Recent Tour Reports

TOFS TRIP 847

Wednesday 8 October 2025

Breakfast Point Then & Now

(Organised by TOFS WW Sub-group)

TOFS [25]:      JP (27), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), James McC (118), Terry O’H (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Jim O’H (170), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Jim McD (209), Ron O’H (231), Kenn W (243), Chris R (251), Peter M (288), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gary H (366), Jeffrey H (373), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Rob E (431), Ron B (446), Ron C (470), Frank W (475)         

VISITOR [1]    Peter O’H (for lunch)

25 TOFS members learnt something even before boarding our ferry, Frances Bodkin, for the trip to Cabarita.

 Frances Bodkin is an Australian botanist, author of “Encyclopaedia Botanica: The Essential Guide to Native and Exotic Plants in Australia”. She was honoured in March 2024 with the naming of the first Parramatta-class ferry after her.

Follow me for more riveting snippets.

Cabarita was sparkling when we alighted, and the vista across Kendall Bay to Breakfast Point did not need explanations.

The recently proclaimed suburb is a magnificent example of the regeneration of a former industrial site.

In this case, the former owner since 1883 had been AGL, who built there the largest gasworks in the Southern Hemisphere at the time. They extracted gas from coal, all of which was transported from Newcastle, until 1971 when natural gas came along. The plant then served to ‘odourise’ the natural gas to make it safer for domestic use, and AGL distributed it through their vast network.

The gasworks closed down in 1990.

Beginning in about 1998, the 52 hectare site has been developed by the Rose Group, and now boasts 2650 residences, by way of 63 Apartment buildings, 83 Townhouses and 40 free-standing houses.

And to their credit, nearly one third of the site has been retained and developed as open greenspace, landscaped gardens and community facilities.

From our initial vantage point, the Breakfast Point Country Club was prominent. Proudly sitting on a ‘grassy knoll’ the magnificent building and its surrounds provides swimming facilities for laps, a family-friendly lagoon pool, a spa, five tennis courts, a sauna and steam room and all of the internal spaces you need for small social gatherings, larger and more formal groups, or quiet areas like the library where you can sit back and read, say, a TOFS Tour Report.

And of course, there are dining and bar facilities.

But to enjoy all that the Country Club offers, you need to be an owner or tenant within Breakfast Point.  I wasn’t bold enough to seek entry for just a glimpse, or, heaven forbid, a drink.

Moving along, we skirted Kendall Bay, and heard the almost epic tale of unloading coal for the gasworks before mechanical help arrived in 1937, and then dallied on the point where John Hunter had come face-to-face with some local Aboriginals as he cooked breakfast during his survey of Port Jackson in February 1788.

Therein lies the origin of the name, Breakfast Point.

Some buildings from the AGL era had been slated for retention for heritage reasons, and we got to see two of them. The Blacksmiths Workshop, built in 1891, can be called a remarkably ‘handsome’ building when you consider its original purpose. When renovated it served as the Display and Sales office for the whole of the Breakfast Point development. When that responsibility was over, the property was offered for sale, with suggestions that it was ideal for commercial, showroom or office use. It was sold in 2020 for $7.3 million to a local family, and is now their residence.

Not that shabby for 3,133 sq metres of land with permanent river views.

We also saw the former Plumbers Workshop, built in 1915, that now houses 14 loft Apartments.

At this juncture we moved out of Breakfast Point into Mortlake. The first reveal was the site of the original but apparently little-known Palace Hotel. To quote the Canada Bay Historical Society:

“The original Palace was a grand three-storey late Victorian structure, complete with central tower and enveloped by sweeping verandas where one might expect ladies in crinolines and gentlemen with top hats to promenade. The building was completed in 1886……”.

Situated near to the banks of the Parramatta River, the hotel and its gardens catered for the huge crowds that attended regular rowing regattas, or just enjoyed picnicking there.

For reasons unknown, the hotel was demolished in the 1920’s.

What turned out to be the final stop on our tour, was what has now been dedicated as Wangal Reserve.

The whole of the peninsula at Mortlake, having been acquired by emergency wartime regulations in 1942, was developed into Green Point Naval Boatyard.

At that time, its prime function was to assemble Fairmile Motor Launches for use by the Royal Australian Navy in coastal waters and around nearby Pacific islands.

