Located on the eastern shore of Wallis Lake in Tiona, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, the Green Cathedral, is a unique outdoor church. Part of the Community of Christ, this is a place of worship, so it is important to remain respectful when visiting.
A small carpark off the main road makes access to the church safe. The church itself is located only a short walk behind the carpark.
Surrounded by palm trees and with pews made from tree trunks, this really is a unique church. Sitting on the pews and looking at the alter, the backdrop is a view over Wallis Lake. Overall, this is a beautiful and very tranquil place and an interesting stop when in the area.
If you are interesting in a coffee or snack after your visit, the caravan park just up the road offers both.
Dedication board of the cathedralLooking into the Green CathedralInside looking towards the front of the cathedralThe altar
Built between 1886 and 1888, the Boothtown Aqueduct was part of the Upper Nepean Scheme to convey water from the new Prospect reservoir to the new Potts Hill reservoir. In 1907 the aqueduct was by-passed with a 3 metre wide, reinforced concrete syphon, built on the southern side that allowed the water supply to cross the valley using gravity to push the water up into the canal on the other side. Nearly a century later, the Lower Canal and syphon was superseded after a pipeline was established in the 1990s, and the bush reserve surrounding the canal opened to the public in 2003 as a cycleway.
Now heritage listed, the aqueduct is an interesting part of Sydney’s past. For anyone with an interest in civil engineering this is an excellent example of how technology has changed over 150 years. The original aqueduct was similar to those used by Romans 2,000 years ago. Even the support arches look Roman.
We parked on Macquarie Road and walked over the public reserve to the syphon. We then walked over the top, which is now a cycleway where an information board details the areas history. Walking back, we went into the Boothtown Gully because we wanted to see the support arches. This was a great opportunity for a close-up look and photo opportunity.
An interesting place to visit if you are this part of Sydney. It’s a short walk, but be careful of snakes if you visit in summer.
Located on Bridge St, not far from Circular Quay, the Museum of Sydney focuses on the history of the city with an emphasis on the impact white settlement had and still has on Aboriginal People.
Bust of Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet and the First Governor of Australia
Getting There
As with many attractions in Sydney, public transport is the easiest and cheapest way to travel. We caught the Light Rail from Central Station, getting off the Bridge Street stop. From here, it was an easy 5-minute walk to the museum.
Entry
Entry was free with staff only requesting a post code to see where visitors were from.
Exhibits
Edge of Trees
Located in the museum’s forecourt, these 29 pillars represent 29 clans from the Sydney area.
Edge of Trees
The First Fleet
The first display we saw was a series of scale models of the first fleet. This impressive display had each ship represented along with a short description and history. Many of the names of these ships are commemorated in Royal Australian Navy ships and Sydney Harbour ferries.
Model ships of the First FleetHMS Sirius Flagship of the First Fleet
Government House
A model of the original Government House shows how the site appeared in the 1780s. This building was the centre of colonial administration for 57 years until replaced by the new Government House.
Located in the museum’s forecourt on Bridge Street, a glass-fronted display provides a view of subterranean remains of the first Government House. Inside the museum, near the gift shop, additional glass panels in the floor provide glimpses of archaeological remains, including foundations and drains.
Model of the First Government HouseModel of the First Government House
Special Exhibition: The Sydney Opera House
The top floor of the Museum houses rotating displays, often with an aboriginal theme. During our visit, the Sydney Opera House’ 50th anniversary was being celebrated. As a result, there was a large exhibition detailing its history.
This exhibit only runs until 12 November 2023, when it will be replaced by a new series of displays.
Lego Model of the Opera HouseWoven Model of the Opera HousePosters of shows held at the Sydney Opera HouseCostume worn by Dame Joan Sutherland in Lucrezia Borgia
