Located in Shortland just outside of Newcastle, the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a community based project returning this once industrial wasteland back to important wetlands. Numerous migratory birds pass through here as well as local birds that use it as a nesting place.
There is ample parking and a café provides snacks for either before
or after your visit.
Several short walks wind around the ponds and stands of trees,
providing different aspects of the area and differing habitats for birds. We
found the tracks very easy to negotiate and well maintained.
Main Water Body at the Wetlands CentreWater Birds at the Wetlands CentreBirds at theWetlands CentreIbisMangrovesWetlandsWalking Track
After our walk we sat in the café overlooking the central pond and watched the birds as they flocked around the central pond..
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HMS Renown was the lead ship of her class of battlecruisers of the Royal Navy built during the First World War. She was originally laid down as an improved version of the Revenge-class battleships. Construction was halted at the commencement of World War 1, but was restarted to a different design, and she was completed as a battlecruiser.
Renown did not see combat during the war and was reconstructed twice between the wars; the 1920s reconstruction increased her armour protection and made other more minor improvements, while the 1930s reconstruction was much more thorough.
Renown served extensively throughout World War 2 and was sold for scrap in 1948.
HMS Renown steaming at high speed, circa 1916-1917HMS Renown during World War I, probably in 1918HMS Tiger and HMS Renown on patrol in the North Sea during WW1HMS Renown photographed circa 1918Crew of HMS Renown. Prince of Wales’s visit to Canada 1919Prince of Wales visit to Canada HMS Renown 1919HMS Renown in the Pedro Miguel Lock, Panama Canal, on 13 September 1920HMS Renown Prince of Wales arrives in Auckland Royal Tour 1920HMS Renown photographed in port at Wellington during the royal visit of 19201920 HMS Renown in Limon Bay, Panama CanalHMS Renown seen in 1921 during her third Empire CruiseHMS Repulse on manoeuvres in the 1920sHMS Renown entering Yokohama Harbor to bring the Prince of Wales to Japan for a formal visit April 1922HMS Renown, sometime in the 1920’sHMS Renown photographed circa the later 1920s, following her 1923-1926 refitHMS Renown while she is at anchor off Bangor, Northern Ireland – 24th June 1930HMS Renown at speed, 1930sHMS Renown seen in 1933HMS Renown, HMS Courageous and HMS Furious seen in 1934HMS Renown seen in July 1939 after her refitHMS Renown seen in August 1939HMS Renown, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Sheffield seen while operating with Force H in April 1941HMS Renown with Hood and Valiant 1939HMS Renown seen in 1942HMS Renown and Ark Royal taken from HMS SheffieldHMS Renown Firing 1 December 1942HMS Renown in Waitematā Harbour during the Prince of Wales tour, 1920HMS Renown as seen from a Swordfish. Probably operating with Force HHMS Renown after her 1936-39 reconstructionHMS Renown, aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, and aircraft repair ship HMS Unicorn, January 1944, Trincomalee, Sri LankaHMS Renown underway off Scapa Flow during her work-up period prior to sailing for the Far EastHMS Renown operating with other capital ships of the British Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean area, 12 May 1944HMS Renown HMS Renown at sea photographed from the cruiser HMS SheffieldHMS Renown at Plymouth August 1945HMS Renown at anchor in Hvalfjord IcelandHMS Renown at anchor at Scapa FlowHMS Renown 4.5 Mk III in twin mounting BD Mk II with ship’s chaplainHMS Formidable sailing with HMS RenownA heavy sea breaking over the bows of HMS RenownA 20 mm Oerlikon anti aircraft gun crew at action stations as the battlecruiser HMS RenownView from the focsle of HMS Renown at PlymouthHMS RenownHMS RenownHMS RenownHMS RenownHMS RenownHMS RenownHMS RenownHMS RenownBattlecruiser HMS Renown in 1945 alongside at Devonport, de-storingHMS Renown in Scapa Flow waters, 14 August 1943HMS Renown being towed to Faslane for scrapping
Located next to The Entrance on the Central Coast, Long Jetty is a quiet coastal spot with some great scenery to enjoy. We found parking easy all along the foreshore but, imagine it would be busy during holiday periods.
Our first stop was Toowoon Beach for a coffee overlooking the beach while we relaxed after our drive. Sitting and looking over the water while drinking the coffee was very relaxing after the drive.
After this we drove to Long Beach where we parked the car and walked along the foreshore. There are thee jetties of varying lengths going into the lake. We walked out on the two largest ones for some great views and photos. The length of the jetties is deceptive and you don’t realize how long they are until you reach the end and look back.
Long JettyOld Boat Shed on Lake Macquarie
There are several grassed areas with picnic facilities and families were using them. Along with the play equipment here it looked like a great place for kids.
Old Park BenchSeat With View over the Jetty
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