The interesting thing about Fairmiles is that most of the components were made off site, initially in the UK from where the design emanated, and the task here was to assemble the pieces, and where necessary, to have parts manufactured locally.

Green Point Naval Boatyard boasted six slipways, and in a production-line type of environment, the slipways at any point in time would house hulls in progressively more advanced states of completion.

The fitting of engineering and mechanical components, and artillery, was undertaken at adjacent wharves when a hull was ready.

This production line approach saw the commissioning of the required 20 of these 34 metre vessels in just 12 months.

It appeared that nothing remained in Wangal Reserve to remind us of the contribution that the area had made to our war effort until, during our tour, Jim O’H (yes, the Navy man) came across a plaque unveiled in August 1995 which presented a history of the Navy’s presence in Mortlake during the war years. Thanks Jim, you completed my story.

Lunch was had at the ‘new’ Palace Hotel (anything opened in 1926 can still be new), and hopefully everyone was happy with the food on offer. We welcomed to the lunch yet another O’Hara!  Peter this time. When will this end?

Finally, an abrupt end to our Trip forestalled what was to be my final comment before lunch.

I quote now, directly from my Tour Notes:

‘I am told, because I have not had occasion to visit it, that the Palace Hotel’s most striking feature is the size of its men’s toilet.

“Big enough to hold a dance in” quip the locals.

The feature is apparently a constant reminder of the huge volumes of beer served while the gasworks operated’.

Thanks for getting me through the day, but I must ask now: Did you see it?

Rex M (179)

TOFS Trip 846

Thursday 2 October 2025

JAPANESE BOMB SITES, EASTERN SUBURBS

(Organised by TOFS KO)

TOFS (39): JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Gary C (75), Michael F (108), Phil K (123), Terry O (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Graham L (185), Keith A (195), Jim M (209), Ron O (231), Kenn W (243), Colin C (291), Chris H (298), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gregg B (365), Gary H (366), Steve M (374), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Denis P (430), Robert E (431), David W (434), Bob S (444), Craig M (445), Ron B (446), Ted B (451), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Ken C (474), Alastair L (471), John B (473), Frank W (475).

Nostradamus (1505 – 1566) wrote: “When documents and iron are enclosed in a fish, out of it will come a man who will then make war.”

Our tour concerned the events around Sydney Harbour in 1942.

We met at Town Hall steps and then all 39 of us stormed the 324 bus to the consternation of the driver and regular passengers. In due course we alighted at Rose Bay to begin our tour.

The first section of the information dealt with the mini-subs attack of May 1942.

Surveillance

Flights by Japanese ‘glen’ planes launched from the submarine I-25 had been conducted by pilot Fujita in February 1942, to view the ships in the harbour. Later pilot Ito flew over and circled Garden Island and Cockatoo Island, largely unnoticed. These planes were from the Japanese navy’s Eastern Attack Group along with submarines I-21, I-22, I-24, I-27, I-28 and I-29.

Mini submarines, launched from some of these larger vessels, were used at Pearl Harbour, then Sydney Harbour, Diego Suarez, and Guadalcanal. The mini subs were not suicide vessels; the order was to come back alive.

Mini Sub Attack (May 1942)

Boom gates and ‘loops’ (ship detectors) were installed but not yet completed. The USS Chicago was in port and on that Sunday evening the captain had been invited to dinner ashore by the harbour commander.

Submarines located offshore launched three mini subs – each with a crew of two, and under the command of Chuman, Matsuo and Ban.

1. Chuman entered the harbour first, getting through the ‘loop’ by tailing the Manly ferry – hence nobody noticed the second blip. While maneuvering this mini sub it got tangled in a boom net. Jimmy Cargill, Maritime Services Board watchman, rumoured to have boasted an anchor tattoo on his chest like many marine men, saw the mini-sub and reported it to the Navy, who wanted nothing to do with it, sneering that it was likely naval junk caught in the net. Chuman detonated a scuttling charge and both crewmen died.

2. Matsuo’s mini sub was detected and depth charges used, the mini sub sank in Taylors Bay (just east of Bradleys Head). Matsuo shot his crewman then shot himself in the head.

3. Ban entered the harbour and fired two torpedoes towards the USS Chicago, they both hit Garden Island. The second torpedo hit very close to and ricocheted to sink the Kuttabul, with the loss of 21 sailors’ lives. Ban then escaped the harbour and his sub was not found until November 2006, off a reef at Newport. The fate of the crewmen is unknown and the site remains undisturbed.

