Ironfest is an annual event held in Lithgow New South Wales. It showcases many genres of cosplay and historical re-enactment. The venue is the Lithgow Showgrounds which gives the event plenty of scope to place similar themes together. We found that it was easy to find a specific performance or theme, using the timetable and map provided on Ironfest’s website.
Cosplay and Steampunk at Ironfest
As you meander around Ironfest, you will meet the characters and participants that make this kind of event special. People dressed as steampunk and wastelanders predominated, although there were plenty of US Civil war veterans and Vikings.
In the World War Two section, Germans, Russians and American camps were all next to each other and getting on amiably. Even the French Resistance was represented. The detail in the camps was amazing and the historical accuracy is something they were all dedicated to.
US Army GeneralUS SergeantFrench ResistanceThe RussiansGerman Guards
Military Equipment
There was a huge section of military vehicles, from World War Two and later. There were several examples of Ferret and Saracen as well as a huge Abbot 105mm self-propelled artillery piece and an M3 Stuart tank.
Ferret Armored CarSaracen APCAbbot
Vikings
Towards the rear of the show grounds was a Viking camp. Interested people were able to try out Viking chain mail and weapons. The camp was working as a real Viking setting, with cooking and cleaning done historically. Washing was demonstrated using wood ash and lots of physical effort to clean clothes. There was even a minstrel playing a lute.
Clothes Washing Viking styleViking Minstral
US Civil War
Near the Vikings was a US Civil War camp, with both sides present. Again historical accuracy was very important from tents to equipment. The first display in the main arena involved these people demonstrating their muskets and canons in a mass firepower display. In addition to the smoke generated the noise was amazing.
March in For Firepower DisplayCivil War Camp SiteCampCivil War Headquarters
Main Arena – Tourney Ground
Major activities took place in the arena. The MC was the Iron Monk, who did a fantastic job, managing to keep things reasonably on time as well as being very entertaining. After the mass firepower display, the knights demonstrated their skill at arms. This was all done on horseback as it would have been in medieval times. They used lances and swords to hit targets, including rings and cantaloupes thrown into the air.
The view from the grandstand was great with no problems being able to see the events. There was room between the grandstand and the arena, if you wanted to get closer to the action. Neither area was overcrowded and the crowd was very relaxed and enjoying themselves at Ironfest.
The Iron MonkMounted Knight Charging TargetMounted Knight Charging TargetKnight Charging TargetMounted Knight Charging TargetMounted Knight Charging TargetSquire and Mounted Knights
Later in the day the medieval foot soldiers put on a display of sword fighting. Initially as one on one and then as a large melee. They all seemed to be having fun and played the part very well.
If you weren’t keen on the historical food on offer, there was plenty of modern food stalls available. We had a fantastic time at Ironfest and can see why people keep going back each year. A great day out in Lithgow.
For other places to visit in New South Wales, please read some of our other stories.
Hyde Park is in the centre of Sydney and is a fantastic retreat from the hustle and traffic of the city. It is cool and shady and there is plenty of seating set around the park. Park Street divides Hyde Park in two, however there are pedestrian crossings at the lights at either end and the centre.
ANZAC Memorial
The ANZAC Memorial was built to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force of World War I. It is the focal point of the southern section of Hyde Park, along with the Pool of Reflection. On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day the memorial is the central focus of the ceremonies, so can be extremely busy..
120,000 gold stars covered the domed ceiling, representing all those from New South Wales who served in World War One. The centre piece of the interior is a bronze statue of a deceased youth, representing a soldier, held aloft on his shield.
To the north is the pool of reflection and a long tree-lined pathway. It is very shady and cool in the Australian summer. A great place to sit quietly and relax.
This is one of the must-see places in Sydney.
The ANZAC Memorial
Pathway to ANZAC Memorial
Emden Gun
This gun is a 4″ Gun taken from the German raider “Emden” destroyed by H.M.A.S. Sydney in 1914. A gift from the Commonwealth Government to the citizens of Sydney. Historically important, to Australia as a whole and Sydney in particular.
The Emden Gun
The Munitions Statue
This statue consists of four individual seven-metre tall steel and marble bullets, sitting next to three fallen shells, all on a large boomerang-shaped concrete base. They represent the reality of war. Specifically they depict the sculptor’s (Tony Albert) grandfather and six companions. The three fallen shells represent those who were killed.
