Hill 60, Port Kembla

Hill 60 is a historic site near Port Kembla that rises about 71 meters above sea level and contains military defense structures from the 1940s. The location features gun batteries, tunnel systems, and former military buildings spread across the hilltop.

The site was transformed into a major coastal defense position during World War II when the Illowra Battery was built there. This military construction occurred on land with a long history of Aboriginal use before the war.

Shell middens and artifact collections visible across the site reveal continuous Aboriginal occupation and the importance of traditional fishing to local communities. These remains show how deeply connected the people were to the coastal resources for generations.

Walking tracks wind through the site and lead to a lookout point where you can see across the Port Kembla area. The terrain is generally manageable, though some sections include steeper paths up the hill.

In the late 1800s, the hilltop served as a fish-spotting station for a commercial fishing operation that supplied markets with fresh seafood. This overlooked use reveals how Aboriginal knowledge was applied to a modern business enterprise of that era.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -34.48660,150.91690

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49