Ben Buckler Gun Battery

Ben Buckler Gun Battery is an artillery installation in North Bondi featuring concrete fortifications and a large Armstrong gun. The structure was built to defend Sydney's coastline against naval attacks.

The battery was built in 1893 as part of Sydney's coastal defense system. It was constructed after British forces withdrew from Australia in 1870, requiring the colonies to manage their own protection.

The site reflects how Australia had to take charge of protecting its own shores during a period of growing independence. Today it shows visitors the military concerns that shaped the nation's early development.

The site lay buried beneath sand until 1984 when construction work uncovered it. Today the exposed concrete structure is accessible to visitors interested in examining the fortification's design and construction.

The gun employed a sophisticated hydraulic mechanism that automatically lowered it into a protected position after firing. This engineering feature made the installation exceptionally advanced for its era.

Location: New South Wales

Inception: 1893

GPS coordinates: -33.88420,151.28400

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26