The WW1 J-class submarines were an attempt to build a submarine capable of operating with the surface fleet, however limitations of the available diesel engines meant that their top-speed of only 19 knots made them too slow to work with the fleet, and they operated independently during WW1.After the war, the six survivors were given to Australia as part of the 'gift fleet', however they proved expensive to maintain, and were soon disposed of.J7 was the last to go, and in 1930 she was scuttled to form a breakwater in Sandringham Yacht Club in south-east Melbourne, where she remains to this day.The Sandringham Yacht club is easily accessible by public transport (the Hampton tram-stop is about 1km away). The marina surrounding the submarine is not open to the public, however when I contacted them in advance they were happy to provide me with access. The marina boardwalk takes you right next to the submarine - literally within touching distance.The hull was stripped before scuttling, and nearly a century of exposure to seawater has taken its toll, but she is still clearly recognisable as a submarine, and a rare survivor from that period.
Links:
J7 Submarine – Sandringham Yacht Club
Not many marinas can boast a 100-year-old submarine, but this one does - ABC News