Originally the largest dry dock in Australia when completed in 1910, Woolwich Dock is now a reminder of the past. Owned by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the dock is well maintained and access is free.
Getting There
Only a ten-minute walk from Woolwich Wharf, Woolwich Dock was once a bustling shipyard, but is now a quiet reminder of the past. Boat maintenance still takes place, but not on the huge scale in the first half of last century.
One of the best ways to get around Sydney is the ferry and train system, especially if you want to visit places close to the harbour. Ferries run regularly from convenient points all over the harbour.
The Goat Paddock
Access to the dock is through the Goat Paddock, with nicely maintained gardens. There are also great views of Sydney Harbour, along with bench seats to relax on and admire the scenery. Not sure why it’s called the goat paddock, maybe some used to be kept there in the past.
The Goat Paddock
Sydney Harbour and Bridge From Woolwich Dock
Woolwich Dock
Located at the base of the Goat Paddock, Woolwich Dock is accessible on both sides. A walkway runs around the dock, with handrails for protection. The rail track used for the 100 ton crane is still in place, which is great.
At the end of the dock is what looks like an old ship. It’s actually the caisson, which was used to block the open end of the dock, before pumping it dry. Several very handy information boards explain the dock’s operation, which were very useful.
Along with the dock, the caisson was very interesting to see.
Several expensive yachts were moored here, possibly for maintenance, as the Harbour Trust leases workshops to several companies.
The end of the dock ends in a cliff overhang, where ferns have grown into the sandstone, making it look beautiful. For a great perspective view, walk to the Woolwich Lookout, where a bird’s eye view lets you appreciate the dock and the harbour.
Information Board Explaining the Dock’s Use
Information Board
The Caisson
Woolwich Dock
The View From Woolwich Lookout
Harbour end of the Dock
End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
End of the Dock Cut into Sandstone
Yacht Docked in Woolwich
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
The country music capital of Australia, Tamworth is famous for its music festival and hall of fame. Although many of the town’s attractions associate themselves with country music, the historical buildings in the centre of town provide something else to see.
Located three and a half hours north of Newcastle, Tamworth is a great place to stop, whether it’s a rest break or a longer one to see the town’s attractions. This was our last stop on a road trip through Dubbo and Gunnedah.
Oxley Scenic Lookout
Overlooking town, the Oxley Lookout provides amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Named after the first European explorer to visit the area, the lookout also acknowledges the original inhabitants, with information boards providing information on the Kamilaroi people.
A great place for a break on your journey, if you don’t want to stop in the town centre. The large carpark allows plenty of space for parking, including caravans.
Tamworth From the Oxley Scenic Lookout
Oxley Scenic Lookout Picnic Area
Bicentennial Park
Located in the city centre, with easy access, Bicentennial Park is a great place to relax, with ponds, grassed areas, a playground, and walking tracks. We walked from Peel Street where we had left our car, because this let us see the CBD as we walked. Starting at Fitzroy Street with the country music busts, we walked through the park enjoying the views.
Entrance to Bicentennial Park With Bust Of Country Artists
Country Music
Reflecting Tamworth’s association with country music, a large section of the park had busts and other artwork dedicated to country musicians.
Buddy Williams Bust in Bicentennial Park
Female Country Singer Sculpture Bicentennial Park
Mural in Bicentennial Park
Sculptures
Scattered throughout the park we found several sculptures placed around ponds and in garden beds.
Rock Carving at the Pond
Emu Sculpture in Bicentennial Park
Waler Memorial
The Waler Monument commemorates the Australian Light Horse and depicts an Australian Trooper saying farewell to his Waler Horse in the deserts of the Middle East at the end of World War One.
In the early stages of World War One, they were mostly purchased from NSW which gave them the name of Walers, coined by the English.
The most famous of all feats of the Waler Horses at war was the Light Horse charge on Beersheba in 1917. The horses were without water for 48 hours in the hot Sinai Desert and then undertook a 4km cavalry charge across the burning plains to take Beersheba and its wells.
Waler Memorial
Tamworth War Memorial
The War Memorial stands next to the Waler Monument and depicts service personnel on granite blocks. The names of those killed in battle are engraved on the plaque.
War Memorial
Man O’ War Gates
These interesting gates originally stood on Bennelong Point, but were removed with the construction of the Sydney Opera House. Purchased by a local family and gifted to the local Returned Servicemen’s League they now stand as a tribute to the Royal Australian Navy.
Man O’ War Gates
The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame
The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, features a collection of memorabilia from Australian country music artists. If you are a country music fan, this is a must visit while in town. Located on the corner of the New England Highway and Peel Street, makes it easy to find.
Tamworth City Centre
Dominican Convent Building
Now the local conservatorium of music, this old building dating from 1882 was once a convent. Now leased by the conservatorium, it is well maintained and preserved for future generations to admire.
Conservatorium of Music in the Old Dominican Convent Building
Saint Nicholas Catholic Church
Dating from 1877 Saint Nicholas Catholic Church is on the corner of White and Marius Streets.
Bells Out the Front of Saint Nicholas Church
Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall
Located in Fitzroy Street, the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall was opened in 1934 as a memorial to Tamworth and district soldiers and war workers.
Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall Fitzroy St
Slim Dusty Statue
The statue of Slim Dusty and his wife Joy McKean recognises the contribution the couple made to Australia’s music heritage. Located in busy Peel Street, it is easy to find.
Statue of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean
Street Art
Wandering through the CBD, we came across several pieces of street art and sculptures. These reflect local culture, from the music festival, sport, bushrangers, and aboriginal heritage.
Street Art in Peel Street
Sculpture Outside the Library
Street Art in Peel Street
Buildings
Walking through the streets of the CBD we found some beautiful old buildings. Many have changed hands since being built but have managed to retain their character.
