Category: Street Art

  • Newcastle Street Art

    Newcastle Street Art

    There are several places to find street art in Newcastle, although it is not as widespread as in other cities. In the city centre there is a collection in Morgan and Newcomen streets.

    Civic Lane near the old Civic Railway Station also has some interesting art works on the backs of some buildings.

    Further afield, you can find some great pieces at Hamilton and Wallsend.

    In addition to the street art, Newcastle has some amazing sculptures scattered around the city, so keep an eye out for them.

    New Street Art March 2021

    City Centre Street Art

    Newcastle’s Pillar People

    One of Newcastle’s initiatives to brighten up the city centre, is the Pillar People. These telecommunications pillars have been cleverly painted to represent local identities, or reflect the businesses they are located near.

    There are over a dozen of them, see if you can find them all.

    Painted Power Boxes

    In a similar initiative to the Pillar People, electrical boxes around the city have been decorated with nautical themes. They brighten up an otherwise dull box. Look for the amusing mice, painted on some.

    Newcastle Sculptures

    Destiny Monument

    Located on Newcastle Harbour on Dyke Point, Carrington, the Destiny Monument is difficult to reach because of its location. Dyke Point is part of the Newcastle Port Authority’s operating area with no public access permitted. The closest viewpoint from land is the Honeysuckle Footpath at Honeysuckle, where you can look across the harbour to the statue.

    This nine metre tall bronze statue commemorates the 200th anniversary of Newcastle Port operations and was inspired by the figureheads of early sailing ships.

    Destiny Statue on Newcastle Harbour
    Destiny Statue on Newcastle Harbour

    Hamilton and Wallsend Street Art

    Located further from the city centre, these art works a more difficult to get to, as you will need a car. If driving past them, they are worth a stop to admire, as they brighten up and add interest to otherwise dull buildings.

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

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

    Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

    Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk

    The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk winds its way along Sydney’s coastal cliffs between these two famous beaches.

    Getting There

    As the walk ends over 5 km from the start, we used public transport to simplify things.

    From Central Station we caught the 339 bus to Clovelly (getting off at Clovelly Rd at Keith St Stop ID: 203180) and then walked to Waverley Cemetery. On finishing the walk, we caught the 380 (the 379 or 333 also go this way) to Bondi Junction where we caught the train back to Central Station.

    Using public transport also alleviates the problem of parking a car, because car spaces are very limited in the area.

    Waverley Cemetery

    Starting at Waverley Cemetery we spent time looking and the huge number of grave sites and family vaults some of which are well decorated. The first interment took place in 1877, and graves of famous Australians such as Henry Lawson can be found here. The views from the cemetery over the ocean and a very peaceful location for peoples last resting place.

    Then we followed the coastal trail around the cliffs to Bronte Beach, where we passed the Baths, built by Waverley Council in 1887. We bought coffee at the kiosk and sat and watched the surfers tackling the waves.

    While admiring the views, we walked to Tamarama Beach. Well maintained and made of metal grating the track provides excellent walking conditions. In places this is replaced by concrete and once you pass Tamarama it is all concrete. There are several areas with stairs, but they are well-made and there are several places to rest, with bench seats, all with great views.

    Art Work

    There are several small pieces of artwork along the track, so look out for them, as they explain the importance of regeneration being undertaken and the arrival of the Dharawal people in the area.

    At Bondi there is a small Black Sunday Surf Rescue Memorial, commemorating this event in 1938 when over 250 people were washed into deep water. Surf lifesavers rescued most, with only five losing their lives.

    At Bondi admire the Street Art on the wall on the Beach side of the car park before going to Australia’s most famous beach. There was a kite flying display happening this time we visited making it more interesting

    Our walk finished at North Bondi at the lookout where the view along the coast and back towards Bondi is great.

    Don’t forget to check out the old pavilion, where the change rooms and showers are located. A life-sized bronze statue of a lifesaver sits outside the pavilion, commemorating surf lifesaving in Australia.

    This is also a great place for a meal as there is a huge variety of cafes and restaurants along Bondi Road.

    What Did We Think of the Bondi to Bronte Walk?

    The walk took us about 90 minutes, but we stopped a lot to enjoy the views and take photos. Although there are several places with steps, the walk is quite easy.

  • Newcastle Hunter Valley New South Wales

    Newcastle Hunter Valley New South Wales

    Newcastle

    Only 160 km north of Sydney is Newcastle, Australia’s seventh largest city. Located in the heart of the Hunter Region it i has beautiful beaches and a stunning coastline.

    There are some amazing beaches within an hour’s drive of Newcastle and Port Stephens as well as some world-class wineries in the Hunter Valley.