On 1 June 1942 (the morning after the attack) there was no mention of the attack in newspapers or on the radio. Riverview college boys had seen searchlights and heard explosions, along with a large number of harbourside residents. Japanese radio announced that the attack occurred, but no mini sub crew were recovered. One mini sub has been recreated in the war museum in Canberra.

Clynt S (69) recalled his family’s experiences, having lived in the area at the time. Despite being a restless sleeper, young Clynt was noted to have slept particularly well that night when the capital of New South Wales was under hostile bombardment.

The Submarine Attack (June 1942)

While the I-21 sat outside Newcastle Harbour, the I-24 lurked outside Sydney Heads, from where it launched its attack on Monday 8 June 1942. The first shell was fired just after midnight, the attack lasted 4 minutes after which the submarine submerged and left the area. It had launched 10 shells, 6 of which failed to explode.

These four bomb sites were in Rose Bay:

1. 26 Manion Avenue – unexploded but with the kinetic force of a 38kg projectile. A point of interest is that Jim O (170) previously lived at the next-door address without ever knowing that number 26 was a place of such naval notoriety.

2. Iluka St & Manion Ave – a shell penetrated through the double brick wall of Grantham Flats, injuring a young man. A photo was provided of the Grantham Flats but the building is no longer in evidence at this intersection. Presented with this mystery, sleuthing TOFS provided the answer – the building burnt down in the 1950’s under strange circumstances.

3. 67 Balfour Road – a shell exploded and left a hole in the road outside. Oh well we’re all used to the odd pothole in Sydney.

4. 3 Plumer Road – an explosion outside Yallambee Flats destroyed a section of a house, injuring a sleeping woman. Photographic evidence of the impact is available, and two pictures of the damage were provided for the members to view.

The news on 8 June was uncensored, and the shelling overnight dominated the newspapers.

Real Estate

An urban myth has long existed that real estate sales prices dropped as a result of the bombing – some residents did leave the area temporarily, but sales were unaffected. Rental prices did, however, record a drop of 25%. Also, in early June 1942 the Battle of Midway occurred. The Americans broke the Japanese communication codes and tricked the enemy’s navy. Four Japanese carriers were hit, set ablaze and abandoned. Military historian John Keegan called the Battle of Midway “the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare.” As a result of that historic battle, any threat to the Eastern Suburbs quickly evaporated.

The Crewmen

All six mini sub crewmen probably perished but only four bodies were retrieved – two from Chuman’s mini sub and two from Matsuo’s mini sub. Ban’s mini sub lies undisturbed. The four were given a funeral service at Rookwood with full military honours, cremated and returned to Japan via the Swiss consul.

A Sad Final Touch

 In May 1968, Mrs Matsue Matsuo, the aged mother of Lieutenant Kieu Matsuo, visited Australia. Over the waters of Taylors Bay, she scattered cherry blossoms at the spot where her son's submarine had sunk. In Canberra, she met the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. John Gorton, but undoubtedly the emotional high point of her visit came when on 1 May 1968 she visited the Australian War Memorial, almost 26 years after her son had met his death. At the Memorial, escorted by a naval officer and her daughter, Fujie, she walked down to the midget submarine on display at that time outside the Memorial. Inside the smashed control room of the vessel, she placed a wreath and a bowl of sake as she chanted a poem-prayer, written by herself, to the memory of her son. She claimed she heard Kieu's voice calling to her and to his father.

Much of the information for this tour was from an autographed copy of the book “A Very Rude Awakening” by Peter Grose (Allen & Unwin 2007), available from Abbeys Bookshop.

The Lord Dudley

The Lord Dudley Hotel is one of Sydney's oldest and most loved family run English pubs since 1889 with a loyal clientele. The Lord Dudley is named after William Ward, the 2nd Earl of Dudley, who also served as the fourth Governor-General of Australia in the early 20th century. He was an Irish-born Earl. But not the Duke of Earl.

Music

The iconic sound of the talented but tragic Kyu Sakamoto singing ‘Shina No Yoru’ (1963).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaqBIDuQFrA

Kyu Sakamoto died aged 43 on 12 August 1985 in the crash of Japan Air Lines Flight 123, along with 519 others on board, making him a casualty of the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history. Only four people on board survived the crash. Sakamoto left a wife and two young daughters.

