Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area is a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Several tracks wind through this coastal rain forest and form a loop so that you can see both the ridgeline and lake shore. It is graded at level three making it a fairly easy walk. The tracks are easy to follow and generally well made with any creek crossings made with steel and wooden bridges.
The vegetation is generally eucalyptus with ferns with she oaks on the lake shore. Our walk was in autumn and there were a number of mushrooms in the leaf litter and at the base of the trees, which we found to be a good photo opportunity. At the northern end is a nice picnic area allowing you to have a relaxing stop with a view over the lake before or after the walk.
Walking TrailWhite Mushroom in Leaf LitterOrange Mushroom in Leaf LitterOld Foundation on the ShorelineLake Macquarie Shore LinePicnic Area Lake Macquarie
How often have you seen shows on television where people get dressed up in white protective clothes and open up a beehive? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have bees crawling over and flying around you while you looked at their hive? If you do, Hands On Beekeeping WorkshopNewcastle is a great educational experience that we really enjoyed.
The Hands on Beekeeping Workshop is run in Toronto (Newcastle New South Wales; not the Toronto in Canada). The workshop is scheduled to run two and a half hours, but often goes longer, to ensure everyone gets to participate and all questions are answered. Ours went for three hours and we enjoyed every minute, because it was so interesting.
Bee Keeping Theory
Starting with the different types of hives and their maintenance, we then moved on to learn about keeping the bees healthy and the hives clean of pests. We were shown how the bees build their honeycombs and raise new worker, drone and queen bees. This theory section was fascinating and provided all of the information we would need to start our own hives.
The Hands On Bit
The practical section started with smoking the bees to make them docile, followed by removing the lid. A brood frame was removed and any bees on it removed by shaking them back into the hive. This ensures they are safe during the cleaning process. In order to check each frame with ease you need to put the brood frame on the ground beside the hive. Using a hive tool the frames were cleaned of extra bits of burr comb . Each frame is then taken out Individually to inspect before being replaced. The last step is to put everything back together, being careful not to hurt any bees. Everyone was able to do this and is was incredibly interesting, it was deceiving how heavy some of the frames were when filled with honey. We enjoyed doing this!
With the practical side finished, we tasted some of the honey we had harvested. It really tastes great straight from the honeycomb, because it is so fresh.
What Did We Think?
We had a great time doing something different and came away with the knowledge to start up a hive if we want to. The hands on experience was great, because you were able to do everything yourself.
Bee Hives
Bees Entering the Hive
Open Hive
Worker Bee
Christ Church Cathedral overlooks the city of Newcastle with fantastic views of the harbour and beaches. Parking is available in church street or the small onsite car park. Entry through the main door takes you passed a small kiosk where the attendants give a quick run down of the Cathedral and its attractions. Should you wish to climb the tower, this is where you pay and receive your pass. Entry to the rest of the Cathedral is free.
Christ Church Cathedral
Walking around the interior, you will see some magnificent stain glass windows, making the interior look beautiful and light. At the altar, take note of the lovely old chairs that have been well restored.
The baptismal font is a work of art and deserves a good look while you are there.
Baptismal Font
Christ Church Cathedral Interior
Christ Church Cathedral Organ
Stain Glass Window
Stain Glass Window
Altar Chairs
Christ Church Cathedral Altar
The Bell Tower
Climbing the bell tower is a great experience and highly recommended if you are visiting, because of the fantastic views and unique perspective of the Cathedral. Commencing at a locked door, for which the attendant will give you a key, the climb starts with a narrow spiral stairway to the first landing. At this point you enter a large room, with windows overlooking the cathedral roof and surrounding area.
The climb continues with a modern metal spiral staircase which will bring you to the bells. We spent a while here looking at the bells and through the windows taking photos. Then we continued up the stairs and on to the roof, where the views of Newcastle, the harbour and beaches are amazing. The climb is around 170 steps, but as you do it in three stages is not too difficult and the views at the top make it worthwhile.
Entry Door to Bell Tower
Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
The Bells
Spiral Stairs to Roof
View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
Warriors’ Chapel
Originally built as a place where friends and relatives of victims of World War One could grieve, particularly those without a grave. It now caters for the families of those killed in wars.
The back right-hand corner of the cathedral holds several important and unique items. The Book of Gold was made from the jewelry and wedding rings of the family and friends of those who were killed in World War One. This item is currently on loan to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Also, on display is a Victoria Cross one of the few not held in trust by the church.
World War One Memorial
Warriors’ Chapel
World War One Medals
The Book of Gold
Christ Church Cathedral is a great place to visit to take in the culture and history of Newcastle, while admiring this great building. If you are interested in World War One and its impact on communities, it offers some great insights, through its collection of artefacts and Warriors’ Chapel.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