The Munitions Statue
The Munitions Statue
Hyde Park Obelisk
The Hyde Park Obelisk is on the intersection of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets. Built in 1857 the obelisk was a vent for the sewer system. It is now used to ventilate the storm water system. At 22m it’s hard to miss. Interesting for what it is, but not worth taking too much time over.
Hyde Park Obelisk
Statue of Fire, Water and Earth.
Located on the western side of the park, near Elizabeth street, is a three-piece sandstone sculpture representing the three elements, by Gerard Havekes. A creative and interesting piece of art work and worth finding to have a look at it.
Earth Wind and Fire
Captain Cook Statue
This bronze statue commemorates Captain James Cook, the first Englishman to chart the east coast of Australia. It was officially unveiled in 1879. Worth looking at for the historical significance of Cook.
Captain Cook Statue
Archibald Fountain
The focus of the northern park is the Archibald Fountain. Named after the editor of the Bulletin Magazine who donated the funds to have it built. It was designed by a French sculptor, both because of Archibald’s love of French culture and to commemorate the ties between Australia and France from the First World War.
Seats surround the fountain making it a very restful place, right in the middle of Sydney.
The Archibald Fountain
Sandringham Gardens
Near Park Street are the Sandringham Gardens. They surround a circular fountain and commemorate King George V and King George VI. It is an attractive setting and a beautiful place to walk around.
Sandringham Gardens
Statue of William Bede Dalley
Dalley was born to convict parent and rose to be the first Australian appointed to the Privy Council. He was well-respected and this monument was erected to honor him. Located on the northern edge of Hyde Park it is easy to find.
Statue of William Bede Dalley
Cannon
Sitting among the flower beds on College Street is a bronze cannon. It used to form part of Sydney’s defense at Bennelong Point. Dating from 1808 it is worth a look as you pass by.
Cannon
Governor Lachlan Macquarie Statue
The most northerly Statue in the Gardens is that of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. He was Governor from 1810 to 1821 and was responsible for the social, economic and architectural development of the colony. Located looking down the road named after him, it is very easy to find. As a major figure in Australia’s history, the statue is worth looking for.
Major General Governor Lachlan Macquarie
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Statues
Although not in the park, there are two statues located just to its northern boundary in Queen’s Square. To the West is Queen Victoria and to the east is her consort, Prince Albert. If you are in Hyde Park, it is worth crossing the road to have a look at them.
Queen Victoria
Prince Albert
St Mary’s Cathedral
Dominating the eastern side of the park is St Mary’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney and is the Cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Beautiful inside as well as out, this is one of the great buildings in Sydney. As well as the interior you can visit the crypts. To visit the crypts, buy tickets from the gift shop. We were the only ones there when we went. Many early bishops of Sydney are interred in the crypt, so it is interesting historically. In addition, the architecture is fantastic and well worth spending time down there to admire it.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Pope Statue , Saint Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt
Hyde Park
So if you are in Sydney, you can easily spend most of a day looking around Hyde Park and its surrounding areas. Nearby is the Australian Museum and Macquarie Street with most of central Sydney very close as well. For other places to see in Sydney, please read some of our other stories.
Singleton is located in the New South Wales Hunter Valley. The region is known for its vineyards and coal mines. Often used as a rest point or base for further adventures in the area the town has a few things that are worth looking at if you are in the area.
Burdekin Park
At one time this was the centre piece of the town. A nice park with mature trees (cirrus pines) and the town’s war memorials. Unfortunately a colony of fruit bats colonised the trees and over the last few years have severely damaged them. As a result most of the large trees have been removed. The Park is now very open, but safe to enter.
If you are interested in the fruit bats there are still some inhabiting the remaining trees, but not the vast numbers that were previously present.
War Memorial
The Singleton War Memorial is located in the centre of Burdekin Park. It commemorates the sacrifices made by local residents in wars Australia fought in. The ANZAC ceremony was held here until the bats arrived and has now been moved next to the civic centre.
