Once a sturdy steam cargo ship, the SS Ayrfield had a rich history that included its use in World War II. However, today the shipwreck is in a state of decay and is now known as the renowned Floating Forest of Homebush Bay.
Homebush Bay, situated on the southern bank of the Parramatta River in Sydney, Australia, is known for its iconic landmark – the Floating Forest. However, it was not always a sight to behold. In the 20th century, the area underwent massive land reclamation and turned into a bustling industrial zone. As industries began to scale down, the Bay became a dumping ground for waste, broken-up ships, and toxic industrial chemicals.
Union Carbide, during the industrial golden age of Homebush Bay, manufactured various chemicals, including Agent Orange, which gained notoriety during the Vietnam war. The Bay was so heavily contaminated with dioxin and other hazardous chemicals that a fishing ban had to be imposed in most parts of Sydney Harbor.
The transformation of Homebush Bay is truly remarkable. Once a polluted industrial area, it has now become a thriving commercial and residential hub in Sydney thanks to the rehabilitation efforts that started in the 1980s and the economic boom brought on by the 2000 Olympic games. The restoration initiatives include the establishment of parks and the revival of mangrove wetlands and saltmarshes that once surrounded the bay before its industrialization. Simon_sees captured it perfectly in his photo, showing how the area has gone from boat-filled waters to lush jungle-like surroundings.
There are several shipwrecks that serve as a reminder of the bay’s past, and among them is the SS Ayrfield. The rusting hull of this vessel has taken on a new role as one of the main attractions in Homebush Bay, known as the “Floating Forest.” The SS Ayrfield was originally built in 1911 by the Greenock and Grangemouth Dockyard Co. under the name Corrimal. It was used for transporting goods between Newcastle and Sydney until it was later repurposed to transport supplies to allied troops during World War II in the Pacific region.
The vessel has a rich history, having even served in World War II. It was later sold to R.W. Miller in 1951 and transformed into a collier, receiving a new name, the Ayrfield. For over two decades, it transported coal between Newcastle and Miller’s terminal in Blackwattle Bay until it was retired in 1972. The plan was to dismantle the ship on-site in Homebush Bay, which was then a ship-breaking yard. However, the work was halted, and the skeleton of the Ayrfield was left to rust away among other abandoned ships. What sets the Ayrfield apart from the rest is how nature has taken over it, with sturdy mangrove trees growing on its hull, providing a striking contrast to the tranquil environment of the bay today.
The mangrove trees have taken over the ship, making it an iconic part of the Homebush area. Despite its rusty appearance, the wreck has attracted many visitors and photographers, with some even setting up a Shipwreck Lookout. However, beyond its popularity, the Ayrfield holds significant historical value as it has stood for 111 years. It is a testament to the past, and hopefully, it will continue to fascinate people for many more years to come.
