Destination's Journey

Category: Sydney

  • Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do

    Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do

    Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do

    How to Get There

    Access to Sydney Olympic Park is well designed as the whole area was redeveloped for the 2000 Olympics. Public transport either by bus ferry or train will get you to the area, or parking is well catered for with many car parks available.

    Sydney Olympic Park

    As the name implies, this was the location of the 2000 Olympics and the area is still strongly connected to sport. Several of Sydney’s major stadiums are located here as a legacy of the Olympics and regularly feature major sporting or entertainment events.

    To cater for the influx of people to the area, several hotels can be found here, ranging from budget to five star. Even when there are no events on, restaurants and cafes are open, because many companies operate in the district.

    One of the largest events held here is the Royal Easter Show which operates for two weeks, showcasing New South Wales agricultural as well as sideshows and rides to the kids. For the full story of our visit to the show, click here.

    Memorials to the Sydney 2000 Games can be found around the main stadium, with the Olympic Cauldron and a forest of 480 poles with volunteers’ names on them easy to find.

    ANZ Stadium and a Forest of Poles
    ANZ Stadium and a Forest of Poles

    Bay Marker

    The Bay Marker contains the remnants of construction material from the Homebush Area, which instead of being an ugly eyesore has been shaped and revegetated into a fun walk and lookout.

    Next to the Bay Marker is Wentworth Common, which has sporting grounds and a playground. A great place to stop and watch the local teams competing on a weekend, while the kids can enjoy the playground.

    • Bay Marker
      Bay Marker
    • The Path on Bay Marker
      The Path on Bay Marker

    Bicentennial Park

    Treillage Tower

    Located in the centre of Bicentennial Park, the Treillage Tower is a viewing platform that allows great views over the rest of the park. Made of lattice, the tower has a three story high viewing platform 17m above ground level. This was a fun place to visit on our walk through the Park.

    • The Treillage Tower
      The Treillage Tower
    • View From The Treillage Tower
      View From The Treillage Tower

    Brick Pit

    In many places something like the Brick Pit outdo be covered, or filled in. Instead, it has been preserved as a heritage site to show where and how the bricks were made. A huge elevated walkway has been constructed inside the rim of the old quarry, enabling visitors to view the old pit from every angle. At intervals around the walkway displays show how people worked here and how it was operate.

    Hidden away and out of view this is a great place to visit if you are in the Homebush area.

    • The Brickpit Walkway Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do
      The Brickpit Walkway
    • The Brickpit and Elevated Walkway Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do
      The Brickpit and Elevated Walkway

    Homebush Bay Shipwrecks

    The area where the shipwrecks are located was originally used as a breaking yard for old ships. Those that are left have now been heritage listed and are great photography subjects with several being overgrown with trees. To read our full story click here.

    SS Ayrfield Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do
    SS Ayrfield

    Newington Armory

    Originally housing a major Australian Defence Force magazine, the site is now repurposed into art galleries, sports and a wildlife refuge. Our full story cab be found here.

    Buildings Behind Earth Bunds Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Buildings Behind Earth Bunds

    Badu Mangroves

    If you are interested in birds or would like to have a look at what lives in the wetlands around Sydney, this is a great place to go. There are purpose build bird hides and viewing platforms where you can observe from and information panels on the local birdlife.

    Bennelong Pond in the Badu Mangroves Sydney Olympic Park Area Things to Do
    Bennelong Pond in the Badu Mangroves

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

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Balls Head Coal Loader

    Balls Head Coal Loader

    Balls Head Coal Loader

    How Did We Get There?

    We caught the train from Central Station to Waverton Station and then walked to Balls Head coal loader. It was a great walk through a nice neighbourhood. Alternately, you could drive and park nearby.

    The Balls Head Coal is a relic of Sydney’s past when it was an exporting port. Although much of the infrastructure has gone several important sections of the old terminal remain. Entry is free and considerable effort has gone into providing access by installing quality walkways, paths and a lift.