Graham L (185)

TOFS Trip 845

Friday 26th September 2025

Pacific Ocean Brewery

(Organised by TOFS MC)

TOFS (9): Dave T (351) Alan J (416) Bob B (418) Graham S (377) Ian C (376) Chris T (456) Garry S (322) Peter W (354) Alan M (228).

The Pacific Ocean Brewery, a hidden gem located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Tuncurry Industrial Area, was the destination for our Friday, 26 September, trip. Nine members boarded the Shores Express Coach, with our regular driver Dave T (351) at the wheel, at 10:30am for the short trip to Darawank for coffee without our leadership group – retired Liaison Officer John M (70) who is very unwell at this time, Tour Organiser Malc S (359), who is recuperating from recent surgery, and Treasurer Norm MS (307), who is out-of-town.

First stop was the Café Brass Bell – on the river, at Darawank, where the great coffees and cakes (for some) helped us kill an hour or so. The outdoor area overlooking a broad bend in the Wallamba River proved to be the perfect spot for some verbal collaboration.

With perfect timing by our driver, we arrived at the Pacific Ocean Brewery at 9 Norfolk Close, Tuncurry, on the dot at 12noon. After being shown to our table in the outdoor area, the extensive range of boutique beers was first to attract our attention. Ten alcoholic beverages were available on tap, from, Ocean Haze and the Long Mile, to the gold medal winner, St James Gate.

Having made our drink selections, the food menu was next on the list. Armed with our choices, we proceeded to the counter where our orders were taken by two very helpful assistants, Tammy being one of them. As well as enjoying our food and beers, the vocal interaction was beyond belief, coming close to but not quite solving the insurmountable issues in the area.

TOFS MC is a social grouping of men based at Black Head who meet monthly for an outing to one of the many interesting destinations in our region. In addition to Mid-north Coast (MC), there are branches in Central Coast, Ku-ring-gai, Greater Sydney, Sutherland/St George and Nepean/Blue Mountains.

Ian C (376).

TOFS Trip 844

Wednesday 24th September 2025

Scam Prevention Presentation

(Organised by TOFFS WW)

Attendees (25): JP (27), Bruce K (68), Phil K (122), Terry O’H (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Keith A (195), Jim Mc (209), Ron O’H (231), Keith R(283), Peter Mac (288), Richard B (296), Roly B (325), Allan S (349), Paul E (380), Gregg B (365),Don N (400), Rob E (431), David W (434), Ron B (446), Bill M (459), David C (467), Ron C (470).

Apologies (2): James McC (118), Lyle W (386).

Guests (3): Liang Hee C, Patrick O, Frank W.

Presenter: Simon Levy, (E: simon@setitupforme.com, Web: www.setitupforme.com)

This TOFS trip was the brainchild of Paul E (380).

The presentation was held in the Terrace Room at The Juniors club in Kingsford, where tea, coffee and water were provided on arrival.

Our presenter, Simon, gave a thorough explanation of all aspects of on-line fraud and scams. 

Topics included:

·       Common tactics used by cyber criminals

·       Phishing scams

·       ID theft and RFID skimming

·       Online shopping scams

·       Creating strong passwords

·       How to recognize suspicious emails and websites

·       And the importance of having and keeping security software up-to-date.

There was so much more that Simon spoke about, answering questions along the way. And then, following his presentation, Simon spent time answering further questions from the members.

The ‘Glass Room’, at The Juniors was reserved for us for lunch.  Simon joined us there and was available for discussion and questions. He gave everybody a brochure listing his many services and a gift of an RFID blocker to protect credit cards from criminals with ‘scanners’ stealing information from the card.  I would like to point out that Simon gave his time to enlighten us as to the dangers lurking out there in the on-line world, the money collected was for the hire of the Terrace Room.

Thanks go to Paul E (380) for coming up with the idea, Simon Levy for his presentation, Abygail Lyons from Catering and Functions and Maha for her patient assistance.

I took photos of all of Simon’s slides.  If you would like me to email you a copy, I would be happy to do so.

