Drummond Battery, World War II coastal defense installation in Mount Saint Thomas, Australia

Drummond Battery is a coastal defense installation from World War II in Mount Saint Thomas featuring two concrete casemates built to house large artillery guns. The structures overlook the harbor area of Port Kembla and today form part of a broadcasting complex.

Work began in early 1942 after a secret telegram ordered extra coastal defences for the Newcastle-Sydney-Port Kembla area. Two 9.2-inch Mark X guns meant for Darwin were diverted to Mount Drummond in March 1942, and the battery was built through 1943 by the NSW Public Works Department and Department of Main Roads.

The fortification shows how Australia protected its coast during wartime and what technical abilities the country possessed. Visitors can still see today how this military complex fit into the industrial landscape of the region.

The site cannot be freely visited today as it is used for television and broadcasting facilities and advance arrangements are required. It is advisable to contact the property management beforehand to make the necessary arrangements.

After the war, the underground chambers were used for mushroom cultivation between 1966 and 1972. This unusual repurposing shows how military structures can be adapted for completely different uses after their original function ends.