Latest news with #HeritageNSW
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Japanese submarine from WWII attack may have been found
More than 80 years on from a dark moment in Australia's military history, researchers believe they might have tracked down a Japanese submarine involved in a World War II attack. A KD7 class submarine I-178 that torpedoed a Allied ship might be wrecked off the coast of Coffs Harbour with researchers pointing to "strong evidence". Heritage NSW released the new study on the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the Sydney Harbour, where three submarines entered in 1942. Australian air force planes bombed an unidentified ship about 104km southwest of Coffs Harbour, while eye witnesses saw an oil slick the day after off Nambucca Heads. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith said the study recommended a seabed survey of the area to locate the submarine. "The detailed research shines new light on this dark period of our history and adds weight to the hypothesis that the long lost I-178 lies on the ocean floor off the coast of Coffs Harbour, while also strongly rejecting one theory that it sank near Vanuatu," he said. "Interestingly, we don't know why this particular submarine - which should have been capable of staying underwater for long periods - was caught on the surface twice in a short space of time." The study suggests it may have had battery or operational problems from a previous attack which prevented it from submerging. The 105-metre Japanese KD7 class submarine I-178 and its 89 crew were declared lost in 1943 and have never been located. The last signal it sent back to headquarters was on June 18, 1943. Axis naval forces killed 214 people and sunk 23 ships in NSW waters in attacks between 1941 and 1944. Three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour on May 31, 1942, but two were detected and attacked before launching their own offensives. The third submarine was discovered off Sydney's northern beaches in 2006. More than 80 years on from a dark moment in Australia's military history, researchers believe they might have tracked down a Japanese submarine involved in a World War II attack. A KD7 class submarine I-178 that torpedoed a Allied ship might be wrecked off the coast of Coffs Harbour with researchers pointing to "strong evidence". Heritage NSW released the new study on the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the Sydney Harbour, where three submarines entered in 1942. Australian air force planes bombed an unidentified ship about 104km southwest of Coffs Harbour, while eye witnesses saw an oil slick the day after off Nambucca Heads. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith said the study recommended a seabed survey of the area to locate the submarine. "The detailed research shines new light on this dark period of our history and adds weight to the hypothesis that the long lost I-178 lies on the ocean floor off the coast of Coffs Harbour, while also strongly rejecting one theory that it sank near Vanuatu," he said. "Interestingly, we don't know why this particular submarine - which should have been capable of staying underwater for long periods - was caught on the surface twice in a short space of time." The study suggests it may have had battery or operational problems from a previous attack which prevented it from submerging. The 105-metre Japanese KD7 class submarine I-178 and its 89 crew were declared lost in 1943 and have never been located. The last signal it sent back to headquarters was on June 18, 1943. Axis naval forces killed 214 people and sunk 23 ships in NSW waters in attacks between 1941 and 1944. Three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour on May 31, 1942, but two were detected and attacked before launching their own offensives. The third submarine was discovered off Sydney's northern beaches in 2006. More than 80 years on from a dark moment in Australia's military history, researchers believe they might have tracked down a Japanese submarine involved in a World War II attack. A KD7 class submarine I-178 that torpedoed a Allied ship might be wrecked off the coast of Coffs Harbour with researchers pointing to "strong evidence". Heritage NSW released the new study on the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the Sydney Harbour, where three submarines entered in 1942. Australian air force planes bombed an unidentified ship about 104km southwest of Coffs Harbour, while eye witnesses saw an oil slick the day after off Nambucca Heads. