Saint Michael the Archangel’s Church Wollombi New South Wales, Australia
Built of local sandstone, construction of Saint Michael the Archangel’s Wollombi began in 1840, with the first service held in 1843. Originally sited close to Wollombi Brooke, it was relocated to its current position in Wollombi after being damaged in a flood in 1893.
In 1991, the Catholic Church auctioned off Saint Michael’s, with the local community raising enough money to purchase it. Fund raising and government grants have enabled restoration to be undertaken. The wonderful stained glass windows were made by local artist Margaret Ella who was commissioned to design and craft a series of windows based on Creation as described in the Book of Genesis. The six windows in the body of the church incorporate Australian flora and fauna as well as symbolic images.
The Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, re-opened and blessed the church in 1999 which is now deemed a private chapel.
The church is often open and the public are welcome to walk in and look around.
Saint Michael the Archangel’s Church WollombiInterior of the churchStained glass windowStained glass windowAdam and Eve stained glass windowStained glass windowStained glass windowPeacock and fish stained glass windowStained glass window of the Archangel Michael over the altar
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Walking through Walsh Bay, we found the Sydney Sculpture Exhibition set among the redeveloped bond stores and wharves. We visited in August 2024, and they should be on display until November 2024, although some appear to be permanent displays.
We walked from Circular Quay which took around 20 minutes, although we did stop several times to take photos.
While you’re here there are some excellent eateries for a snack, refreshment of meal.
Walsh Bay SculpturesSoft Landing by Stephen GlassborowChameleon by Stephen GlassborowUrban Botanica by Mela CookeOn the Edge by Mela CookeThe People – Dear Heart by Clancy WarnerKin by Edison Chen4 High by Rowland MelvilleTogether by Andrew CasperOf Milk and Honey by Clancy Walker
Located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, Port Macquarie is a favourite tourist destination. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and rainforests, but is the Koala Capital of Australia. Not only these things and convict history, but if you get bored you can pick your own tomatoes or strawberries.
Below is a list of place we visited and things we did with links on this page. Should you want a more in depth story, links are provided further down the page.
One of the great attractions to Port Macquarie is the amazing beaches. Surrounded by wonderful sandy beaches, there are plenty to choose from, whether you want ones close to town or more privacy a small drive away.
Flynns Beach
Looking Through Trees to Flynns BeachFlynns BeachFlynns Beach
Oxley Beach
Beautiful Oxley BeachOxley Beach
Rocky Beach Lookout
View from the Rocky Beach LookoutRocky Beach Lookout
Housing the Port Macquarie Theatre, Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre, the Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre is a great place to visit, because not only does it have these things, but there are ruins in the basement!
Located all over Port Macquarie and its surrounding districts on the NSW mid-north coast, The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is a fun way to find your way around town. Many businesses and attractions have sponsored one or more of the sculptures making it an interesting way to explore the area and as a bonus finding lots of them.
Established in 1973 and dedicated to the to rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild koalas, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital also helps visitor learn about this unique Australian animal.
Preserving Port Macquarie’s maritime history, the Mid-North Coast Maritime Museum occupies two old Pilot Cottages dating from the 1890s. Originally used to house the pilot and the boatmen who assisted him but now repurposed into a museum.
This is a fun area near the town centre and next to Town Beach. The rocks of the break wall have been decorated by past visitors to make a colourful display along the beach.
Decorated rocks on the breakwallDecorated rocks on the breakwallFamily portrait painted on the breakwallTacking Point Lighthouse painted on the breakwallDecorated rocks on the breakwall
Located in the centre of town, the Port Macquarie Museum preserves the area’s history from colonial settlement and its dependance on the timber industry to the tourist destination it is today.
A favourite with locals and tourists, Port Macquarie’s Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is a fun place to pick your own fresh produce. Located only 20 minutes from the Port Macquarie CBD on the New South Wales mid-north coast, it’s a must-see place for visitors.
Designed by James Barnett and built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. With its own small carpark and located only 9km from Port Macquarie, it’s easy to get to.