War Memorial South African War Memorial Burdekin Park Mayor Munro Monument Fountain
Historical Museum
Also located in Burdekin Park, the Museum houses some interesting relics from Singleton’s past. If the Museum is not open, there are some external exhibits of old farming equipment on display. For the full story about the museum, please click here.
Singleton Historical Society Museum Tractors at Singleton Historical Museum
Townhead Park
If travelling from Newcastle this is the first park you will see when entering town. There are plenty of car spots available along with picnic areas and covered tables. There is also a great playground for kids to let them run around after hours in a car.
The town’s tourist information site is located here, along with a café with outside seating available overlooking the park.
Also located in the park is a Matilda Tank used by the Australian Army in World War Two.
Matilda Tank Townhead Park Singleton
Saint Catherine’s Church
Located on Queen Street, Saint Catherine’s is the town’s Catholic Church. The area comprises the church, school and convent of the Sisters of Mercy. The sisters have a tour available called Sacred Spaces which allows you to see their buildings and gardens.
St Catherine’s Catholic Church Singleton
World’s Biggest Sundial
The World’s biggest sundial can be found on Ryan Avenue overlooking the Rise Point sports fields. A present to the town from a mining company to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary.
Giant Sundial Rose Point
Jacarandas in Bloom
If you visit Singleton during the jacaranda flowering season, around October, you are greeted by a sea of purple..
Jacarandas in Bloom
Civic Precinct
The civic precinct contains Singleton’s council buildings. In addition there is a statue commemorating early European settlers in the area and a memorial for service personnel. This memorial is the location for the Anzac Day dawn service held each year on the 25th of April.
Pioneer Statue Singleton War Memorial Civic Centre Singleton
Court House
The Singleton Courthouse is located in Elizabeth Street. Built in 1841, it is still in operation today.
Court House Singleton
Wynyard Street Corner Shop
This is one of the original corner shops that used to exist in small towns but have mostly disappeared. The sort of shop that stocks the essentials so that you don’t need to visit the supermarket.
General Store Singleton
Uniting Church
A nice church shaded by a lot of trees in the centre of Singleton.
Uniting Church Singleton
All Saints Church
Located in High Street the All Saints Anglican Church dates from 1913, although there has been an Anglican Church on the site since 1845.
All Saints Anglican Church Singleton
Presbyterian Church
The old Presbyterian Church is located just up from the Court House in Elizabeth Street. No longer a Presbyterian Church, it is used by the Singleton Evangelical Church.
Presbyterian Church Singleton
Apex Lookout
The lookout is situated out of town near the light industrial area. It gives a nice view over Singleton and the surrounding area. While you are here have a look at the mural painted on the toilet block. Unfortunately it is a little faded and over sprayed but worth a quick look.
Street Art – Toilet Block Lookout Singleton
York Street Aboriginal Mural
What used to be an old rusty iron fence has been painted in an aboriginal theme. Is is located near the Singleton RSL in York Street.
Street Art York Street Singleton
Singleton Train Station
The Singleton Train Station dating from 1863 is a nice old building on the edge of town. Worth having a look at if you are passing by.
Railway Station Singleton
Nearby
Camberwell
Located in the small village of Camberwell 15-minute drive north of Singleton is St Clements Anglican Church. No longer in use for services, the church’s interior was extensively damaged by fire in 2009. If you are driving the New England Highway and want to see a typical small village church, stop here and have a look.
A small dirt track leads down to the church just past the turn off from the highway. On arriving we found the gate to the churchyard unlocked, so we walked around the grounds.
This church was often booked by people from out of town for weddings because of its appearance, but unfortunately the fire has stopped that.
St Clements Anglican Church
Whittingham
Two memorials can be found on the east side of Singleton at the intersection of the New England Highway and Range Road, Howe Memorial Reserve, Whittingham. Located near the rail overpass to Range Road, a parking bay makes stopping to have a look easy.
The first and largest commemorates the sesquicentenary of the arrival of John Howe`s exploration party in the vicinity on the 15th March, 1820.
Sesquicentenary of John Howe Expedition Memorial
The second, smaller monument commemorates those from the district who served in World War One. Originally the Whittingham War Memorial had a German machine gun on top, but this is now missing.
Whittingham War Memorial
So if you are passing through Singleton or staying for a few days, there are a few things to see around town that will keep you occupied for a few hours.
To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.
