Henry Head Battery facts for kids

Look out point with a special position for a large gun or cannon to be fired from

The Henry Head bunker is a historic fort located near the ocean cliffs at Henry Head, in La Perouse, New South Wales, Australia. It sits right at the entrance to Botany Bay. This old military building was once very important for protecting the bay from enemy ships.

History of Henry Head Fort

Building the Fort (1892-1895)

This fort and bunker were built between 1892 and 1895. It had a special spot for a disappearing gun. This was a large cannon that would pop up to fire and then hide back underground. This made it harder for enemies to hit. The fort was used until 1910, when it was no longer needed for its original purpose.

Protecting Botany Bay in World War II

The fort was given a new job during World War II. It was used again to protect the entrance to Botany Bay. It had two six-inch guns and special lookout spots.

The fort also had an underground bunker with tunnels. Inside, there were strong rooms to store weapons. These rooms had double walls and ceilings. This special design helped stop the walls from collapsing if an enemy missile hit the fort directly. The Henry Head battery is not used anymore today.

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  A disappearing gun emplacement

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  Looking at the back wall inside the bunker

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  A gun emplacement

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  Inside the underground part of the fort

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  One of the hallways in the underground complex

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  Another view of a gun emplacement

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  A gun emplacement looking south along the coast

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  A view of the fort's exterior

Images for kids

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  Inside the fort

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  Inside Henry Head Battery