Art Archives - Page 16 of 37 - Destination's Journey

29 November 202225 November 2022

Walter Burley Griffin Incinerator

Built in 1934 the Walter Burley Griffin Incinerator was originally the Willoughby Municipal Incinerator. Its purpose was to dispose of Willoughby Council’s municipal waste rather than dumping it at the tip. As the name suggests, Walter Burley Griffin designed the building, the same architect responsible for the winning design of the city Canberra in the ACT.

Designed to use the Australian designed and patented Reverberatory Refuse Incinerator, it was very efficient for its time. Essentially, it used and inclined vibrating conveyor to move waste from the feed to the furnace. As the conveyor moved, waste was heated using excess furnace heat generated from the burning waste. This dried the incoming feed, making it more efficient to burn.

Over time, council neglected the incinerator, failing to upgrade its capacity as waste volumes grew until it closed in 1967.

In 2011 the Willoughby Incinerator re-opened to operate as an art space and artist studios on the lower section, while a café operates at street level. Run by Willoughby Council, the art space and studios present a diverse range of exhibitions each year.

We had a coffee at the café and then had a look through the gallery. As well as the art, the building interior was interesting, because of the industrial architecture still visible. Unfortunatley, much has been removed, but some still remains.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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

26 November 202220 November 2022

Henry Lawson Cave

Born in Grenfell, New South Wales in 1867, Henry Lawson is one of Australia’s most well-known writers. Although his works were published during his lifetime, Lawson suffered from financial and alcohol problems. While living at Market Street in Naremburn, he would often stop at what is now called the Henry Lawson Cave to sleep off his visit to a tavern.

After looking in the cave, we’re not sure why Lawson would sleep here because it certainly does not look comfortable.

Marked with a carved stone block bearing the poet’s likeness, it’s easy to find at the rear of the baseball diamond. To commemorate Lawson, the local council frequently organises poetry readings and performances by the local community.

We visited the cave after walking the Flat Rock Gully Walking Track because it was on our way to the Incinerator, which is now a café. An underpass from the track goes past this location and on to the Walter Burley Griffin Incinerator which now operates as a café and art space.

An interesting place to see for its history, especially if you are a fan of Lawson’s work.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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

22 November 202217 November 2022

Everglades House and Gardens Leura

Brickwork used to frame the surrounding landscape Everglades House and Gardens Katoomba

Everglades House and Gardens Leura

Located in Leura in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Everglades House and Gardens is a 1930s house surrounded by 5.2 Hectares of gardens. Designed by the Danish horticulturalist and landscape designer, Paul Sorensen, the gardens incorporate winding paths and European Terraces.

Parking is available outside the entrance, and we had no problems finding a spot. Managed by the National Trust, there is an entrance fee of $16.59 per adult (in October 2022) or free for National Trust members.

Views over the Jamison Valley provide a magnificent backdrop to the gardens. On the lowest level, a small hidden grotto contains a pool and waterfall.

We spent time walking through the gardens, which contain some interesting statues. On one level, brickwork frames the mountain views, making it a favourite spot to have photos taken.

This was an interesting garden to visit, being situated on a steep ridge. The terraces and winding path make great use of the sloping land, allowing you to move from garden setting to another. We found lots to see here, well worth the entrance fee.