Head Battery was to protect the harbour from a seaward attack. The battery was also designed to be used as an anti-aircraft gun emplacement.
Inner Middle Head Battery Today
Today, the place houses a number of residential dwellings. The gun emplacements have been converted into garages, and the searchlight pits have been infilled. Some of the other military buildings associated with the battery have been demolished; however, the main bunker remains intact. There are officers’ quarters and a soldiers’ institute that survives the World War II period. The Inner Middle Head Battery is an important reminder of Sydney’s World War II history.
Restoration Efforts
The NSW Heritage Council has been working to have the Inner Middle Head Battery restored to its original World War II appearance. In 1998, a Conservation Management Plan was prepared for the battery. This plan outlines a number of restoration works that need to be undertaken in order to preserve the heritage values of the place. To date, a number of these works have been completed, like reinforcements of the blast walls, removal of the garage conversions and replacement of the armoured roof. The walking track has also been reopened to the public.
Getting There
The Inner Middle Head Battery is located at 57F9+47, Middle Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia. There is a walking track that leads to the place from Balmoral Park, which is our most recommended way of getting there. The place is also accessible by car; however, parking can be difficult to find.
Who Should Visit Inner Middle Head Battery?
The Inner Middle Head Battery is a place of historical significance and is recommended for anyone interested in learning about Australia’s World War II history. The place is also great for nature lovers as it offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour. If you’re looking to discover more of Artarmon’s hidden gems, then the Inner Middle Head Battery is definitely worth a visit.