Located on Mona Vale Road in the Sydney suburb on Ingleside, we found the Sydney Baháʼí Temple by accident as we drove past. Deciding to stop and investigate, we found the gates open and a welcoming sign for visitors. The well sign posted visitors car park is close to the temple for easy access.
Greeted at the door by two volunteers, we went inside and admired its architecture and design. We walked around at our leisure, because no service was taking place. This meant we didn’t have to worry about getting in people’s way. We were also able to take photographs inside and outside the temple, which is great because it allows you to remember how nice the interior is.
Don’t forget to climb the stairs to the upper floor, because it allows a different perspective of the interior.
We only spent half an hour here, but it is a great place to visit.
Sydney Baháʼí TempleInterior From the Lower LevelDome WindowsInterior From the Upper LevelInterior From the Upper LevelThe Baháʼí Faith
Situated on the Hunter River approximately 166 kilometres by road north of Sydney and 35 kilometres north-west of Newcastle, Maitland is a city in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Located on the New England Highway, it is easy to get to and its heritage and proximity to the Hunter Valley vineyards makes it worth visiting.
The Levee
Running parallel to the Hunter River and encircled by Ken Tubman Drive, The Levee is a hive of activity. It offers a range of entertainment and dining options, a blend of small business and national retail stores. Professional services such as banks, solicitors and accountants are also located here.
The Levee on a Foggy Morning
Street Art at the Levee
Buildings
The city has several historic buildings, and many others with interesting architecture, making them worth searching out. Several excellent walks can be found here, downloadable as PDFs.
Maitland Railway Station
The railway reached Maitland in 1858, having reached East Maitland in 1957. This resulted in the building of the current Italianate style building being built in the 1880s.
This building can be viewed from the carpark, or for a different perspective, climb the pedestrian overpass. This allows you to see it from above, where you can see the top of the building more clearly.
Railway Station
Maitland Post Office
Constructed in 1881 and designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet, the Maitland post office is an example of Victorian Italianate design of stucco on brick. This is characteristic of Barnet’s work, making it a fantastic attraction in the centre of the city.
Maitland Post Office
Clock Tower at the Maitland Post Office
Maitland Post Office
Old Bank of Australasia Building
Built in 1869 and opened on 1st January 1870, this was the third bank constructed in High Street. The design of this building is one of the few colonial examples of Byzantine architecture and is significant for the skilful use of the curve and upper floor verandah. Although substantially altered, it still exhibits many original features making it significant.
Old ANZ Bank Building
St. Mary’s Church
Opened in 1867, St. Mary’s Church has a magnificent stone spire which is a landmark in the town and surrounding area. The building is a fine example of High Victorian Style Gothic architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Edmund Blackett the building has excellent stone tracery windows and detailing, exhibiting craftsmanship of the highest order.
St Mary’s Anglican Church
Old Synagogue
Ceasing as a place of worship in 1898 the old Synagogue was the first of its kind in Australia. Designed by renowned local architect, John W. Pender it is a simple Victorian Romanesque building. Constructed in 1879 it subsequently served as a co-educational school until 1928, a meeting hall and is now, after restoration, used as a Credit Union office and shopfront.
Former Synagogue
Heritage Mall
Constructed as a Bicentennial Project in 1988 The Heritage Mall in the main commercial centre of Maitland contains many building styles. Best viewed by walking down the centre of the Mall, the history of many buildings can be viewed on their upper floors above the awnings
Johnston’s Boot Store Facade
Old Building Facades
Courthouse
Designed during the transition of Victorian and Federation periods, the Maitland Courthouse is an outstanding building. Designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1895-96, it is Federation Free Classical in style and detailing, using typical Federation materials such as face red brick with contrasting sandstone trim.
Maitland Courthouse
Street by the Court House
Steamfest
Established in 1986, Steamfest pays homage to an industrial steam era and the men and women involved in its operation.
The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains. While there you can take a ride on one of the many unique train trips visiting various Hunter destinations or simply wander around and enjoy the displays.
Read our full story and see our pictures of Steamfest here.
Civic Park is bordered by council buildings on one side and the art gallery and St Andrews Presbyterian Church on the other, while situated in the centre of the Newcastle CBD. A great place to relax, or take a casual walk around, because it’s quiet with plenty of places to sit.
Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
Located as the centrepiece of Civic Park is the James Cook Memorial Fountain, built for the bicentenary of Cook’s voyage and mapping of the east coast of Australia. In 1770, Lieutenant (later captain) James Cook claimed the east coast for the British Crown, naming it New South Wales. This large water feature is a great place in summer, with seats located around it, and impressive at night when illuminated.
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
War Memorial Grove
Developed from a community desire to honour servicemen and women killed during the world wars, the War Memorial Garden is in a corner of Civic Park, opposite the Art Gallery. Constructed from public and private funds, some of the money with some coming from families with relatives commemorated on each of the 68 plaques featured throughout the garden.
Volunteer members of the New Lambton Heights Garden Club undertook much of the work, a relationship which is continued today.
A quiet area for reflection, it’s worth wandering through to pay your respects.
Royal Australian Air Force Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
Navy Memorial
Memorial Plaques
War Memorial
The war memorial was originally dedicated to World War Two service personnel, but has since been re-dedicated to all wars Australia has been involved in. Ceremonies are held here throughout the year on relevant anniversaries, so there may be one happening when you visit.
Civic Park War Memorial
Vietnam and National Service Memorial
The Vietnam and National Service Memorial commemorates the soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. A brass plaque on the memorial provides a brief description of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The rear section of the memorial has a separate memorial to Australia’s National Service and Combined Forces personnel.
Vietnam War Memorial
Newcastle Art Gallery
Located above Civic Park on Layman Street, the Art Gallery often hosts exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, the Gallery owns an impressive collection of Australian paintings. To read more about our visit to the Newcastle Art Gallery, click here.
Newcastle Art Gallery Entrance
Baptist Tabernacle
Located above Civic Park the Baptist Tabernacle is an interesting building but is only open to the public during services.
Baptist Tabernacle
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Situated across the road from the Baptist Tabernacle, St Andrews is not always open, so you may have to appreciate this building from the outside. Even if it’s closed, the building is worth admiring for its architectural value.
St Andrews Presbyterian Church
Old Newcastle City Administration Centre The Roundhouse
Currently undergoing a redevelopment to a five star hotel, the old Newcastle Administration Centre originally opened in 1977. The design was a collaborative effort between Architects Romberg & Boyd and Wilson & Suters. The architectural style is Brutalist, for it’s striking design.
Newcastle Council Chambers
Newcastle City Hall
Built in 1929 to house the newly created Newcastle City Council, this beautiful building is now a multi-purpose Function/Conference venue. Located opposite Civic Park on King Street, the building is an example of Inter-War Academic Classical architecture.
Shortland Centenary Fountain
Erected in 1897 by the Mayor David Miller and originally located at Newcastle Beach, this fountain commemorates the centenary (1797-1897) of the European discovery of the area by Lieutenant Shortland. Removed from its original location, it is now located at Christie Park.
Shortland Centenary Fountain
What Did We think?
Newcastle Civic Park is a great place to visit, because of its many memorials and beautiful buildings. It’s a relaxing place to wander around, while enjoying the manicured gardens and visit the Art Gallery. When you have finished, Derby Street with its cafes and restaurants is right next door.
