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Category: Historical Museum

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Western Plains Cultural Centre

Wool Wagon at Western Plains Cultural Centre

Western Plains Cultural Centre

Located on Wingewarra Street Dubbo the Western Plains Cultural Centre has an excellent collection of local historical displays and art. During our visit the local final year students had their artwork on display, which was great to see. The museum section displayed a large range of items, which provided a feeling for the rich history of the region.

2020 HSC Works From the Dubbo Region

Exhibited as “Meet the Mark”, this display featured artists from the Wellington and Dubbo senior students. Produced for their HSC, these works highlighted the young talent in the area.

  • Pride Power Ambush by Rashmi Perera 2020 St John's College
    Pride Power Ambush by Rashmi Perera 2020 St John’s College
  • Tethered by Jailyn Webb 2020 Dubbo Campus Senior Campus
    Tethered by Jailyn Webb 2020 St John’s College
  • Still Life With Assimilation by Felicity Jeresano 2020 St John's College
    Still Life With Assimilation by Felicity Jeresano 2020 St John’s College

Dubbo History

The centre’s permanent exhibition is titled “People, Places, Possessions” because it focuses on the agricultural landscape and people of the area. The original inhabitants of the region, the Thubbagah people commence the story, followed by pastoral settlement.

A large section was devoted to agricultural history, including the introduction of the first portable steam engine. Face goggles from World War Two and a uniform from the 1885 Sudan war illustrated Dubbo’s link to the military.

A classroom from the time before digital electronics was great, because it brought back memories for us. How classrooms used to operate would amaze current students.

  • Artefacts of the Thubbagah People of the Dubbo Area
    Artefacts of the Thubbagah People of the Dubbo Area
  • Wool Wagon at Western Plains Cultural Centre
    Wool Wagon at Western Plains Cultural Centre
  • Davey Paxman 16943 Portable Steam Engine from the Dubbo Sawmill
    Davey Paxman 16943 Portable Steam Engine from the Dubbo Sawmill
  • Wilkins Kennedy and Spence Coach Builders Buggy
    Wilkins Kennedy and Spence Coach Builders Buggy
  • Farm Tools
    Farm Tools
  • Sudan Volunteer's Uniform From the 1885 Conflict
    Sudan Volunteer’s Uniform From the 1885 Conflict
  • A Camera in the Western Plains Cultural Centre
    A Camera in the Western Plains Cultural Centre
  • Old Classroom Western Plains Cultural Centre
    Old Classroom

What Did We Think

This was a fun place to visit, especially the local museum displays. These gave a greater understanding of the history of the area, going back to aboriginal times. The display of high school students’ works was a great added bonus but we enjoyed all of the art on display.

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

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Wyong Milk Factory and Tavern

Rusty Cow Statue

Wyong Milk Factory

Located at Wyong on the New South Wales Central Coast, the Wyong Milk Factory is an unusual but fun setting for a tavern and café complex. Not only does this old industrial zone have a tavern, but also contains a chocolate factory, cupcake shop, café, gym and playground.

Parking

Parking is available in several areas, immediately outside the entrance; inside the complex and in a car park just past the main entrance. We parked in the last option, because the others were full. It is still close to the tavern, so parking here is convenient.

The Tavern

Our visit was to enjoy a meal at the tavern, but we also had a walk around the whole area. Near the entrance is a playground, so the kids will be entertained. A colourful walkway leads into the area, showing you the way to go. At the front you will find a candle shop where you can buy something to take home.

The main tavern has two levels, and we were seated on the upper one, which we appreciated because there was less traffic from people moving around. The only disadvantage was the bar being on the lower level, but this was a minor issue. Once we had ordered, the food was ready very quickly. You are given a buzzer and when ready you go and collect it. The menu had a nice variety of food and desserts.

Other Activities at the Milk Factory

After lunch, we walked down to the Wyong River, where There is a barbecue and a picnic area, which is well set out and looked very nice. You can also hire boats or a canoe to take a paddle down the river. An information board provides details on the wildlife found in the area.

Walking around we came across some interesting cow sculptures and artwork, so keep a lookout as you walk around

A really fun afternoon and a worthwhile place to visit for couples and families.

  • Entrance to the Wyong Milk Factory
    Entrance to the Wyong Milk Factory
  • Rainbow Walkway
    Rainbow Walkway
  • Chocolate Factory
    Chocolate Factory
  • Wyong Milk Factory Tavern
    Wyong Milk Factory Tavern
  • Cow Skeleton Statue
    Cow Skeleton Statue
  • Rusty Cow Statue
    Rusty Cow Statue
  • Pink Cow Statue Wyong Milk Factory
    Pink Cow Statue Wyong Milk Factory
  • Minion
    Minion
  • The Smoking Area Wyong Milk Factory
    The Smoking Area
  • Wyong River, Weir and Fish Ladder
    Wyong River, Weir and Fish Ladder
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Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

Maitland Sign

Maitland

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
    The Levee on a Foggy Morning
  • Street Art at the Levee
    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
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
    Maitland Post Office
  • Maitland Post Office
    Clock Tower at the Maitland Post Office
  • 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
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
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 Maitland Synagogue
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
Johnston’s Boot Store Facade
Old Building Facades
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
Maitland Courthouse
Street by the Court House
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.

  • Traction Engines Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Traction Engines
  • Locomotive 6029 The Garrett
    Locomotive 6029 The Garrett

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.