    A rail service links Newcastle to Sydney and the rest of New South Wales for easy travel. There is also a local airport with several daily flights. Driving from Sydney using the M1 Pacific Freeway is an easy drive in under two hours.

    Nobby’s Headland

    Nobbys Headland runs behind Nobbys beach and is a popular place to walk. From the carpark a path leads out to the headland and then along the breakwall. There is a shared track for walkers and bikes, so use care while walking.

    At the start of the walk you will find the surf club and a kiosk selling a variety of food and drinks making it a good stop after the walk to the breakwater.

    Nobby's Headland Newcastle
    Nobby’s Headland Newcastle
    Nobbys Headland
    A Different View of Nobbys Headland

    Nobby’s Lighthouse

    Nobby’s Lighthouse is once again open to the public on weekends. If you are walking along the breakwall, this is a steep sidetrack to take to the top of the Headland. There are great views over the harbour and city.

    While walking up to the lighthouse, there is a sculpture on the right hand side. This commemorates the Newcastle Lifeboat Service.

    Sculpture Grounded

    This sculpture marks the anniversary of the grounding of the ship ‘Pasha Bulker” in fierce storms on 8 June 2007. Grounded is an abstract representation of the ship’s bow. The shape and colour of the sculpture, and its physical placement at Nobbys, will be an important memory marker for the community and a powerful stand-alone work of art. Incorporated into the work is an original section of 22mm plate steel from the rudder of the Pasha Bulker.

    The Sculpture Grounded at Nobbys Beach
    The Sculpture Grounded at Nobbys Beach

    Newcastle Railway Station

    The Newcastle railway station is a heritage-listed railway station. Formerly the main railway station for services to the city, it closed in December 2014. In September 2018, the Newcastle station precinct was reopened as a multipurpose community space branded as The Station.

    Newcastle Railway Station
    Newcastle Railway Station

    Earp Gillam Bond Store

    Now refurbished as an office building, this heritage-listed former bond store at 16 Telford Street was built in 1888. It was the first warehouse of Newcastle merchant firm Earp Gillam & Co., founded in 1883, then-importers of groceries, flour, wine and timber. The warehouse was for the storage and handling of imported goods

    Newcastle Post Office

    Built from 1900 to 1903 and added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2000, the Newcastle Post Office is a heritage-listed former post office at 96 Hunter Street . The building has recently changed owners and will now be restored, but is currently disused and access inside is not possible.

    Newcastle Post Office
    Newcastle Post Office

    Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)

    Erected as a fountain in memory of those servicemen killed, or who died in service during World War One, this war memorial is Australia`s first memorial to World War One that incorporated a soldier-statue. Located outside the Old Post Office, it is easy to find. 

    Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)
    Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)

    Newcastle Courthouse

    Located at 90 Church Street this beautiful old Art Deco Building is worth visiting even though it no longer in use as a courthouse. The well-maintained facade adds to its architectural appeal. Certainly worth a look.

    Newcastle Court House
    Newcastle Court House

    Former Wickham Infants’ Public School

    Located at 64 Hannell Street, Wickham, NSW 2293, the former Wickham Infants School is a significant local landmark in close proximity to the western edge of the Newcastle Harbour. This historically significant building is in the Romanesque style with Gothic influences and was constructed in 1892 . Since the 1980s the building has been associated with the Awabakal community, who recently converted the building for use as office and administration.

    Old Wickham Infants' Public School
    Former Wickham Infants’ Public School

    Wickham Public School

    Built in 1904 and based on the Edwardian style of building Wickham Public School is located at 54 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293. The Public School closed following the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake. In response to the community’s determination to preserve the public school building and find a future purpose, in 1993 the Honeysuckle Development Corporation directed the restoration of the building, adapting its lofty rooms for studio and one bedroom apartments for University of Newcastle students. The grand building was re-occupied in 1995.

    Old Wickham Public School
    Old Wickham Public School

    Street Art

    There are several places to find street art and sculptures in Newcastle. The full story along with photographs can be found here.

    Christ Church Cathedral

    One of the great landmarks in Newcastle, the full story of our visit to the Cathedral can be read here.

    Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle
    Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Newcastle Beaches

    Great beaches surround Newcastle, from Stockton Beach in the north to Redhead in the south and even the great beaches of the central coast a little further afield. Several of the beaches have ocean baths or pools for a safer swimming experience. Our impressions of the beaches can be found here.

    Merewether Beach

    Darby Street

    Newcastle’s premier eating district, Darby Street offers a large range of coffee shops and eateries from fast food to full table service. This is a very popular area giving variety for everyone. The parking, however, can be a problem in busy times so plan to walk from your parking spot.

    Memorial Walk

    Located near Bar Beach, Memorial Walk is a tribute to Newcastle’s service personnel. Raised above the cliffs, the walkway gives great views over the coastline.

