The Royal Australian Navy has its Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra NSW. It is adjacent to the naval base HMAS Albatross. When we arrived at 2:00 PM there were only four other people visiting. Effectively we had the whole museum to ourselves.
Propeller From HMAS Sydney
The Collection
The museum has an almost complete collection of the aircraft operated by the RAN. This ranges from the early 1950s when HMAS Sydney and Melbourne were acquired to a recently retired Seahawk helicopter. A purpose-built air-conditioned building houses all of the displays. Inside a raised mezzanine floor provides an excellent overhead perspective of the displays. This is something that many aviation museums are lacking. There is also plenty of space between each display so that they can be seen easily without the crowding that some museums use.
The 1950s
The Hawker Sea Fury, Fairey Firefly and Fairey Gannett represent the 1950s. All three are camouflages in Dark sea grey with sky undersides. The Firefly is also wearing Korean War black and white stripes.
RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5RAN Fairey Gannet AS.1Hawker Sea Fury
The Modern RAN Fleet Air Arm
The jet age is represented by the Douglas A4G Skyhawk, de Havilland Sea Venom FAW Mk.53 and Grumman S2G Tracker.. Training aircraft from this period include the Macchi 326, Vampire T.22 and Skyhawk 2 seat trainer.
De Havilland Sea Vampire MK T.22De Havilland Sea Venom F.A.W. MK 53McDonnell Douglas A4G SkyhawkGrumman S-2G Tracker
Drone Collection
Drones have formed an important part of the Fleet Air Arm, removing the risks involved in towing targets for Royal Australian Navy Ships. On display is an old Radioplane MQM-33 propeller driven drone. The Australian designed Turana (based on the Ikara anti-submarine missile) and the Jindivik are also on display. The more recent US designed BAE Kalkara is located next to the Skyhawk.
There is an impressive helicopter collection, which includes a large display to the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam. In line with the rest of the museum, the helicopter displays are well set out and have explanatory boards. This provides you with a thorough history of the types use within the Fleet Air Arm.
In addition to the aircraft of the FAA, the Fleet Air Arm Museum has some other excellent displays. A Sopwith Pup fighter from World War Two shows the beginnings of aviation. Nearby two six-inch guns from the original HMAS Sydney (a cruiser) illustrate what the aircraft have replaced.
HMAS Sydney the aircraft carrier, is represented by its bell, 32 foot cutter and a propeller (outside near the entrance).
A unique aircraft in the CAC Winjeel is also on display. This particular aircraft is the prototype for the design that went on to become the primary trainer for a generation of Australian military pilots.
An unusual inclusion is a MiG-15 UTI in Polish colours. A very interesting aircraft to see, but its inclusion here seems out-of-place.
Sopwith Pup6 Inch Gun From HMAS Melbourne (I)HMAS Sydney BellCAC CA-22 Winjeel prototypeHMAS Melbourne 32FT CutterDouglas C-47A DakotaAermacchi MB-326HPolish MiG-15 UTI
All of the displays are accompanied by descriptions and a detailed history of the FAA is provided as you progress around the museum.
There is a gift shop that also caters to the local RAN base so there is a good selection of merchandise available.
A great place to visit if you are interested in aviation or naval history.
The Museum of Fire is in Penrith to the west of Sydney. We went there as we were looking for something to do after a trip to Katoomba the day before. Spotting the entrance is easy because of the fire engine on a pole out the front.
The Museum of Fire Entrance
As well as a first-rate collection of fire engines, the Museum is an educational centre on fire prevention. The fire prevention is primarily aimed at children, but is also relevant to adults. It highlights fire risks around the home as well as bush fire risks. There is a video that screens in the cinema which focuses on bush-fire prevention which makes excellent viewing.
The collection of fire engines stretches back to the horse-drawn and hand pumped units of the 1800s on to steam-powered pumps and the modern fire engines of today.
Everything is logically set out in a timeline from oldest to newest. This lets you see how firefighting techniques have advanced over more than a century.
A fantastic place to visit, although it will help if you like fire engines.
For other places to visit in New South Wales, please read some of our other stories.
Photos From the Extensive Collection of Fire Engines
Click on the picture for a full size view.
1942 Mack Salvage Tender1927 Essex Hose Carriage1979 International Sky Jet1975 Japanese Model Landcruiser Pump1984 Iveco Magirus DL37 Ladder 1942 Mack
1969 Dennis D600 Pump1973 International AACO Mk3 Bushfire Tender1923 Garford Model 15 Pumper
1950ca Coventry Climax Trailer Pump1931 Dennis 250/400 WW2 Colours1931 Dennis 250/400 WW2 Colours1939 Dennis Big 6Fire Engine1914 NSWFB Converted Horse Drawn Motorised PumperFire Brigade Control Room Fire Fighting Equipment Wheeled Fire Fighting Equipment Fire Fighting EquipmentFire Fighting Equipment
Here’s a quick list of what we did in the great city of Amsterdam. Click on the links below to go straight to that section, or just start at the top and read your way through.
We travelled to Amsterdam from Brussels as part of our 30 day European tour. As they are so close, we found it easiest to catch a train. Even easier when we had a centrally located hotel in Amsterdam, so we could walk there from the train station. The train departed Brussels Central and took just over two hours to get to Amsterdam. Our trip was direct, but had a stop in Antwerp.
