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 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.
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
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
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
Clock Tower at the 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
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
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 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
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
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.
Located in Brisbane Water National Park, Piles Creek Loop Track is a grade 5 challenging walk threading through dry eucalypt forest along Piles Creek, passing waterfalls and crossing a suspension bridge. Managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the track is in good condition, but the Grade 5 rating reflects unformed paths, steep climbs and limited direction signs.
Getting There
A one-hour drive north of Sydney on the M1 Pacific Motorway, take the Central Coast Highway exit, then:
Take the first left onto Wisemans Ferry Road
Then take the first left onto Old Pacific Highway
Take the first left onto Quarry Road
The picnic area, where the trail begins, is through the tunnel and straight ahead.
Be aware of the carpark’s closing time, as rangers lock the gates after hours.
Car Park
The carpark is small, and becomes full early, because the park is popular. Additional spaces are available on the road leading to the car park, although this means a longer walk. A ticket machine in the car park allows you to pay the entry fee on arrival.
Piles Creek Loop Track
Starting at the same spot as the Girrakool Loop Track, the Piles Creek track follows the creek to the south west. The walk takes you through eucalypt forest and past steep rock faces of the Piles Creek Gully. Spaced along the walk are fenced lookout, which enable to to admire the scenery in safety.
Several small creeks are crossed with bridges or walkways. In several places there are stepping stones, which are fun to use. The Rat Gully crossing uses steps cut into boulders in the creek, which need to be used with care to avoid slipping.
Although it hadn’t rained recently, several areas were muddy, including some steps, so we took things slowly to avoid slipping.
This four kilometer loop took us 3.5 hours to complete, which we really enjoyed because of the challenge and amazing scenery.
Rough Stairway on Piles Creek Loop Track
Wooden Walkway on the Piles Creek Loop Track
Piles Creek Loop Track
Large Boulder
Rough Stairway on Piles Creek Track
Wet Muddy Steps on Piles Creek Loop Track
Formed Steps on Piles Creek Track
Steps cut into a Boulder Crossing Rat Gully
Piles Creek Track
View Over Brisbane Water National Park
Signage and Directions
Generally well sign posted, several signs are ambiguous, so stay alert to your location. We found the track quite well defined, where others had used it, which made finding the right direction easy.
Typical Signage
Phil Houghton Bridge
The Phil Houghton Bridge is a metal suspension bridge that crosses Piles Creek. It is part of the Great North Walk and replaces an older bridge, with parts still visible upstream. The bridge can hold up to 8 people and feels very stable. There are great views both up and downstream half way across this bridge.
At this point, there is an option to extend the walk to the Old Mooney Mooney Bridge, by following the Hawkesbury Track. This track will take you 2.2 kilometers along Piles Creek and then Mooney Mooney Creek to the old bridge. Alternatively, should you wish to do this section, it it accessible from the Pacific Highway, which makes the overall walk shorter.
We chose to take the return trip straight away by following the track back to the Girrakool car park.
Phil Houghton Bridge
Phil Houghton Bridge
Hawkesbury Track From the Old Mooney Mooney Bridge to Phil Houghton Bridge
This is only a small section of the Hawkesbury Track at 2.2 kilometers one way, making it an easy walk taking around an hour return.
Getting There
Located on the Pacific Highway, the Old Mooney Mooney Bridge has a small area nearby where cars can park. From here we walked over the bridge to look at the creek and surrounding eucalypt forest. We then walked down a track to the creek, where the structure of the bridge can be seen.
This section of the track can also be walked from the Phil Houghton Bridge if you are doing the Piles Creek Loop Track, adding 4.4 kilometers to that walk.
Old Mooney Mooney Bridge
Old Mooney Mooney Creek Bridge on the Old Pacific Highway is a steel truss bridge built in 1930. The bridge forms part of the Pacific Highway between Calga and Kariong near Gosford. The bridge also forms part of the Great North Walk which is a popular walking trail connecting Sydney and Newcastle.
There are great views of the creek from on top and under the bridge, as well as the interesting structure of the bridge itself.
Old Mooney Mooney Bridge
Mooney Mooney Creek
The Hawkesbury Track
The track near the bridge is very easy to walk because it is flat and follows the creek. However, once it reaches Piles Creek and a marshy area, the track climbs up the gorge wall becoming steep in places. Passing through the eucalypt forest, it crosses several creeks, which have bridges are walkways over them.
The forest and views over the creek are amazing, with fern trees and mossy boulders to be found amongst the trees.
When you reach the Phil Houghton Bridge, you can continue on and complete the Piles Creek Loop Track, or return to the Old Mooney Mooney Bridge. Piles creek is a grade 5 four kilometer loop, that takes around three and a half to four hours to walk.