    The Coal Loader Tunnel at Balls Head

    Our first area of interest was the old loadout tunnel that runs under the hill. We used the stairway to get down to it but the lift is an option if you have mobility issues. One of the twelve tunnels is open to the public allowing you to walk its whole length. The walkway is well lit, but damaged in places, so be careful with your footing. As you walk through you will meet the pigeons who have made the tunnels their homes, roosting in cavities in the walls.

    Coal Loadout Tunnel Balls Head
    Coal Loadout Tunnel Balls Head

    The Coal Loader Wharf

    After the tunnel we looked at the old wharf, at first from the lower level and later from the top of the hill for a different perspective. It appears to be in poor condition because of the many loose boards and debris scattered over it.

    • Coal Loading Wharf
      Coal Loading Wharf
    • The Old Coal Loader Wharf
      The Old Coal Loader Wharf

    Upper Level

    We returned to the upper level using the lift. It is glass sided giving you some great views as you go up. At the top we spent some time reading the panels that have been set up to describe the history of coal mining and its importance to the development of new south wales. Previously used for coal stockpiles, the upper level is now a modern garden and viewing area.

    From this level there is a great view of the old pier as well as the Cape Don and old ferry that are moored here.

    Off to your right you will also be able to get a glimpse of HMAS Waterhen where the Australian Navy bases its mine hunter ships.

    • Upper Level Coal Loader
      Upper Level Coal Loader
    • Upper Level Coal Loader
      Upper Level Coal Loader
    • MV Baragoola
      MV Baragoola
    • MV Cape Don
      MV Cape Don
    • HMAS Waterhen RAN Base
      HMAS Waterhen RAN Base

    What did We Think?

    The Coal Loader was a great place to visit, because of the history it displays, as well as the fantastic utilisation of an old industrial area. A combination of steps, ramps and a lift provide excellent access to all levels. It is worth visiting if you are in the area.

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

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Sydney Royal Easter Show

    Sydney Royal Easter Show

    Getting There

    The Sydney Royal Easter Show is held over a two week period at Olympic Park. If you purchase entry tickets online the cost of public transport to the show is included for free. We took the train changing at Strathfield and again at Lidcombe although there were direct Strathfield to Olympic Park depending on timing.

    At the gate there was a quick security bag check and we were inside. Not being interested in the rides or slideshows we gave that section a miss although it was popular withe the kids in attendance.

    Animal Pavilions

    We went to the animal pavilions and checked out the sheep and cows. We had no idea that there were so many different breeds of cows. Another surprize was seeing the prized cows having a shampoo and blow dry before being judged.

    • Cows Relaxing
      Cows Relaxing
    • Cow 1151
      Cow 1151
    • Cow Waiting For the Competition to Start
      Cow Waiting For the Competition to Start
    • Champion Sheep Royal Easter Show
      Champion Sheep
    • Inquisitive Goat Royal Easter Show
      Inquisitive Goat

    Food Hall

    Passing through the food hall we had a look at the displays put together from the different areas displaying their produce. The artistic effort to arrange the fruit and vegetables was amazing. You also get to vote on which one you feel is best!

    • Produce Display
      Produce Display
    • Produce Display Royal Easter Show
      Produce Display

    Wood Chopping

    Next to this hall was the wood chopping competition. We spent an hour here watching the male and female competitors cutting sawing and chopping through timber. These are some very strong athletes who don’t seem to get the recognition they deserve. We honestly loved sitting and watching!

    Woodchopping Competition
    Woodchopping Competition

    Show-Bags

    Last stop was the showbag hall to get some presents for the kids who had given us a list of requirements and a bertie beetle one for the wife. We had never seen such a huge variety of show bags available. This is a place where the unwary parent could spend a fortune.

    Bertie Beetle Showbag
    Bertie Beetle Showbag

    What did We Think?

    We had  great day out seeing the livestock on display and the wood chopping. The free transport getting there was a great bonus too.

    We had a great day out watching wood chopping and seeing the best of NSW agriculture. Even for adults there is a lot to see and do as the show isn’t all about rides and sideshow alley.

    Horse and Buggy Competition
    Horse and Buggy Competition

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

    Our photos are available for purchase on