AdBlock Detected

It looks like you're using an ad-blocker!

Our team work realy hard to produce quality content on this website and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled.

Category: Sculpture

Posted on

The Lock-Up Old Newcastle Police Station

In the Exercise Yard

The Lock-Up

You will find The Lock-Up at 90 Hunter Street in the heart of the Newcastle CBD, making it very accessible. We walked from a carpark on Wharf Rd, but if you use public transport, the closest light rail stop is Newcastle Beach, making it only a five-minute walk away.

The Building

Built in 1861 as an addition to the adjacent Police Station, the Lock-Up is one of several important historical buildings in the area. Walking through the building with no exhibition on, gives you a feel for how austere the building was, because the rooms are small and dark. With strong wooden are metal doors the cells are very dark as there is little natural light.

Even the exercise yard is bleak because it is exposed to the weather. This would have made it hot in summer and cold in winter.

  • The Cell Doors in The Lock-Up
    The Cell Doors
  • The Old Gaol Cell in The Lock-Up
    The Old Gaol Cell in The Lock-Up
  • Old Gaol Cell
    Old Gaol Cell
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace in The Lock-Up
  • In the Exercise Yard in The Lock-Up
    In the Exercise Yard

Art Exhibition

The Lockup describe themselves as: “The Lock-Up’s innovatively curated program promotes current, experimental and diverse practices from local, national and international creatives.”

Before visiting, check to see if something different is on display, because Exhibitions are constantly renewed. When we visited contemporary display by Rosie Deacon was present, adding interest to the visit.

  • Art Exhibition
    Art Exhibition
  • Art Exhibition
    Art Exhibition
  • In the Exercise Yard
    In the Exercise Yard
  • In the Exercise Yard in The Lockup
    In the Exercise Yard in The Lock-Up

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.

Posted on

Wyong Milk Factory and Tavern

Rusty Cow Statue

Wyong Milk Factory

Located at Wyong on the New South Wales Central Coast, the Wyong Milk Factory is an unusual but fun setting for a tavern and café complex. Not only does this old industrial zone have a tavern, but also contains a chocolate factory, cupcake shop, café, gym and playground.

Parking

Parking is available in several areas, immediately outside the entrance; inside the complex and in a car park just past the main entrance. We parked in the last option, because the others were full. It is still close to the tavern, so parking here is convenient.

The Tavern

Our visit was to enjoy a meal at the tavern, but we also had a walk around the whole area. Near the entrance is a playground, so the kids will be entertained. A colourful walkway leads into the area, showing you the way to go. At the front you will find a candle shop where you can buy something to take home.

The main tavern has two levels, and we were seated on the upper one, which we appreciated because there was less traffic from people moving around. The only disadvantage was the bar being on the lower level, but this was a minor issue. Once we had ordered, the food was ready very quickly. You are given a buzzer and when ready you go and collect it. The menu had a nice variety of food and desserts.

Other Activities at the Milk Factory

After lunch, we walked down to the Wyong River, where There is a barbecue and a picnic area, which is well set out and looked very nice. You can also hire boats or a canoe to take a paddle down the river. An information board provides details on the wildlife found in the area.

Walking around we came across some interesting cow sculptures and artwork, so keep a lookout as you walk around

A really fun afternoon and a worthwhile place to visit for couples and families.

  • Entrance to the Wyong Milk Factory
    Entrance to the Wyong Milk Factory
  • Rainbow Walkway
    Rainbow Walkway
  • Chocolate Factory
    Chocolate Factory
  • Wyong Milk Factory Tavern
    Wyong Milk Factory Tavern
  • Cow Skeleton Statue
    Cow Skeleton Statue
  • Rusty Cow Statue
    Rusty Cow Statue
  • Pink Cow Statue Wyong Milk Factory
    Pink Cow Statue Wyong Milk Factory
  • Minion
    Minion
  • The Smoking Area Wyong Milk Factory
    The Smoking Area
  • Wyong River, Weir and Fish Ladder
    Wyong River, Weir and Fish Ladder
Posted on

Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie

The First Gallery Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie

Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie

The Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, formerly known as Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, was established in 1980. First housed in Lake Macquarie’s former council chambers on Main Road at Speers Point, the gallery relocated to First Street, Booragul in 1996.

The gallery originally occupied Awaba House on this site from 1996 to 2000 when a decision was made to construct the new state-of-the-art facility. At the time we visited there had been a fire and Awaba House had been extensively damaged. Launched in May 2001 the new art gallery building saw the addition of an art seminar room in 2008. In 2019, a further expansion provided additional gallery space.

Entrance to MAC
Entrance to Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie

How to Get There

Located at First Street, Booragul, the gallery overlooks Lake Macquarie, providing great views in a relaxing setting. A small car park next to the gallery is convenient, however, if this is full more is available on-street nearby.

Sculpture Park

Located on 5 hectares between the gallery and lakeshore, the Sculpture Park includes work by local and national artists. Launched in 1996, the sculpture park has continued to develop and currently comprises 16 sculptures by 11 artists.

We spent some time walking around the sculptures before entering the gallery.

  • Sculpture Outside the Main Gallery
    Sculpture Outside the Main Gallery
  • Sculpture Outside the Main Gallery
    Sculpture Outside the Main Gallery
  • Mosaic Outside the Main Gallery
    Mosaic Outside the Main Gallery
  • Entrance Walkway
    Entrance Walkway
  • Fish Sculpture on the Entrance Walkway
    Fish Sculpture on the Entrance Walkway

Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie Collection

Comprised of four focus areas, the Visual Arts Collection includes works by highly-regarded national, international and Hunter-based artists.

The collection has a core group of works by established contemporary Australian artists. This includes a number of works by Sir William Dobell, large-scale contemporary sculptures and Indigenous works.

We loved walking around the gallery, because it has great diversity for such a small venue. We found it had a lot to offer and enjoyed our time there. With works ranging from Sir William Dobell to contemporary artists, the collection is worth the visit.

  • Gallery at the Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
    Gallery at the Museum
  • The First Gallery Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
    The First Gallery
  • Deanne Newland - Rejuvenating 2
    Deanne Newland – Rejuvenating 2
  • Saretta Fielding - Malang Kateya Part 2
    Saretta Fielding – Malang Kateya Part 2
  • Helen McLachlan - Rejuvenate 2020
    Helen McLachlan – Rejuvenate 2020
  • Susan Ryman - Whispering Pillars
    Susan Ryman – Whispering Pillars
  • Karen Murray - Sentinel Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
    Karen Murray – Sentinel
  • Bronze Sculpture Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
    Bronze Sculpture
  • Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
    Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie
  • Thelma Wawrzonek - Wangi Power Station Ruins
    Thelma Wawrzonek – Wangi Power Station Ruins
  • Maureen Boyle - The Fisherman
    Maureen Boyle – The Fisherman

Coffee Shop

Sculpture Cafe is a licensed venue and offers morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Seating is both inside and on the deck overlooking the Sculpture Park and the lake. We enjoyed morning tea on the deck because of the wonderful views.

View From the Cafe
View From the Cafe

What Did We Think?

We enjoyed our visit because of the diverse range of art on display. The outdoor park was fun to walk around, while the quality works inside were amazing. To add to this was the wonderful location of the coffee shop with its great views.