Our places 
Book your free ticket
Running on Saturday 22 February, the Marine Biological Station Open Day is a rare opportunity to explore this significant sandstone cottage. Inscribed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004, the former Marine Biological Station is notable for being the first facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere as well as one of Watson Bay’s initial buildings. It originally served as a research station for Nicolas Miklouho-Maclay – a prominent Russian scientist interested in local marine life.
This is a FREE event; however, spots are very limited so we require people to register for tickets. Further, entry is capped at 30 minutes per person. Tickets available for 4 timeslots (details below).
Hot tip: Make the most of summer! After you’ve explored the station, take a dip at nearby Camp Cove Beach. Plan your trip here.
Although this is a free event, spots are very limited so we require people to register their attendance.
On the day, attendees will be able to explore the station at their own pace for up to 30 minutes. Plus, our friendly staff will be stationed throughout the building, ready to answer questions and share historical information. Choose from 4 available timeslots: 11am, 11:45am, 12:30pm and 1:15pm.
Note: Although this is a free event, tickets are required and entry is limited to 30 minutes per person.
Note: Parking is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transport.
By car: The beach at Camp Cove can be accessed via Pacific Street in Watsons Bay. Limited parking is available in the surrounding streets.
By bus: Sydney Buses operate the 324 service, which links Circular Quay to Military Road, Watsons Bay, daily. Alight at the final bus stop and walk 10 minutes via Cliff and Pacific streets to reach Camp Cove.
By ferry: Sydney Ferries run between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay daily. Once you disembark at Watsons Bay, walk for approximately 10 minutes via Cliff and Pacific streets to reach Camp Cove.
For public transport information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website.
Due to its heritage nature, the Marine Biological Station is not accessible to wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams. Visitors will be required to navigate short flights of steps throughout the building and navigate over uneven surfaces. No toilets are available onsite with the closest being the public toilets at Green Point Reserve (approx. 55m from the site).
Suitable flat walking shoes and wet weather clothing (if needed).
The open day will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of dangerous weather. Participants will be notified via email if the event is cancelled.
Designed by prominent colonial architect John Kirkpatrick, the former Marine Biological Station is recognised as the first biological research station in the Southern Hemisphere.
Built in 1881 as a place for Russian scientist Nikolai Nikoleavich de Miklouho-Maclay to study local marine life, the beautiful sandstone cottage was later acquired by the Australian Army to house officers. It received Commonwealth Heritage listing in 2004 and is one of the most historically significant buildings on the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
[Image credit: The Former Marine Biological Station at Camp Cove, circa 1881, State library of NSW, FL1228185]
Learn more about our extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour.