Allan S (349)

TOFS Trip 843

Monday 15th September 2025

Mary MacKillop Museum

(Organised by TOFS SS)

TOFS (16): JP (27), James Mc (118), Terry O (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Jim Mc (209), Richard Mc (219), Ron O (231), Bill K (232), Kenn W (243), Peter Mc (288), Allan S (349), Graeme L (392), Don N (400), David C (467), Ron C (470).

Saint Mary MacKillop, founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart is our first Australian Saint.  She was canonised by Pope Benedict XV1 in 2010.  

Helen, our very pleasant and informative guide went on to tell us that Mary was born in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1842, the eldest of eight siblings.  Life was not easy for a large family with limited resources, sometimes as a consequence of failing business ventures.  Mary’s father died in 1868, and her mother perished in a shipwreck off the NSW coast at Eden in 1886.

 As an adult and because of a supportive, caring nature Mary found herself working as a teacher in Penola, South Australia exhibiting strong leadership qualities.  It was here that she developed a passion for persons less fortunate in society.  Her motto was “Never see a need without doing something about it”.  

The museum has several rooms containing many memorabilia of Mary’s life and that of her youngest brother Donald (1853-1925), who became a Jesuit priest.  We saw a magnificent table manufactured from River Red Gum from a tree which Mary walked past every day on her way to the school building - a “mock up” of her school room is a popular exhibit. Helen was keen to show us Mary’s home within the museum grounds which contained original furniture and household goods and in which Mary died in 1909.  

Walking past Mary’s tomb, quiet time was spent in the chapel. Towards the end of the tour Peter M (155) was pleased to meet up with one of the Sisters who served with his 90-year-old sister, Sister June Madden.  

After thanking Helen, we journeyed to lunch at The Great Southern at Haymarket where a good time was had by all.  

JIM Mc (209)

TOFS Trip 842

Thursday 11th September 2025

Tour of Joan Sutherland Theatre, Penrith

(Organised by TOFS NM)

TOFS (20): Ron O’ (231), Ken H (48), Chas H (203), Ray H (191), Stuart P (264), Lyle W (386), Terry O’ (147),  David C (467),  Ken C (474),  Phil B (345),  Peter M (155),  Keith A (195), Jim M (209),  Rex M (179),  Graham L (185),  Les H (272),  David M (271),  Bill R (389), Chris R (251), Frank B (472).  

For lunch only Peter C (391).

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts centre – aka, The Joan   – welcomed us this morning through its guides for the day; Events Manager, Ms Neige Mainwaring and Technical Services Manager, Josh Guiliano.  Neige explained the origin of the building and its primary features.  It has four performance areas in the centre:

a) the concert hall (550 seats);

b) the drama theatre (376 seats);

c) the Mullins Studio (seating for 90);

d) the Borland Foyer.

The centre was opened in 1990 with the Richard Bonynge Concert Hall as the main attraction as well as the more intimate, adjacent Allan Mullins Studio.  Later development of the centre’s facilities in 2005 accommodated the Q Theatre at the eastern end and the Malcolm Borland Foyer at the western end with its full height glazed wall.  Both Malcolm Borland and Alan Mullins are qualified surgeons and patrons of the Arts.

Our tour began in the Concert Hall.  Our first impression upon entering is the all-black interior colour scheme – said to be more conducive to performers and audience alike!  This hall is equipped with a state-of-art light and sound control systems.  All illumination is by LED lamps, thereby providing optimum control features as well as reliability and efficient use of electric power.

Moving to the western end of the building, we entered a tall space known as the Malcolm Borland Foyer.  This is an informal area where impromptu entertainment and the occasional conference events are held.  It’s dominated by two tall semi-circular masonry towers jutting into the floor area.  These architectural features initially provided space for cloaking and/or refreshment service but have since been re-purposed.

On our way to see the Q-Theatre at the eastern end of the building we paused at a small auditorium – the Alan Mullins Studio.  Then, continuing through the side the curtains, came to the stage area of a large auditorium ... we were now in the Q Theatre.  This is a purpose-made venue for live performances and training in stagecraft.  Josh held the floor and gave us a description of operational activities required for a live production.  He then took us up to the light and sound desks set high behind the back seats.  These two systems are program-driven with optional manual over-rides and provide the console engineers with a high level of flexibility to enhance the stage performances.  All very impressive to us!

We understand there are also smaller studios upstairs intended for musical tuition, but time constraints meant we weren’t able to see these during our tour.