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith said the study recommended a seabed survey of the area to locate the submarine. "The detailed research shines new light on this dark period of our history and adds weight to the hypothesis that the long lost I-178 lies on the ocean floor off the coast of Coffs Harbour, while also strongly rejecting one theory that it sank near Vanuatu," he said. "Interestingly, we don't know why this particular submarine - which should have been capable of staying underwater for long periods - was caught on the surface twice in a short space of time." The study suggests it may have had battery or operational problems from a previous attack which prevented it from submerging. The 105-metre Japanese KD7 class submarine I-178 and its 89 crew were declared lost in 1943 and have never been located. The last signal it sent back to headquarters was on June 18, 1943. Axis naval forces killed 214 people and sunk 23 ships in NSW waters in attacks between 1941 and 1944. Three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour on May 31, 1942, but two were detected and attacked before launching their own offensives. The third submarine was discovered off Sydney's northern beaches in 2006. More than 80 years on from a dark moment in Australia's military history, researchers believe they might have tracked down a Japanese submarine involved in a World War II attack. A KD7 class submarine I-178 that torpedoed a Allied ship might be wrecked off the coast of Coffs Harbour with researchers pointing to "strong evidence". Heritage NSW released the new study on the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the Sydney Harbour, where three submarines entered in 1942. Australian air force planes bombed an unidentified ship about 104km southwest of Coffs Harbour, while eye witnesses saw an oil slick the day after off Nambucca Heads. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith said the study recommended a seabed survey of the area to locate the submarine. "The detailed research shines new light on this dark period of our history and adds weight to the hypothesis that the long lost I-178 lies on the ocean floor off the coast of Coffs Harbour, while also strongly rejecting one theory that it sank near Vanuatu," he said. "Interestingly, we don't know why this particular submarine - which should have been capable of staying underwater for long periods - was caught on the surface twice in a short space of time." The study suggests it may have had battery or operational problems from a previous attack which prevented it from submerging. The 105-metre Japanese KD7 class submarine I-178 and its 89 crew were declared lost in 1943 and have never been located. The last signal it sent back to headquarters was on June 18, 1943. Axis naval forces killed 214 people and sunk 23 ships in NSW waters in attacks between 1941 and 1944. Three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour on May 31, 1942, but two were detected and attacked before launching their own offensives. The third submarine was discovered off Sydney's northern beaches in 2006.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Japanese submarine from WWII attack may have been found
More than 80 years on from a dark moment in Australia's military history, researchers believe they might have tracked down a Japanese submarine involved in a World War II attack. A KD7 class submarine I-178 that torpedoed a Allied ship might be wrecked off the coast of Coffs Harbour with researchers pointing to "strong evidence". Heritage NSW released the new study on the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the Sydney Harbour, where three submarines entered in 1942. Australian air force planes bombed an unidentified ship about 104km southwest of Coffs Harbour, while eye witnesses saw an oil slick the day after off Nambucca Heads. Heritage NSW assessments director Tim Smith said the study recommended a seabed survey of the area to locate the submarine. "The detailed research shines new light on this dark period of our history and adds weight to the hypothesis that the long lost I-178 lies on the ocean floor off the coast of Coffs Harbour, while also strongly rejecting one theory that it sank near Vanuatu," he said. "Interestingly, we don't know why this particular submarine - which should have been capable of staying underwater for long periods - was caught on the surface twice in a short space of time." The study suggests it may have had battery or operational problems from a previous attack which prevented it from submerging. The 105-metre Japanese KD7 class submarine I-178 and its 89 crew were declared lost in 1943 and have never been located. The last signal it sent back to headquarters was on June 18, 1943. Axis naval forces killed 214 people and sunk 23 ships in NSW waters in attacks between 1941 and 1944. Three midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour on May 31, 1942, but two were detected and attacked before launching their own offensives. The third submarine was discovered off Sydney's northern beaches in 2006.
