Illowra Battery facts for kids

The Illowra Battery was an old Australian Army coastal gun battery. It was built at Hill 60, Port Kembla in Australia during World War II. People also called it the Hill 60 Battery. Its main job was to protect the coast from enemy ships during the war.

The Story of Illowra Battery

The spot where a gun stood in 1944 (left) and how it looks today (right).

Gun No. 1 in 1944 (left) and how it looks today with its old shield (right).

The Illowra Battery had two main gun positions. Each position held a large British gun called a BL 6-inch Mk. XI. These guns were very powerful. They even had protective shields. These shields came from old Australian Navy ships. These ships, like HMAS Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, were no longer in use.

Tunnels and Bunkers

To help the guns work, two long tunnels were built. These tunnels went deep underground. They had a special small track inside. This track was for trolleys. The trolleys were used to move heavy gun shells. They carried the shells from storage to the guns above.

One of the tunnels at the battery site, looking down. Another path leads to the main bunker area, which is now a mushroom farm.

A strong concrete bunker was also built. This bunker was connected to the tunnel system. It provided a safe place for soldiers and equipment.

After the War

The Illowra Battery was no longer needed after World War II ended in 1945. So, it was closed down. Later, a mushroom farm started in the main bunker. This was because the bunker was cool and damp, which is perfect for growing mushrooms.

Today, the old battery is a popular place to visit. Many local people and urban explorers come to see it. They have added lots of colorful graffiti to the old walls.