Moving to the outdoors we posed for a group photograph with our guides, then shuffled off to our lunch destination at the Penrith Bowling Club.  Good tucker, cold grog and fair prices.  This was a well organised interesting tour, and thanks go to Chas H (203) for arranging it.  Well done that man.

Compiled: Les H (272);    Photograph: Chas H (203)

TOFS Trip 841

Tuesday 9th September 2025

Lunch – New Bistro – Woy Woy Hotel

(Organised by TOFS CC)

TOFS (18): John P (27), Andrew M (16), Peter W (101), Peter W (149), Phil G (154), Paul E (380), Robert E (431), Sam H (193), Les H (469), David E (94), Bill B (116), Neville McK (442), Jeff J (153), Greg D (369), Bob S (444), Graham G (172), Robert M (28), Ron B (446).

This month the Central Coast Group organised a lunch and drinks get-together at the New Bistro of the old Woy Woy Hotel. Known affectionately among locals as "The Old Pub," The Woy Woy Hotel has gained legendary status for serving the iciest beers on the Central Coast since its establishment in 1897. It stands as one of the region's oldest and loved time-pubs. The Woy Woy Hotel extends a warm welcome to all. Its spacious layout ensures that there's room for everyone. With distinct areas including a public bar and gaming room, the new pelican's bistro catering to families and TOFS Groups, and a beer garden where you can sit back and observe the world passing by. With sweeping views of Brisbane Water and conveniently located just a stone's throw from the train station. Peter W (149) presented a hat and welcomed a new member, Greg D (369) A lot of talking and yummy food was had by all.

Peter W (101)

TOFS Trip 840

Thursday 4 September 2025

Manly Wormhole

(Organised by TOFS KO)

TOFS (32): Graham L (185), Paul E (380), Peter M (288), Gregg B (365), Robert E (431), Graeme O (371), David W (434), Les H (469), Ron O (231), Phil K (123), Terry O (147), Jim M (209), JP (27), David C (467), Denis P (430), Don N (400), Allan S (349), Bruce K (68), Phil Burge (345), Chris Robertson (251), Peter O (348), Bill R (389), Phil G (154), Ron B (446), Daryl H (65), James M (118), Michael F (108), Jeff J (153), Gary H (366), Peter M (155), Clynt S (69), Bob S (444).

Visitors (2): John B (V), Ken C (V).

THE MEMORY

I recall more than 40 years ago, seeing something special and amazing one 1981 summer afternoon at the northern end of Manly Beach. I was told it was a local secret known only to very few, and I was taken there by two surfies – my flatmate Stevie and his brother Dave.

Many years later, when thinking up ideas for TOFS, I could not quite recall what it was that I had seen and that had made such an impact on me then, so recently I went back to investigate.

WHAT WAS CREATED

The Manly Wormhole, also known as the Queenscliff Tunnel, is a tunnel said (incorrectly) to have been carved by local fishermen, anchor tattoos resplendent upon their chests, back in 1908. A moment’s thought would perhaps make you question why fishermen would be sufficiently motivated to spend months excavating a 25-metre tunnel through sandstone. Was the walk over the top really that onerous? Thanks to Robert E (431) – ‘The Boss’ – his research unearthed the real story.

The actual builder was Robert David Lewers. Moving to Manly in the early 1900s, he invested substantially in real estate at Queenscliff and in the Freshwater/Harbord district. He lived with his family in a desirable home at Queenscliff called ‘The Eyrie’, with panoramic views to the south over the lagoon and Manly Beach. His legacy is The Kiosk at Freshwater Beach, now the Pilu Restaurant.

Lewers built The Kiosk in 1908. It was and still is located on a rise at the southern end of the beach, at the foot of the long flight of steps built in 1884 over the Queenscliff headland.

Wishing to make access easier for Manly day trippers and more profitable for himself, he contracted the building of a tunnel through Queenscliff Point. He intended it to be part of a scenic walkway between the Queenscliff and Freshwater beaches.

The contractor was D. Bevan. He and his team finished the work in only three months, also in 1908, and by January 1909 the press reported that a great many people had walked through it.

Tragically, Lewers committed suicide in 1911. The final portion of his planned walkway, from the tunnel to The Kiosk, was never built.

What is left is what we see today.