Post Office
The Old Bell Tower 152 Marius St
Bussell Apartments Peel St
Courthouse Hotel on Peel St
Power Station Museum
Tamworth Power Station Museum
The Big Golden Guitar Tamworth
In keeping with the country music theme for Tamworth, its contribution to “Big Things” is a giant golden guitar. The golden guitar is presented to the winner of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, making this Big version appropriate. Located on the south side of town, it is one of the first things you will see if travelling from Sydney.
The Golden Guitar
Roll of Renown
Located not far from the Big Golden Guitar, the Roll of Renown sits outside the Entertainment Centre. The award honours Australians and New Zealanders who have shaped the industry by making a significant and lasting contribution to Country Music.
Roll of Renown outside the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in the central west of New South Wales, Dubbo was our first main stop during our road trip. A five hour car trip from Sydney, or a three and a half hour trip from our home in Singleton, stops along the way are needed. The first European settlement was established in 1828, but aboriginal history dates back over 40,000 years.
With so many attractions to visit in the area, we planned a two day stay here, to see as much as we could, without rushing.
Attractions
Dubbo Visitors Information Centre
Our first visit was the Visitors Information Centre, so that we could get a map of a street walk of historical buildings in town. Only available here, it was also a good chance to see if anything else was happening in town, that had not been mentioned online.
Outside the visitor centre is an information board detailing the dwarf planet Pluto. This forms part of a giant solar system model, centred on the Siding Springs Observatory in Coonabarabran. We passed the position of Neptune at Dunedoo.
Outside the centre is a medicinal garden growing plats that the Wiradjuri People used. An information board describes the uses of the plants.
Pluto Information Board
Medicinal Garden
Town Centre
Following the Dubbo Heritage Trail, we got from the Visitor Information Centre, we found some nice old buildings spread through the centre of town. With 37 buildings and locations, there is a lot to see, but we decided to only find ones that interested us.
Of interest was the old post office, which was designed by the famous architect James Barnet. Another great building was the Old Bank, which is now a pub and restaurant, where we had dinner.
Dubbo Courthouse
Colonial Mutual Building
Old Dubbo Post Office
Westpac Bank Building
St Brigid’s Catholic Church
Catholic Presbytery St Brigid’s
Street Art
Spread all over town, is a variety of street art and sculptures. We noticed them while driving around, but were not aware how many there were.
Aboriginal Street Art on the Overpass Near the Visitor Information Centre
More Aboriginal Street Art on the Overpass Near the Visitor Information Centre
Aboriginal Street Art on the Overpass Near the Visitor Information Centre
Cockatoo Art Work at the Visitor Information Centre
Aboriginal Street Art in the city centre
Statue of William Ferguson, a Champion of Aboriginal Rights
Sheep Silhouettes in the City Centre
Rhino Statue at the Entrance to the Airport
Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the most popular tourist attraction in the Dubbo area because of its collection of endangered animals in an open range setting. To view all of the exhibits, we spent a full day at the zoo, walking between enclosures. Your entrance ticket is valid over two days, so you can return the next day if you want to see more. To read our full blog about our visit, click on the link above.
Black Rhinoceros
Old Dubbo Gaol
Old Dubbo Gaol is one of the locations on the heritage trail and is a popular attraction for many tourists. Maintained in excellent condition and easy to access from the centre of town, it’s a fun place to visit and learn about the gaol’s past. The buildings are all close together, so a visit here only took us an hour. The blog of our visit can be found here.
Male Prison Building
Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden
If you like Japanese gardens, you will love this one. Rated one of the best in Australia, the Shoyoen garden is beautiful to walk around and very relaxing. The other section of the Regional Botanic Garden display’s local flora, so if you want to see some without bushwalking, this is a great place to visit. Our full blog can be found here.
Japanese Gardens
Old Bank
The Old Bank Restaurant and Bar is, as the name suggests a converted bank. Bookings are essential, as we were lucky to get a table when we arrived. To read our blog on the Old Bank, click here.
Main Meal Lamb Rump
Western Plains Cultural Centre
The Western Plains Cultural Centre is a combined museum and art gallery, showcasing local talent and history. From high school students’ art, international artists, aboriginal artefacts, and old horse drawn carriages, there is something here for everyone.
Wilkins Kennedy and Spence Coach Builders Buggy
Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre
The RFDS Visitor Centre is a new, state of the art museum which details the RFDS history. Not only does it have old equipment and two aircraft on display but uses large screens and interactive video to tell its story. We enjoyed our visit and spent longer than we had originally anticipated because it had so much to offer.
de Havilland Fox Moth VH-UQM Replica
War Memorials
As with most towns across Australia, a war memorial commemorates those who were killed fighting for their country. Dubbo is no exception, but’s its Shrine of Remembrance is huge and surrounded by several other memorials. One of these is in memory of a local pilot who earned the Victoria Cross flying a bomber during World War Two. Although he was killed, he saved the lives of five others onboard, while flying the plane home despite being severely wounded.
Shrine of Remembrance
Memorial to Pilot Officer Rawdon Hume Middleton, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (V.C.) in World War Two.
Macquarie River and Emile Serisier Bridge
Located near the Visitor Centre, the Emile Serisier Bridge caught our attention because of its solid steel work construction. It spans the Macquarie River, so while looking at the bridge, we had a look at the river too.
A better view is available on the opposite side of the river, where you can walk under the structure.
Rail Bridge Over the Macquarie River
Rail Bridge Over the Macquarie River
The Macquarie River
Dubbo Observatory
We booked tickets ahead if time for the observatory, opting for the 10:30PM to 12:30AM visit. This allows visitors to use their own cameras on the telescopes to take photos. Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy so our session was cancelled(with a full refund), so next time we are in Dubbo we will try again.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
