Hunter Valley Archives - Page 5 of 33

12 September 202319 September 2023

Tilligerry Habitat

Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay NSW Australia

The original sand dunes in what is now the Tilligerry Habitat were subject to deep sand-dredge mining from the 1960s. Removal of the dunes resulted in a flat landscape with the original drainage system damaged and native vegetation cleared. A large section of the disused mine was used for housing and playing fields, but a section remained near the shore along with remnant vegetation.

This remaining section of land was proposed to be used as a caravan park which would have removed the remaining vegetation. However, lobbying by residents enabled its preservation as a reserve for public recreation and coastal environmental protection in 1996. Since then, local volunteers have spent numerous hours re-establishing drainage water flow and replanting trees and built a boardwalk. The result is an amazing area where birds and koalas thrive.

Getting There

We parked in the Peace Park carpark in Tanilba Bay which is only a 5-minute walk from the start of the boardwalk. Parking is also available along Peace Parade and at the Tilligerry Habitat Office.

Tilligerry Habitat Boardwalk

The disturbance caused by the sandmining has left the area generally flat which means that the boardwalk is also very easy to walk. Raised slightly above the forest floor so as to enable water drainage, the boardwalk is very well maintained and there are bench seats to stop at along the way. These give you a nice place to sit while enjoying views through the forest or over the bay.

Along the paths, information boards detail the vegetation growing nearby, with pictures pointing out individual species. The transformation from a sand mine to restored paperbark forest and swamp mahogany is amazing. The volunteers’ efforts have really paid off, resulting in several environmental awards.

Koalas inhabit the area, but we didn’t see any during our walk. However, we did hear the birds, which were very vocal as we walked through the trees giving us a great welcome to the area.

This was a great walk, with the boardwalk winding through the trees. Highly recommended if you are visiting the area.

Boardwalk through mahogany paperbark forest

Information board Tilligerry Habitat — Boardwalk through mahogany paperbark forest

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

5 September 202319 September 2023

Stockton Bridge Newcastle Australia

Stockton Bridge Newcastle Australia

Spanning the North Channel of the Hunter River, the Stockton Bridge connects the Tomaree and Tillegerry Peninsulas with Newcastle, Australia. Replacing an earlier vehicle ferry from Stockton to Newcastle (the passenger ferry still runs), it has significantly improved vehicle flow. When opened in 1971, it was the longest bridge (at 1,024m) to have been built by the Department of Main Roads and the second longest bridge in New South Wales after the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

We have driven over the bridge many times and always assumed the central barricades were to separate traffic and prevent cars crossing into oncoming lanes. Having wondered how pedestrians crossed, because there are no footpaths on the outside edge, we did some research. It turns out that the bridge design incorporates a central footpath which you access from underneath the bridge.

Getting There

To have a look for ourselves, we parked near the boat ramp and walked across. Located where the bridge meets the ground, the stairs are easy to find. From here it’s a short climb to the bridge surface. While walking across, you are only separated from the traffic by a metal barricade. Although this is sturdy, it can feel unsafe at times as the cars and trucks drive past.

It was a cold clear morning when we walked across, so the views back over Stockton and Newcastle were beautiful. However, as you are in the centre of the bridge taking good photos is difficult because the bridge gets in the way.

Returning to our car, we found some artwork on the concrete uprights near the road. Sponsored by the NSW Government and local Rotary Club, they were a nice colourful surprise.

Access steps to the walkway — Stockton Bridge

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

13 July 202319 September 2023

Maitland Street Art

Maitland Australia in the New South Wales Hunter Valley has been adding to its collection of street art. The Maitland City Council has been active in promoting the placement of the artworks to brighten up some otherwise dull laneways and side streets. If you arrive by train the first artwork you see is the Welcome to Maitland sign opposite the train station.

Connecting High Street to The Levee and Hunter River

Located in lanes connecting the mall to the Levee, many of the works have a connectivity or flowing theme. Covering both sides of Preschool Lane,’ Passing On’ by Patrick Hunter represents the impact of humans on the environment.

Painted by Alex Umpel, ‘Take Me to the River’ located in Drill Hall Lane highlights Maitland’s unique relationship with the Hunter River and acts as a direct link between High Street and the riverside walk.

Created by Patricia Van Lubeck, ‘The New One’ is one of the original artworks installed between High street and the Levee.

Passing On in Pre-school Lane by Alex Hunter — Passing On in Preschool Lane by Alex Hunter

Take Me To The River in Drill Hall Lane by Alex Umpel Maitland Street Art — Passing On in Preschool Lane by Alex Hunter

Stillbury Lane

Other Street Art Around Maitland

Maitland’s history gets represented several times in Lee and Elgin Streets. Painted by Patricia Van Lubeck the Lee Street mural looks like a circuit board but actually represents the pipes and fittings of the gas works that previously occupied a nearby site.

Inspired by local scenery in Maitland and featuring a South Maitland Railway 10 Class Steam Engine hauling coal the mural located on the side of Hunter Studios at Elgin Street, the second mural was curated by Newcastle artist Mitch Revs.

Flow by Art Studio Amsterdam in Lee St Maitland Street Art — Flow by Art Studio Amsterdam in Lee St

The annual Maitland Aroma Festival which celebrates coffee and chocolate, along with local wine and many other types of local produce has its own mural. This mural can be found in the Riverside Carpark.

Jenny & June by Keo Match for the Maitland Aroma Festival. In the Maitland Riverside Carpark

Maitland Riverside Plaza

Located in the underground carpark, these murals represent local birdlife.

Rosella Maitland Riverside Plaza Carpark

Probably the original and most famous example of Maitland’s street art is the Indian Root Pill tin shed. Located on the road to Morpeth, it’s a local landmark because its distinctive colour stands out in the surrounding farmland.

Painted Shed Indian Root Pills on the Way to Morpeth

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

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Category: Hunter Valley

Tilligerry Habitat

Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay NSW Australia