Before proceeding we had a safety briefing requesting members to only take on what they could handle, and to ‘buddy’ with other members to provide some assistance. Torches were provided for members to see the hole in the tunnel floor.

THE EXPERIENCE

This historic 117-year-old wonder is a unique discovery for each visitor. One internet writer tells of the experience as follows:

“I round the corner and the entrance to the wormhole comes into view, a dark archway in the rock face. I step inside. In here the sound of the ocean is like slipping into the crevices of a seashell, a muted roar. The sandstone around me is unevenly chipped away in layers, wet with trails of water.

“As much as I expect the wormhole to lead to another dimension I emerge on the other side of the cliff, facing the ocean. Below me the waves smash into the rocks. The cliffs are layers of striated rock, complex in shape, as unique as a thumbprint. I stand on the other side of the wormhole, staring out to sea across the restless water, towards the horizon.

“It’s not long before another group of Wormhole travellers emerge to join me, two hippy men with waistcoats and necklaces and a woman in a short black evening dress and no shoes.

“We’ve all made it through,” I say. “to the other side.”

WHAT IS A WORMHOLE ?

In theoretical physics, a Wormhole is a tunnel through spacetime, potentially offering a faster way to travel between two points than traversing the intervening space directly. 

THE NEW BRIGHTON HOTEL

I’m sure many jaded TOFS were expecting a return to the trusty old Ivanhoe, but an exercise in lateral thinking led us to try an even better option. The New Brighton Hotel has been an institution in Manly and the Northern Beaches for the better part of a century. With four floors of dining, bars and entertainment the New Brighton is truly living up to its reputation as one of the premier venues on the Northern Beaches. We secured a booking on level 1 (with lift access).

MUSIC

To recapture that 80's feeling from back when the Wormhole was less than a century old hear the nostalgic "Young Years" by Dragon (1989) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eOcrfRa1Fw

Graham L (185)

TOFS Trip 837

Thursday 21 August 2025

Annual General Meeting

(Organised by TOFS HQ)

TOFS (44): Hal M (6), JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Dave E (94), Peter W (101), Michael F (108), James M (118), Lloyd S (138), Terry O (147), Jeff J (153), Philip G (154), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Jim M (209), Ron O (231), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Peter M (288), James B (293), Richard B (296), Ted A (306), Roly B (325), Dennis R (332), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Dave E (380), Don N (400), Robert E (431), Bob S (444), Bobby T (448), Bill M (459), John R (463), David C (467), Ron C (470), Frank B (472), Bill R (389), Geoff R (305), Gary H (366), Ron B (446), Jeffrey H (373).

For the first time the Glass Room at Souths Juniors was the venue for our AGM. The trivia was a challenge to us all and the standard of the catering was well received. There were 44 members at the AGM this year. Comparing to previous years - 43 members in 2017, 54 members in 2018, 45 members in 2019, 47 members in 2020, and 48 members in 2021, nil in 2022 due to Covid, 55 members in 2023 and 50 members in 2024. What was achieved: • The minutes of the Thirteenth AGM (2024) were confirmed. • The reports on the association’s activities were accepted. • The financial report for the Year Ended 30 June 2025 was accepted. • The office bearers were confirmed for the 2025/2026 year: President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Membership Co-ordinator Tour Co-ordinator Webmaster Ordinary Committee Member Here’s hoping for a year of great tours ahead!

Graham L (185) Secretary

TOFS TOUR 839

Friday 22nd August 2025

Lunch at Hallidays Point Tavern

(Organised by TOFS MC)

TOFS (14): 

Bill C (263), Will L (282), Norm MS (307), David G (308), Kevin H (324), Doug F (333), Dave T,  (351), Ian C (376), Albert K (403), Kit C (415), Allan J (416), Chris T (456), Alan H (462) and Bob W (465)….apologies if I missed anyone.

Cancelled; historic walking tour of Gloucester

As previously mentioned, this trip would be dependent on the weather being fine, as we will be walking in the open. The weather forecast was not looking good, and I think even with raincoats and umbrellas, it would have been very unpleasant. So, following discussions with Janine, our Tour Guide, reluctantly we decide to cancel.   

Alternative to Gloucester trip.

Lunch at the Hallidays Point Tavern

As usual, a most enjoyable lunch.

John M (70)

Liaison Officer (Retired)

PS: Apologies, no group photo taken