Overlooking the Georges River, Oatley Park is a sprawling 112-acre reserve offering activities from swimming and walking to picnics and a children’s playground.
Dating back to the early European settlement of Australia the land was granted to Thomas Oatley in 1831, who established an extensive vineyard and orchard. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that the area was dedicated for public recreation, and transformed into a park.
The Great Depression, from 1929 to 1939, left a significant mark on Oatley Park. To provide relief and employment during this challenging period, the NSW Government undertook several projects, including the construction of the sandstone kiosk and lookout now known as the “Castle.” This iconic landmark, with its crenellations and towers, has become a defining feature of the park and a symbol of resilience.
Getting There
Located throughout the park, dedicated parking bays make it easy to access the reserve. We were interested in the kiosk “castle”, so parked near it. Be careful when driving through the park as most roadways are shared with pedestrians.
The Castle
Built during the Great Depression, the Castle kiosk is an interesting structure, with crenellations making it look like a real castle. It not only provides great views over the river, but provides shelter from the weather with a barbeque area and seating underneath.
Swimming Baths
Not far from the castle is a small sandy beach on the river bank. this is one of the few suspended netted baths in Sydney. The 320m net keeps the sharks out and the swimmers safe. Changeroom and showers are conveniently located next to the baths.
Picnic and Barbeque Areas
Scattered throughout the park, barbecue and picnic areas offered great places to relax. The area we saw near the castle looked like a great place to relax near the river.
Oatley CastleRoof of the CastleView from the top of Oatley Castle over Jew Fish BayView over Jew Fish Bay from the beachLooking over Jew Fish Bay
Nestled on the banks of a lake with the same name, Smiths Lake is a small village in the Myall Lakes National Park. We spent a week there using it as a base to explore the surrounding lakes, bush walks and beaches.
Facilities in town are limited to a bakery, general store, bowling club, and café. We found most of what we needed at the general store, had some meals at the bowling club and coffee at the Frothy Coffee.
Our accommodation was a beautiful holiday house overlooking the lakeshore. We could walk along the shore to the café, or just enjoy wonderful views over the lake. A deck at the rear was perfect for relaxed evenings where we often had guest kookaburras and lorikeets visit.
A beautiful place to visit. Not far from Newcastle with plenty to see and do.
The Frothy Coffee CafeView over the lakeThe lake shoreBoats at the lake shoreView from our accommodationRainbow LorikeetKookaburraSunset over the lake from our accommodation
Held over the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 featured both air and static ground displays. The first days was a free community events with flying displays over Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Harbour. Day Two had a nominal $10 entry fee to the RAAF Williamtown Air Force base where most of the aircraft flying on day one were on display. The Royal Australian Air Force and Newcastle Council did an amazing job of organising this event.
Getting There
Parking in the inner city was limited because of road closures. However, the council provided a park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, while additional ferries brought people from Stockton where large carparks had been set up.
Day One
Commencing at 10:00 AM, the air display was continuous until 12:30. At 2:00 PM it started again and ran through until 4:00PM. By start time, the foreshore and Nobbys Beach were packed. Additional premium viewing was available at Fort Scratchley, providing the highest vantage point on the day.
Sitting near the surf club we had an excellent view of the displays as they performed just off shore, or flew down the harbour.
Warbirds
Flying started with old warbirds and training aircraft, such as the CAC Winjeel, CAC Mustang (a licence built North American P-51 Mustang) and Supermarine Spitfire. Operated by 100 Squadron RAAF, these old planes preserve the history of military flying in Australia.
Current RAAF Aircraft
Following the warbirds, the RAAF aerobatic team the Roulettes put on a skillful flying display. They were followed by the current combat aircraft operated by the RAAF. Fortunately we brought ear plugs, because we knew the F-35 and F/A-18F would be noisy. They certainly didn’t disappoint and put on an amazing display of their flying capabilities.
Closing out the air display were the RAAF’s larger aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon used maritime surveillance, the E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C and the KC-30 MRTT multi role transport and tanker.
CAC Winjeel A85-439 over Nobbys Beach CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys BeachRAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys BeachLockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys BeachLockheed Martin F-35A over Nobbys BeachBoeing E-7A WedgetailRAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf ClubAirbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys BeachLockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys BeachThe crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys HeadlandPart of the crowd with a Lockheed P-3C Orion flying over Nobbys BeachLockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys BeachPilatus PC-21 of the RoulettesBoeing FA-18F Super Hornet
Day Two of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show
Held at the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown just north of Newcastle, Day 2 was a non-flying day, although most of the aeroplanes from Day 1 were on display.
The RAAF provided parking on base, with busses taking people onto the base. This was an excellent idea because the base also hosts Newcastle Airport which provides domestic civilian air services. The buses allowed the airport to keep the runway operating while people were transported to an from the display area.
Each of the aircraft on display were attended by RAAF personnel who were happy to discus what they do and the jet’s capabilities. We had a great time walking around them all, including the warbirds.
The Airbus KC-30 MRRT was available for a walk-through but the queue was too long so we just looked at it from outside.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAFBoeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAFBoeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAFPilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic teamBoeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 SquadronClose up of the radar housing of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAFBoeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAFAirbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAFWeapons bay of an Boeing P-8A PoseidonCAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-GSupermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markingsCAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours.CT-4 Airtrainer A19-077
Fighter World
Fighter World the RAAF’s museum of fighters aircraft was open on Sunday and free to enter. Several of the fighters were outside the hanger which was great because the displays inside are usually close together. This allowed us to get close to some interesting planes. Most RAAF operated jets were on display from early Gloster Meteors to F/A-18s and an F-111. See out blog on Fighter World for more information and photos.
Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War
