Radio VNG, Time signal radio station in Shanes Park, New South Wales, Australia
Radio VNG was a dedicated time signal station in Shanes Park, New South Wales, that broadcast precise time signals on several shortwave frequencies. The transmissions came in two formats: spoken time announcements and binary coded decimal signals, serving a wide range of technical users across Australia.
The Australian Post Office established Radio VNG in 1964 as the country's national time signal service, originally operating from Lyndhurst before moving to Shanes Park in 1987. The station ran for nearly four decades before closing on the last day of 2002.
Radio VNG broadcast time signals that ships, aircraft, and scientific stations across Australia relied on to keep their equipment accurate. For many users, receiving the signal was a routine part of daily operations, much like checking a clock.
Radio VNG is no longer operating and there is nothing to visit on site, as the original facilities have been removed. The area in Shanes Park can be seen from public roads, but there is no formal access point or visitor infrastructure.
Radio VNG broadcast on shortwave frequencies, which meant its signals could be picked up far beyond Australia's borders, including by ships in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This made it a reference point for timekeeping across a large part of the southern hemisphere.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
