SS Ayrfield Guide: How to See Sydney’s Famous Floating Forest
The SS Ayrfield: Sydney's Iconic Floating Forest
In the quiet waters of Homebush Bay, nature has staged a slow-motion takeover of industrial history. The SS Ayrfield, a 1,140-tonne steel collier built in 1911, was once used to transport supplies to troops during WWII. Today, it is better known as the Floating Forest. For more Sydney shipwrecks, explore SS Minmi at Cape Banks or discover Bare Island.
Left to rust after the ship-breaking yard closed in the 1970s, the hull of the Ayrfield has become a floating planter box for a lush grove of mangrove trees. It is a hauntingly beautiful example of "nature reclaiming the ruins" and a must-see for anyone exploring Sydney's hidden gems.
Quick Stats
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Access: Free (Public Boardwalk)
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Location: Homebush Bay (Wentworth Point / Olympic Park)
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Difficulty: Very Easy (Paved, flat walkway)
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Best For: Photography, sunset walks, and birdwatching.
How to Get to the SS Ayrfield
The wreck is located along the Bennelong Parkway in Wentworth Point. You don't need hiking boots for this one; it's a suburban stroll.
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By Car: Park at Wentworth Point (near the Archery Centre or along Footbridge Blvd). Walk toward the water at The Promenade.
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By Train/Bus: Take the train to Rhodes Station and walk across the Bennelong Bridge to Wentworth Point, or take the bus to Sydney Olympic Park and follow the bay-side walking tracks.
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The Lookout: The best view is from the Shipwreck Lookout on the edge of the Wentworth Point residential area. There is a wide, public boardwalk that looks directly over the wreck.
The Best Time for Photography
The SS Ayrfield is famously "moody," and your photos will look completely different depending on when you visit:
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Sunset (The Golden Hour): This is the prime time. The sun sets behind the shipwreck, silhouetting the rusted hull and the mangrove branches against an orange and purple sky.
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Low Tide: At low tide, the mudflats of the bay are exposed, revealing more of the ship's structure and the other nearby wrecks (like the SS Mortlake Bank).
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High Tide: At high tide, the ship appears to be truly "floating" in the water, which often makes for a cleaner, more surreal photograph.
A Quick History Lesson
The SS Ayrfield isn't alone. Homebush Bay was once a bustling center for ship-breaking. When the industry moved on, several hulls were simply left in the bay to rot. While the Ayrfield is the most famous because of its "forest," you can also see the remains of the SS Mortlake Bank, the SS Edward Lume, and the HMAS Karangi nearby. They serve as a rusted graveyard that tells the story of Sydney's industrial maritime past.
Expert Tips for Your Visit
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Bring a Zoom Lens: The shipwreck is located about 40–50 meters from the shoreline. To get those close-up shots of the trees growing through the steel, you'll want a lens with a bit of reach.
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Respect the Residents: The boardwalk is right next to residential apartments. Keep noise to a minimum, especially if you are visiting for sunrise or late-night long-exposure photography.
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Make it a Loop: The bay is surrounded by the Badu Mangroves boardwalks. After seeing the ship, follow the path toward the Bicentennial Park for a great nature walk. Discover more NSW hidden gems in our complete guide.
