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Category: Rock Art

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Baiame Cave Milbrodale Hunter Valley

Baiame Cave Painting

Baiame Cave Milbrodale Hunter Valley

It’s amazing what you can find close to home that you didn’t know existed! It’s even on the local council website, but we somehow failed to see it. About 25 minutes down the Putty Road from Singleton, the Baiame Cave at Milbrodale contains a significant example of Aboriginal art.

Significance

Connected to other sacred sites in the region, the cave and its artwork are culturally significant to the local Wonnarua people. Baiame is the creator and protector of the local people. In the painting he has widespread, larger than life arms. This signifies his status as protector of the local people. His eyes are also overly large, because he was all seeing and all knowing.

The choice of this particular cave is significant because it allows Baiame to look over the land of the Wonnarua. It also allows the local and visiting people to view the creator.

Getting There

Located on private property, access is via a dirt track just off Welshs Road. Although the property is privately owned, you are allowed access to the cave, but be respectful and remember no camping is allowed here. On our visit, a creek crossing just off the road, had been washed out. This meant we couldn’t drive all the way in, but it was only a short flat walk in. A sign at an intersection points in the direction to go.

The cave is located in the small escarpment to the left of the road, with a small path leading up. In the cave, a raised steel mesh platform provides a nice stable area to stand on and view the painting. Do not step off the platform, so as not to damage the cave. Remember the cave is heritage listed and protected.

The Painting

The painting depicts Baiame with arms outstretched looking over the river valley. Also visible are hand and arm stencils, representing the people who cared for and maintained the cave. There are also axe and boomerang stencil around the main figure.

What Did We Think?

This was a great place to visit, not only was it good to see, but we also learnt something else about the local Wonnarua people. The current access may be difficult for people with mobility issues, because you need to climb over the broken river crossing, but otherwise the track is flat and easy to walk.

Direction sign
Direction sign to the cave
Track
Track to the cave
Green Field
Turn off main track here. The cave is in the hills
Steps up to the cave
Steps up to the cave
Baiame Cave
Baiame Cave
Baiame Cave Painting
The Baiame Cave Painting
Baiame Cave Painting
Baiame Cave Painting
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Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Mother of Pearl Oyster Shells Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Established in 2003, Broken Bay Pearl Farm is New South Wales’s only pearl farm. Although Sydney Rock oysters used for eating are farmed here, this is the first business to farm pearls.

Located at Mooney Mooney on the Hawkesbury River, parking was at a premium, with some people on our tour parking at the Mooney Mooney Club and walking (only a 5-minute walk away). Starting at an old oyster shed, now used as a sales room and “Shellar Door”, we checked in and waited for the tour to start.

The two-hour tour starts with a history of oyster harvesting in Australia. Archaeological evidence indicates that Aboriginal people (the Darkinjung and Ku-ring-Gai) fished for oysters at least 20,000 years ago. With colonialization, oysters were used for food and later for use in concrete, where their shells were used for lime. Pearl farming first commenced in Broome, Western Australia in 1946.

Local pearl farming started when Agoya oysters were noticed growing on Sydney Rock oysters. This species of oyster produce beautiful mother of pearl, a prerequisite to make pearls. After trials, it was found they could be successfully farmed, leading to Broken Bay Oyster Farms.

Mother of Pearl Oyster Shells Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Mother of Pearl Oyster Shells
Oyster Shells
Oyster Shells

The Tour

After learning all about pearls, we boarded the catamaran for a one-hour cruise to see the oysters. On the way the guide stopped to show us Aboriginal rock carvings.

Located next to a beautiful little beach, the oyster lease currently contained eight-month-old oysters, because others had been moved out to sea. This was because recent rain had flushed too much fresh water into the area, which was not good for their development.

Our guide retrieved some from their baskets, so we had a chance for a close-up look at them. He then showed how pearls are seeded before they are returned to the water.

Tour Boat Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Tour Boat
Train Bridge over the Hawkesbury River
Train Bridge over the Hawkesbury River
Aboriginal Fish Rock Carvings
Aboriginal Fish Rock Carvings
Beach Near the Oyster Lease
Beach Near the Oyster Lease
8 Month Old Oysters
8 Month Old Oysters
8 Month Old Oysters
8 Month Old Oysters
Oyster Growth Stages Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Oyster Growth Stages
Pearl Seed and Damaged Pearls
Pearl Seed and Damaged Pearls

What Did We Think?

This was a great tour and something we hadn’t heard about before. Until discovering them, we had no idea about farming pearl oysters on the east coast, let alone being able to go on a tour. We really enjoyed the two hours we were there, because it was interesting and educational.

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Girrakool Loop Track Brisbane Water National Park

Waterfall at Andamira Lookout

Girrakool Loop Track

Part of the Brisbane Water National Park, the Girrakool Loop Track is managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. This ensures that the park is managed well and that tracks are maintained in good condition. A small fee applies which you pay in the car park.

Getting There

A one-hour drive north of Sydney on the M1 Pacific Motorway, take the Central Coast Highway exit, then:

  • Take the first left onto Wisemans Ferry Road
  • Then take the first left onto Old Pacific Highway
  • Take the first left onto Quarry Road
  • The picnic area, where the trail begins, is through the tunnel and straight ahead.

Be aware of the carpark’s closing time, as rangers lock the gates after hours.

Fungi Growing near the Girrakool Loop Track
Fungi Growing near the Track
Eucalypt on the Girrakool Loop Track
Eucalypt on the Track

Aboriginal Rock Engravings

One of the first stops on the track is a collection of Aboriginal rock engravings, which give an insight into indigenous settlement of the area. Signs warn visitors not to walk on them, while also explaining their significance.

Aboriginal Rock Engravings Sign
Warning Sign Next to Aboriginal Rock Engravings
Aboriginal Rock Engravings
Aboriginal Rock Engravings

Wildlife and Native Flowers

Wild flowers bloom in spring, so we missed them, however, we came across a bush turkey, which was the only wildlife we saw.

Bush Turkey on its Nest
Bush Turkey on its Nest
Girrakool Loop Track
Girrakool Loop Track

Waterfalls on the Girrakool Loop Track

Apart from the native forest and views, the waterfalls are the major drawcard for this walk. We though the one at Andamira Lookout was the nicest, as it was shady and quiet.

Waterfall at Andamira Lookout
Waterfall at Andamira Lookout
Waterfall at Andamira Lookout on the Girrakool Loop Track
Shady Waterfall at Andamira Lookout
Waterfall at Andamira Lookout
Waterfall at Andamira Lookout
Waterfall at Andamira Lookout
Waterfall at Andamira Lookout

What Did We Think

A great little walk taking about 45 minutes, passing forest and nice waterfalls. We had a great time.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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