Holbrook 

In 1824 Holbrook was christened with the name Friday Mount and Camden Forest. In 1836 it was known as Therry's or Billabong. Later it became known as Ten Mile Creek. In 1876 Ten Mile Creek changed its name to Germanton. In 1914 it was renamed Holbrook to honour British Navy Submarine Commander Norman Holbrook, who torpedoed a Turkish battleship in the Dardennelles near Gallipoli. He was the first submariner to receive the Victoria Cross after he piloted his 43-metre submarine through five rows of mines.

The newest name Holbrook is the most apt name for this small town. The 1200 or so townspeople are mad about submarines, and the town is full of submarine memorabilia. Visitors can clamber all over HMAS Otway, a 90 metre submarine which lies in parkland on the main road, as well as inspect a full-size torpedo. There is also a submarine museum with hands on exhibits. Submarines aside, there is plenty to see and do in this small country town, which offers picturesque parklands and bushwalks, historic buildings and submarine regalia.

Things to do

• Check out the National Beeffest Festival held in May
• The Woolpack Inn Museum has an old schoolroom, the complete plant of an old cordial factory, a bakery and other items of local interest. There is also a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and farm implements. Devonshire teas or lunch by prior arrangement
• Learn about submarines at the Submarine Museum
• Ten Mile Creek Gardens have parking, BBQ facilities and a playground
• Find the 8.5-m replica scale model of the 43-m B11 submarine which Lieutenant Holbrook piloted through the minefields
• Look at the statues in Germanton Park which is a tribute to the European pioneers of the district
• Clamber over the 'Otway', a 90-mtr submarine financed by public donation and $100 000 from Holbrook's widow
• Visit the National Pottery Museum