Amsterdam Time
We booked through SNBC before leaving home at a cost of 45 Euros each. There is no seating allocation, but as we had an early train (5:45AM) there were plenty of seats available. Travel time was around three hours, so we arrived just after 9:00AM. This gave us time to drop our bags at our hotel before setting out to explore.
Where did we stay?
As most of Amsterdam’s attractions are located around the old city, we chose a hotel in the centre. The NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen looked like a good choice, being an up-market property within walking distance of everything we planned to visit. From arrival to departure, the staff were some of the best we have met. They were attentive to our needs without smothering you. The check-in procedure is at a desk, where the guests can sit down, while the paperwork is carried out. Fantastic, as you really don’t feel like standing after your trip to get there.
The rooms were very nicely appointed. Unfortunately, street noise from parties at nearby pubs kept us awake, so sleeping was not great, even though the bed was fantastic!
Breakfast was fantastic. Great wait staff and a good selection off the menu or buffet.
Getting Around
We found the easiest way to get around central Amsterdam was to walk. When you first look at the map it looks a bit daunting, because of the canals and bridges. However, we used Google Maps and found it quite easy. When you walk you also get a better sense of the city and experience it better. Remember that bikes get right of way! If you don’t pay attention, it’s easy to get in their way.
Amsterdam Canal
To visit attractions further afield like Zaanse Schans, we used public transport. This was very easy to use, with the buses leaving from Central Station.
Amsterdam Walk
What did we do?
Dam Square
This is a large public area next to the Royal Palace and the National Monument. There are a lot of cafes around it and we grabbed a snack and a drink and watched the people walking by.
As with most attractions we visited, where possible we bought a skip the line ticket. This wasn’t really needed here as there was no huge queue out the front, but as the cost was the same, it just meant we could walk straight in.
There is a cloak room for backpacks and coats and a desk where you can get a map and an audio guide. The guides are great and give detail of each stop on the map, along with some optional extra stops if you are interested.
Not as magnificent as some palaces we have seen, but a beautiful building none the less and worth taking the time to see and have a detailed look around.
Royal Palace
Canal Cruise
This is one of the must do activities in Amsterdam. As the city is designed around canals, the historical and modern city can be seen to advantage from them. The cruise we took lasted an hour and navigated many, many canals. We saw house boats, old warehouses, modern architecture and more. Unfortunately, the boat had a closed roof which severely limited the views and photo opportunities. We thought this was a major problem. I can understand that in winter, an enclosed, heated boat would be required, but in summer, the lack of viewing areas is very disappointing. So, if you can, get an open-topped one.
Another of the must-see places in Amsterdam. I don’t use the word attraction, as that is not really its intent. There was a massive line up. Groups go through every 15 minutes. You are rushed through, no photos are to be taken, and you are going through so fast you don’t have time. However this was an amazing experience to see this.
Rijksmuseum
If you are an art connoisseur, then the Rijksmuseum is a must. The collection of Dutch masters is fanatic and no to be missed. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many more. Even if you are not into art, a visit is worthwhile, even if just to say that you have seen masterpieces like The Night Watch and the Milkmaid.
To avoid the queues, buy you ticket online and skip straight to the entrance.
A fantastic museum containing most of the great artist’s best works. Buy your ticket online, to avoid the huge queues that can form outside. It can also be very crowded inside so don’t expect solitude to contemplate any of the art works.
No photographs allowed, although this didn’t stop a lot a people from taking them. If you do take photos, expect a stern telling off by the guards.
I Amsterdam Sign
Located near the Rijksmuseum, this is one of the must do tourist places in Amsterdam. Unless you get there very early, don’t expect to take a photo of just yourself, as the crowds can be quite large, with many people more interested in getting their own photo, than staying out of yours.
We saw the afternoon crowds, but came back at 6AM and had it all to ourselves.
I Amsterdam Sign
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans houses a collection of windmills, most of which still operate. If the wind is strong enough, they will be working as they were designed, producing the products they were designed for. When we visited, the wind was too light, but were still able to go inside them and look around.
Zaanse Schans
Entry to each windmill and museum must be paid for, so when you walk around, you do not have to go to all of them, and only one you could walk up to the roof and take a good picture, all the rest you were not allowed to do this. You can buy a Zaanse Schans card which gives you:
Free admission to the Zaans Museum
Free admission to the Weaver’s House and Cooperage
Admission to a windmill of your choice; extra windmills with a 50% discount. You can choose from: paint mill De Kat, sawmill Het Jonge Schaap, oil mill De Zoeker or oil mill De Bonte Hen.
Free access to the Zaan Time Museum (peak season + Sundays)
30% discount on admission to the Honig Breethuis and the Windmill museum
10% discount in souvenir shops and catering establishments (when you spend more than €10.00)
Parking Zaanse Schans daily rate for cars of €7.50 (instead of €10.00)
The card can be purchased for 15 Euros at the information centre.
Windmill at Zaanse Schans
We spent the morning looking around tasting cheese, trying on clogs, (which you can buy) and then had a nice lunch at one of the restaurants on site. The site is massive, but well worth the walk. You can also walk over the bridge at the other entrance to the museum area and see the amazing houses on the water front and have a nice look around.
Zaanse Schans
We travelled there and back by bus. A 50 minute trip, departing about very 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central.
What Did We Think?
Amsterdam is one of those places to visit, it has something for everyone, but there was more to see and do in other places that we visited. The old city and canals are very nice and we enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum. However, we found the city was very noisy at night and sleeping was difficult.
