Located in the Newcastle suburb of Carrington, the hydraulic pump house is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Fortunately, the front of the building has been completed, which means you are able to enjoy this historic building even as works are underway.
Parking is available in Bourke St, just past the entrance to the Newcastle Port Corporation entrance, which is very convenient.
Completed in 1878, the pump house provided hydraulic and later electrical power for cranes loading ships with coal. Decommissioned after the introduction of conveyor loading technology in the late 1960’s the building fell into disrepair. With its internal machinery removed and attendant cranes demolished, it lay abandoned until the current refurbishment.
Port of Newcastle Sign Near the EntranceCarrington Hydraulic Pump HouseFront of the Building with the Blueprint Design in the ForecourtWork Still On-Going on the Back and Sides of the Building
Decorating the forecourt is a giant blueprint of the pumping systems originally installed here. A large section of concrete has been painted blue, with the design etched into it. This unique design added more interest to our visit because we were not expecting it.
Blueprint Design in the Forecourt of the Pump House
This was a fun and easy place to visit and will be even better once the current work is finished.
Located on the New South Wales Central Coast and North of Sydney, Wisemans Ferry is a historic town connected to the Great North Road.
Hawkins LookoutWisemans Ferry
Travelling north from Sydney, the road passes through some wonderful scenery with very tight windy roads in places. Just outside Wisemans Ferry is Hawkins Lookout which provides great views over the mountains and the Hawkesbury River. We made a quick stop here to admire the views before continuing on to the town.
The Hawkesbury River From Hawkins’ Lookout
Convict Trail Memorial
Near the ferry landing is a carpark with a cafe and memorial site. The memorial commemorates the building of the Great North Road and the ferry crossing. We relaxed here for a while with a snack and coffee after the drive, before boarding the ferry.
Convict Trail Memorial
The Ferry
The ferry master will direct you when it is safe to drive on board and park in the marked spaces. Once parked, turn off your engine and enjoy the short ride to the other side. Use of the ferry is free, so no payment is necessary.
The Ferry on the Hawkesbury River
The Great North Road
The entrance to the Great North road is to the left of the ferry crossing. There is only limited parking available, with no dedicated car park. In busy times this will be a problem and you may need to walk some distance to get there.
The Great North Road was built by convict labour between 1825 and 1836 to link Sydney to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
Information Boards
Information boards, convict silhouettes and examples of tools, provide context for what you are looking at. This enables a greater understanding of what the convicts endured because you can visualise them working on the road or in the stone quarry.
Convict Trail
Great North Road Information Plaque
Information Plaque at the Quarry Site
Great North Road Information Plaque
Convict Silhouettes at the Quarry Site
Convict Shackles on Display
The Road
The road surface is well maintained and although it goes uphill is not a difficult walk if you take it slowly. Remember to take water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat, because there is not much shade.
The dry stonewall buttresses on the downhill side of the road are of excellent workmanship, especially when you consider the conditions the convicts were working in.
The Great North Road
Stone Retaining Wall on the Great North Road
Stone Retaining Wall on the Great North Road
The Great North Road
Sites Along the Way
Along the walk, there are several sites of interest. The first is the remains of a large quarry, where stone was quarried for use in the road. Tools on display here show how primitive the work was and how difficult it would have been.
The second spot is called Hangman’s Rock, although is doubtful if this is what it was used for. Steps are cut into the rock, enabling you to climb up for a better look.
The Quarry Site on the Great North Road
Hangman’s Rock on the Great North Road
What Did We Think?
We stopped at Hangman’s Rock and returned to our car, although you can continue to Finches Line Walking Track which will bring you out south of the Ferry crossing. This is a part of Australia’s colonial history and it is great that the site has been preserved and presented so well for visitors. This part of the Great North Road is only a short walk, but lets you see some important historical sites. We enjoyed the walk and the history on display.
If you are interested in the Great North Road, read our post on the northern section.
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
