Located in Shortland just outside of Newcastle, the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a community based project returning this once industrial wasteland back to important wetlands. Numerous migratory birds pass through here as well as local birds that use it as a nesting place.
There is ample parking and a café provides snacks for either before
or after your visit.
Several short walks wind around the ponds and stands of trees,
providing different aspects of the area and differing habitats for birds. We
found the tracks very easy to negotiate and well maintained.
Main Water Body at the Wetlands CentreWater Birds at the Wetlands CentreBirds at theWetlands CentreIbisMangrovesWetlandsWalking Track
After our walk we sat in the café overlooking the central pond and watched the birds as they flocked around the central pond..
For other stories about Newcastle and the Hunter Region, please click on this link.
The Tocal Field Days is an annual event held at Tocal Agricultural College in the Hunter Valley. It is an opportunity for suppliers to display their latest products and services to the farming industry. It is also an opportunity for people to display their skills and produce to the general public.
Parking is well set up with officials directing vehicles where to go. Each row of cars is numbered so it is easy to find your way back, unlike some events where you can get lost in a vast field of cars.
Tocal Agricultural College
As expected, manufacturers of farming equipment had displays of their latest products. There were many rows of tractors and other farm gear.
Tractors on Display
Farming Equipment on Display
We were in time to see a cow milking demonstration and my wife was able to fulfil a lifelong dream of milking a cow.
Jersey Cow Ready For Milking
Cows Were Everywhere
Cows Were Everywhere
We watched a piglet race where 6 pigs race around a track, there was a bowl of food as the end, which they aim for. They ignore barriers and tend to jump fences to get to the end first. It was all good fun and they seemed to enjoy the run. We loved watching them!
Piglet Races
Llamas
There was a large llama display by the Llama Collective with a number of the animals present. Despite a reputation for spitting, they were all very well behaved and great to pat. There was even a llama kissing booth! A small alpaca was present, and you were able to see the difference between the two. If you are interested, the difference is the shape of the back and ears, with llamas having curved versus an alpaca’s straight ears.
Llamas on Display
Llamas on Display
Alpacas
Llamas Kissing Booth
Other Animals
Apart from the usual animals, there were colourful chickens and several bison, which made a nice change to the usual displays.
Colorful Chickens
There were even Bison
What Did We Think of the Tocal Field Days?
We had a great time looking around the displays, watching the pig races, patting the llamas and milking a cow. It was a nice way to spend a day, slowly wandering around and looking at the displays.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is held over a two week period at Olympic Park. If you purchase entry tickets online the cost of public transport to the show is included for free. We took the train changing at Strathfield and again at Lidcombe although there were direct Strathfield to Olympic Park depending on timing.
At the gate there was a quick security bag check and we were inside. Not being interested in the rides or slideshows we gave that section a miss although it was popular withe the kids in attendance.
Animal Pavilions
We went to the animal pavilions and checked out the sheep and cows. We had no idea that there were so many different breeds of cows. Another surprize was seeing the prized cows having a shampoo and blow dry before being judged.
Cows Relaxing
Cow 1151
Cow Waiting For the Competition to Start
Champion Sheep
Inquisitive Goat
Food Hall
Passing through the food hall we had a look at the displays put together from the different areas displaying their produce. The artistic effort to arrange the fruit and vegetables was amazing. You also get to vote on which one you feel is best!
Produce Display
Produce Display
Wood Chopping
Next to this hall was the wood chopping competition. We spent an hour here watching the male and female competitors cutting sawing and chopping through timber. These are some very strong athletes who don’t seem to get the recognition they deserve. We honestly loved sitting and watching!
Woodchopping Competition
Show-Bags
Last stop was the showbag hall to get some presents for the kids who had given us a list of requirements and a bertie beetle one for the wife. We had never seen such a huge variety of show bags available. This is a place where the unwary parent could spend a fortune.
Bertie Beetle Showbag
What did We Think?
We had great day out seeing the livestock on display and the wood chopping. The free transport getting there was a great bonus too.
We had a great day out watching wood chopping and seeing the best of NSW agriculture. Even for adults there is a lot to see and do as the show isn’t all about rides and sideshow alley.
Horse and Buggy Competition
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
