Destination's Journey

Category: Australia

  • Fingal Bay and Port Stephens Lighthouse

    Fingal Bay and Port Stephens Lighthouse

    Fingal Bay

    Located in Port Stephens near Newcastle Fingal Bay is a quiet town catering to the tourists interested in the beach and surroundings. Our reason for visiting was to walk across the sand spit from the mainland to Shark Island. This spit is submerged at high tide, so we chose two hours before low tide for the walk. There are warning signs stating the dangers of crossing if the spit is submerged. We started the morning with a snack at the Longboat Cafe before walking down the beach and across to the island. This was a very relaxing walk, with great scenery.

    Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Sand Spit
    Rock Formations Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Rock Formations on Shark Island
    Mount Tamaree From Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Mount Tamaree From Shark Island

    Port Stephens Lighthouse and Shark Island

    Once on the island, we followed the marked trail to the Port Stephens Lighthouse, which was an easy walk. Well maintained, the lighthouse is still operational and therefore cannot be entered. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is being restored by National Parks and Wildlife, but still looks nice, with its old sandstone walls. Before returning to across the spit, we explored the sand cove on the island. Here, we found some interesting rock formations as well as views out to Tomaree Headland.

    Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse
    Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Port Stephens Lighthouse
    Light House Keeper's Cottage Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Light House Keeper’s Cottage

    Barry Park Lookout

    While in the area, we also visited Barry Park Lookout. There are beautiful views out over Fingal Bay towards Shark Island, making this a great stop while here. The gardens and short walks are well put together and maintained and the seating makes it a great place for a picnic.

    Barry Point Lookout Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
    Barry Point Lookout

    We have previously walked to the summit of Mount Tomaree and visited Nelson Bay and these are two other great options if you are in the area.

    Remember to check the tide times for Fingal Bay before you go as people have drowned in the area, while trying to cross the spit.

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

  • Scone New South Wales Hunter Valley

    Scone New South Wales Hunter Valley

    Scone

    Scone is 280km north of Sydney in the Upper Hunter Valley.  Famous for its horse breeding and agriculture, Scone has many historic buildings, making it s beautiful town to visit.

    Scone Visitor Information and Elizabeth Park

    Located on Kelly Street, the Visitor Information Centre and Elizabeth Park are a great place to start your visit to town. The park is shady, making it a nice place to relax after your drive. There is a statue of a mare and foal, representing the importance of the horse breeding industry to the area.

    A bronze bust of Captain John Hunter, the former Governor of New South Wales sits in the park. The Hunter Valley was named after him in honour of his achievements in exploration around Australia. 

    Across Susan Street is the Visitor information Centre, where you can find out about any interesting events or places to see that are not generally known about or have just become available.

    Mare and Foal Sculpture Scone NSW Australia
    Mare and Foal Sculpture
    Scone Visitor Information Centre Scone NSW Australia
    Scone Visitor Information Centre
    Captain John Hunter Scone NSW Australia
    Captain John Hunter

    Kelly Street

    Running through the centre of town, Kelly Street contains many old and important buildings. You will also find cafes, restaurants and pubs along this street, so if you are looking for something to eat, wander around here.

    Scone Court House Scone NSW Australia
    Scone Court House
    Campbells Chambers Scone NSW Australia
    Campbells Chambers
    Barwick House Scone NSW Australia
    Barwick House
    Royal Hotel Scone NSW Australia
    Royal Hotel
    Campbell's Corner Scone NSW Australia
    Campbell’s Corner

    Kingdon Street

    There are some great old buildings on Kingdon Street, including the first Catholic Church (now an arts centre) and the original court house (now a theatre).

    Old Court House Scone NSW Australia
    Old Court House

    Washpools Water Hole

    Washpools Water Hole is 20 km north of Scone in the Towarri National Park.  There are two area that you can stop in, the camp ground and picnic area. The picnic area is next to the wash pools and unless you plan an overnight stay is the best place to go.  It has picnic areas and shaded seats to eat at, so is well set up.

    The wash pools are a nice series of water holes in the local creek and are picturesque, being set amongst trees and bushes and reflecting the blue sky. We spend an hour wandering around them taking photos and admiring the bush setting.

    While we were there a pair of kookaburras sat in a tree watching us, probably hoping we would drop some food for them.

    Washpools Water Hole Towarri National Park Scone NSW Australia
    Washpools Water Hole
    Kookaburras at Washpools Water Hole Scone NSW Australia
    Kookaburras at Washpools Water Hole
    Washpools Water Hole Towarri National Park Scone NSW Australia
    Washpools Water Hole

    Farming

    Farming is important to the Scone district and you will see evidence of it as you drive around. The most obvious industry as seen from the New England Highway is horse breeding. You will pass many horse studs as you drive into and out of town.  On the side roads you will some across other agriculture, ranging from cropping to cattle and sheep.  In some fields you will see some old abandoned farm equipment, which makes for an interesting photo.

    Old Farm Equipment Scone NSW Australia
    Old Farm Equipment
    Drought Stricken Tree Scone NSW Australia
    Drought Stricken Tree

    Burning Mountain

    Burning Mountain is 25 km north of Scone. The walk begins in the Burning Mountain Rest Area, where you will find toilets and plenty of parking. For the full story of our Burning Mountain walk, please follow the link.

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

  • Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Christ Church Cathedral

    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 Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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 Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Baptismal Font
    Christ Church Cathedral Interior Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Interior
    Christ Church Cathedral Organ Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Organ
    Stain Glass Window Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Stain Glass Window
    Stain Glass Window Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Stain Glass Window
    Altar Chairs Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Altar Chairs
    Christ Church Cathedral Altar Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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 Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Entry Door to Bell Tower
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
    The Bells Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    The Bells
    Spiral Stairs to Roof Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Roof
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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 Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    World War One Memorial
    Warriors' Chapel Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Warriors’ Chapel
    World War One Medals Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    World War One Medals
    The Book of Gold Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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.