    Placed along the walk are silhouettes of service personnel with the names of the fallen engraved on them. This is a popular walk, there is also wheelchair access at the northern end.

    Newcastle Memorial Walk
    Newcastle Memorial Walk

    Civic Park

    Situated in the centre of the Newcastle CBD, Civic Park is bordered by council and university buildings on one side and the art gallery and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on the other.

    Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park
    Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park

    Captain Cook Memorial Fountain

    Located as the centrepiece of Civic Park is the James Cook Memorial Fountain, built for the bicentenary of Cook’s voyage to the east coast of Australia. This large water feature is a great place in summer, with seats located around it, and impressive at night when illuminated.

    Captain Cook Memorial Fountain Civic Park Newcastle
    Captain Cook Memorial Fountain

    War Memorial

    The war memorial was originally dedicated to World War Two service personnel, but has since been re-dedicated to all wars Australia has been involved in. Ceremonies are held here throughout the year on relevant anniversaries.

    Newcastle War Memorial Civic Park
    Newcastle War Memorial

    Vietnam and National Service Memorial

    The Vietnam and National Service Memorial commemorates the soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. A brass plaque on the memorial provides a brief description of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The rear section of the memorial has a separate memorial to Australia’s National Service and Combined Forces personnel.

    Baptist Tabernacle

    Located above Civic Park the Baptist Tabernacle is an interesting building but is only open to the public during services.

    Baptist Tabernacle
    Baptist Tabernacle

    St Andrews Presbyterian Church

    Situated across the road from the Baptist Tabernacle, St Andrews is not always open, so you may have to appreciate this building from the outside.

    St Andrews Presbyterian Church
    St Andrews Presbyterian Church

    Shortland Centenary Fountain

    Erected in 1897 by the Mayor David Miller and originally located at Newcastle Beach, this fountain commemorates the centenary (1797-1897) of the European discovery of the area by Lieutenant Shortland. Removed from its original location, it is now located at Christie Park.

    Shortland Centenary Fountain
    Shortland Centenary Fountain

    Convict Lumber Yard

    The old Convict Lumber Yard sits next to Customs House , which is not far from the old Newcastle Railway Station. Very little of the old site remains, but signs and displays demonstrate what used to happen here

    Interesting from a historical perspective its worth a quick view if in the area.

    Convict Lumber Yard
    Convict Lumber Yard

    Customs House

    No longer in use by Australian Border Force, Customs House is now leased as a pub and restaurant. This is a very nice setting with a relaxed atmosphere not far from the CBD and beaches.

    While there, admire the beautiful clock tower and the building’s exterior. The pub uses the rooms on the upper floors for events, so if you are lucky to have access you may be available to see inside the tower.

    Customs House Newcastle
    Customs House Newcastle

    Foreshore Park

    Foreshore Park is a nice grassed are to relax in near the harbour. Originally the site of a power station and train maintenance sheds, there is little to indicate that this now quiet place was once a bustling industrial area.

    The power station is completely gone, its location marked by a plaque and while the train sheds still stand, they are used for family gatherings and picnics.

    A small lake in the park is the location for the sculpture Resilience, a monument to mental health wellbeing. Not far from here is a small playground where the kids can have fun.

    The Obelisk

    Built in 1850 in King Edward Park, the obelisk was used as a marker for ships entering Newcastle Harbour. The area provides great views over the city, with plenty of parking nearby and is close to the Shepherds Hill Complex.

    The Obelisk King Edward Park
    The Obelisk King Edward Park

    Shepherds Hill Complex

    A relic from World War Two, when the threat of invasion was real, the Shepherd’s Hill Complex was built to defend Newcastle. Consisting of a radar station and gun emplacements, this was an important part of the defence of Australia’s east coast.

    These concrete structures can be viewed from outside, but access to the interiors is blocked off with no access. It is an interesting part of the city’s history and worth visiting if you are in the area.

    Shepherds Hill Complex
    Shepherds Hill Complex

    Leading Light Tower

    Located on the corner of Brown and Terrell Streets, the lead light was designed to assist shipping navigating Newcastle Harbour. Unfortunately, as the city grew it became obscured from view and has been replaced by new navigation markers.

    Designed to look like a medieval tower with battlements it is an interesting and unusual sight not far from Christchurch Cathedral.

    Lead Light Tower Newcastle
    Lead Light Tower 34 Brown St.

    Stockton Ferry

    The Stockton Ferry runs from Queens Wharf in the Newcastle CBD across the harbour to the Stockton Wharf. Running hourly, this ferry service only takes five minutes and is an easy way to travel and quicker than driving. From either side it is easy to see either the inner city and Newcastle beaches or at Stockton the township or breakwater.

    Stockton Ferry Hunter
    Stockton Ferry Hunter

    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.