The Age
13-05-2025
- The Age
Skip this ‘forlorn' Blue Mountains town? You'll be missing out
Once upon a time, in the dawn of Australian tourism during the early 20th century, the Blue Mountains hub of Katoomba was the cutting edge of style, a place where Sydney socialites came to 'take the air' and party in grand hotels with spectacular vistas of the vast Jamison Valley. During the 1920s and '30s, it was known as the honeymoon capital of Australia; while generations of Sydney families have fond memories of weekends admiring the famous Three Sisters or riding the Scenic Railway. But as noted by this masthead on Saturday, poor old Katoomba has seen better days. Many of its once-glorious heritage buildings, including the ornate Paragon Cafe, are in a shocking state of decay – boarded up, scarred by graffiti, uninhabitable. Blue Mountains residents, myself included, are invariably appalled by the neglect, frustrated by the lack of action and accountability as local council, Heritage NSW and absentee slum landlords play the blame game for the sorry state of affairs. But to suggest Katoomba be avoided by the three million tourists who visit the region each year or bypassed en route to the sights of Echo Point does the town a major disservice. For behind the grunge and 'to lease' signs lies a quirky, eclectic soul, with a vibrancy and funkiness reminiscent of inner-Sydney suburbs like Newtown or Enmore. From thrift stores to art galleries, cafes to bookshops, there's no better place to potter and poke around than K-Town, especially if the weather is inclement (as it so often is!) And for every neglected building, many more have been lovingly restored by business owners passionate about the region's heritage. Overseeing the town behind an imposing circular driveway is the magnificent circa-1883 Carrington Hotel, its stained-glass windows and Tiffany dome a wonder to behold; while across the road, the dress circle of the art deco Savoy Theatre now houses the retro-fitted Avalon Restaurant, replete with Barbie dolls in birdcages and creepy boa-wearing mannequins. A few steps down Katoomba Street leads to an old bank building, now the excellent Tempus restaurant; while beyond the eye-catching street art of Beverly Place is Bowery, a chic cocktail bar and restaurant within the walls of an old Federation-Romanesque church.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Skip this ‘forlorn' Blue Mountains town? You'll be missing out
Once upon a time, in the dawn of Australian tourism during the early 20th century, the Blue Mountains hub of Katoomba was the cutting edge of style, a place where Sydney socialites came to 'take the air' and party in grand hotels with spectacular vistas of the vast Jamison Valley. During the 1920s and '30s, it was known as the honeymoon capital of Australia; while generations of Sydney families have fond memories of weekends admiring the famous Three Sisters or riding the Scenic Railway. But as noted by this masthead on Saturday, poor old Katoomba has seen better days. Many of its once-glorious heritage buildings, including the ornate Paragon Cafe, are in a shocking state of decay – boarded up, scarred by graffiti, uninhabitable. Blue Mountains residents, myself included, are invariably appalled by the neglect, frustrated by the lack of action and accountability as local council, Heritage NSW and absentee slum landlords play the blame game for the sorry state of affairs. But to suggest Katoomba be avoided by the three million tourists who visit the region each year or bypassed en route to the sights of Echo Point does the town a major disservice. For behind the grunge and 'to lease' signs lies a quirky, eclectic soul, with a vibrancy and funkiness reminiscent of inner-Sydney suburbs like Newtown or Enmore. From thrift stores to art galleries, cafes to bookshops, there's no better place to potter and poke around than K-Town, especially if the weather is inclement (as it so often is!) And for every neglected building, many more have been lovingly restored by business owners passionate about the region's heritage. Overseeing the town behind an imposing circular driveway is the magnificent circa-1883 Carrington Hotel, its stained-glass windows and Tiffany dome a wonder to behold; while across the road, the dress circle of the art deco Savoy Theatre now houses the retro-fitted Avalon Restaurant, replete with Barbie dolls in birdcages and creepy boa-wearing mannequins. A few steps down Katoomba Street leads to an old bank building, now the excellent Tempus restaurant; while beyond the eye-catching street art of Beverly Place is Bowery, a chic cocktail bar and restaurant within the walls of an old Federation-Romanesque church.
Sydney Morning Herald
25-04-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Inside the once-charming Paragon, a heartbreaking discovery is made
Squatters, thieves and vandals have wrecked and defaced the heritage-listed Greek cafe the Paragon in Katoomba, with graffiti saying 'RIP' across its famous Moruya-marble soda fountain. Photos of damage to the interior of the 110-year-old art deco cafe were mailed anonymously to Friends of the Paragon, a group that has been lobbying to save what was once one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains. 'The interior has been absolutely trashed,' said Friends president Rob Strange. 'Mirrors, marble, the bars and furniture with their very detailed plasterwork have been just daubed with graffiti.' Responding to news of the damage, NSW Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe said: 'There has been a failure to protect this item. I have asked Heritage NSW to look at any action they can take to rectify this problem.' Strange said locks on the building had been repeatedly cut with bolt cutters, and there had been reports of squatters and parties on the premises. Drug paraphernalia and empty beer bottles had also been left near where generations of families once enjoyed afternoon tea, hamburgers and sodas. There was water damage a metre high in the famous ballroom, holes in walls and floors, and furniture had been broken and stolen. Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle said the state of disrepair of 'our beautiful Paragon' was dire. The break-ins had increased the building's exposure to the weather. Representatives of the Blue Mountains City Council visited the Paragon last week. A spokesperson said officers documented 'further evidence of deterioration', which was sent to Heritage NSW.
