Located in the Newcastle suburb of Carrington, the hydraulic pump house is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Fortunately, the front of the building has been completed, which means you are able to enjoy this historic building even as works are underway.
Parking is available in Bourke St, just past the entrance to the Newcastle Port Corporation entrance, which is very convenient.
Completed in 1878, the pump house provided hydraulic and later electrical power for cranes loading ships with coal. Decommissioned after the introduction of conveyor loading technology in the late 1960’s the building fell into disrepair. With its internal machinery removed and attendant cranes demolished, it lay abandoned until the current refurbishment.
Port of Newcastle Sign Near the EntranceCarrington Hydraulic Pump HouseFront of the Building with the Blueprint Design in the ForecourtWork Still On-Going on the Back and Sides of the Building
Decorating the forecourt is a giant blueprint of the pumping systems originally installed here. A large section of concrete has been painted blue, with the design etched into it. This unique design added more interest to our visit because we were not expecting it.
Blueprint Design in the Forecourt of the Pump House
This was a fun and easy place to visit and will be even better once the current work is finished.
Located in Catherine Hill Bay South of Newcastle, Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave (also called Deep Cave Bay) are an amazing place to visit, because of their beautiful colours and setting. Parking is limited near the beach access trail, as the road is narrow. However, a small area of the one-way road is wider to allow cars to park. A sign indicates the way to the beach.
The Track Down to the Beach
A sandy trail leads down to the beach, winding through bush until it reaches the beach. The beach is beautiful and quiet, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sand and waves.
The Track Down to Moonee Beach
Sandy Track Down to Moonee Beach
Moonee Beach
At the end of the track, you come out at Moonee Beach, an 800m long sandy beach with rock platforms at each end. At 800m long, there is plenty of room for everyone, so it’s unlikely to get crowded. Swimming is not advised, because the beach is not patrolled. While there we saw a lot of marine stingers washed up on the sand, which we were careful not to step on. Be careful, as the sting can still work even if they are dead. This is another reason to be careful swimming here.
Moonee Beach
Portuguese Man o’ War or Marine Stinger
Rock Platform
The rock platform on the north end of the beach is where you will find the pink cave. Access to the cave is only safe at low tide, so make sure you check tide times before you go. Walking across the rock platform can be slippery, so have good footwear and take care.
On your 700m walk to the cave, take time to look at some of the wonderful rock pools, as some are very colourful. Also look at the algae and seaweed growing on the exposed rocks, many of them are also brightly coloured.
Rock Platform Looking at Moonee Beach
A Rock Pool on the Rock Platform
Small Bay on the Rock Platform
Small Bay on the Rock Platform
The Pink Cave
Remember to only go here at low tide, because this is the safest period, as well as ensuring you see the pink rocks. The rocks are wet and slippery, because the cave is tidal, so take care.
Inside the cave, where the waves wash in, you will see the amazing pink rocks. Fully exposed at low tide, they make a great sight.
The Pink Cave
Inside The Pink Cave
A Small Pool in the Pink Cave
The Pink Cave
Entrance to the Pink Cave
Looking out of the Cave
What Did We Think?
This was a great place to visit, because of the amazing colours of the cave. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy you surrounding, either before or after the walk along the rock platform.
A great addition to this visit is the Ghosties Beach Cave, which is only 1600m away along the beach.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in Lake Macquarie, Munibung Hill provides amazing views over the Lake and nearby suburbs, making it a great place to visit. There are several possibilities for the meaning of the name, being either fruit, or the meeting of the tribes.
There are several ways to reach the top, with the area having many trails, but we chose to start from Lawson Rd and walk to Lucilla Ridge where one track starts. This walk is along a dirt track, that has become badly eroded and slippery in places, so wear good walking shoes. Although some places are steep, they are also short, so take your time, it’s only a 500m walk to the top.
From the ridgeline, the views are wonderful, because the elevations allows you to see over Lake Macquarie. You are also able to look over the surrounding suburbs and remnant bushland.
A fence along the track prevents access to an old industrial site previously used as a smelter. Remediation works have been undertaken to remove the lead contamination the area, but access it still prohibited.
Unfortunately, despite the cultural heritage in the area (aboriginal and European), no signage or information boards are located here. Remember to bring water with you and wear sunscreen, as there little shade and in summer it can be very hot.
This is a fun, short walk which gives you great views over the area.
Lake Macquarie From Munibung Hill
View over Warners Bay
To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.
