The incredible 'floating forest' built on an over 100-year-old shipwreck

Some unusual attractions have caught the attention of across the world in recent years, from abandoned villages to islands that look like they're . This bizarre site, found in the middle of a river, may just be one of the most unique.

On the west side of Sydney, Australia, on the southern side of the Parramatta River lies an area called Homebush Bay. This is where many ships used during ended up. Among the graveyard of vessels, one particular shipwreck stands out because it has become a "Floating Forest".

The SS Ayrfield is an over 100-year-old ship, which was built in Scotland in 1911 before sailing to . The 1,140-tonne ship was used during the war to transport supplies to US troops in the Pacific Ocean.

After an impressive 60 years of service - which also included transporting coal between Newcastle and after the war - the ship was brought to Homebush Bay in 1972 where it was supposed to be dismantled.

However, the work subsequently stopped due to the plummeting value of scrap metal. The wrecking yards went out of business, leaving the ship floating in the area.

Eventually, the partially sunk and rusted. Over time, mangrove bushes and other plants have consumed the ship, subsequently turning the SS Ayrfield into a famous attraction.

The place is free to visit and you don't need a guide to explore the area. Tourists simply stroll through the area, taking photos of the plethora of abandoned ships.

A group of at least seven rusted hulls is still visible at the site. This includes the 111-year-old SS Heroic, the 96-year-old collier, SS Mortlake and the 79-year-old HMAS Karangi, which survived the Darwin bombing during .

Many photographers go here to take photos of "Floating Forest" at sunrise, when the colors are most vivid.

To see the sight for yourself, head to the Olympic Park Archery Centre - buses and trains travel here from the Central station. From there, walk for a couple of minutes to the waterfront walkway.

If you go by car, there is also free parking available nearby, via the aptly named Shipwreck Lookout.

Once a centre of industry, Homebush Bay was once contaminated with toxic waste. However, it has since been transformed into a commercial and residential suburb, having been refurbished by an economic boom brought on by the 2000 .