Destination's Journey

Category: Military Memorial

  • Coogee Sydney New South Wales Australia

    Coogee Sydney New South Wales Australia

    An easy half-hour walk south from Coogee Beach will take you past some interesting rock pools and memorials.

    How to Get to Coogee

    A small car park at Coogee Beach is often full, so finding a spot to park in one of the surrounding streets might be needed. On a busy weekend, or school holidays, you might end up with a walk, but don’t worry, it’s worth it.

    Public transport is a great option, as there’s a bus stop outside the surf club on Arden Street.

    What to Do There

    Apart from spending time on the beautiful beach, Coogee is the start of the Coogee to Bondi Walk. A coastal walkway also heads south, along well-formed trails, providing excellent coastal views. The trail passes rock pools and swimming baths, which are all worth stopping to see.

    Having walked the track to Bondi before, we chose the Coastal Walk to the south, which took 30 minutes each way (going as far as the Ivor Rowe Rock Pool).

    Ross Jones Memorial Pool

    Located next to the Coogee Surf House, the Ross Jones Memorial Pool was built in 1947. During high tide and rough seas, waves crash over the concrete walls of the pool.

    Ross Jones Memorial Pool Coogee
    Ross Jones Memorial Pool Coogee
    Ross Jones Rockpool Coogee
    Ross Jones Rockpool Coogee

    Fallen Lifesavers National Memorial

    Located on the foreshore, Goldstein Reserve is the Fallen Lifesavers National Memorial. Dedicated to Australian lifesavers killed during World War One the sculpture shows a digger alongside a surf lifesaver. Standing next to a flagpole, both look out across the ocean.

    Fallen Lifesavers National Memorial
    Fallen Lifesavers National Memorial

    Wylie’s Baths

    Established in 1907, by champion long distance and underwater swimmer Henry Alexander Wylie, Wylie’s Baths is a beautiful ocean tidal pool. Managed by an independent Trust The baths open 365 days a year and caters for everyone from young children to seniors. There is an entry cost to swim here.

    Wylie’s daughter Wilhelmina, along with Fanny Durack, were Australia’s first two female Olympic swimming representatives. The first gold and silver swimming medals for a women’s event in the Olympics went to Durack and Wylie respectively.

    A memorial to Mina stands near the baths.

    Wylie's Baths Coogee
    Wylie’s Baths
    Mina Wylie
    Mina Wylie
    Coastal Views Around Coogee
    Coastal Views Around Coogee

    Ivor Rowe Rockpool

    A small, natural rock pool, the Ivor Rowe Rockpool is a great place for wading, or relaxing in the water. Rocks around the pool mat become slippery, so use care when climbing down.

    Around 2 km from Coogee Beach, the walk there passes many other pools, along with beautiful coastal views.

    Ivor Rowe Rockpool
    Ivor Rowe Rockpool

    What Did We Think?

    We loved the views and the rock pools along the walk, as well as learning the history of Mina Wylie. A fun place to visit with swimming options away from the ocean, or relaxing on the beach.

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Federation Cliffs Walk Sydney Australia

    Federation Cliffs Walk Sydney Australia

    Federation Cliffs Walk

    The five-kilometer Federation Cliffs Walk offers spectacular coastal views, with sandstone cliffs, a lighthouse and a shipwreck memorial.

    Getting There

    We chose to use public transport to the Federation Cliffs Walk, as this meant we could start at one end of the Walk and finish at the other, without having to return to the starting point. A ferry from Circular Quay took us to Watson’s Bay Wharf, where we started the walk, while the return trip was by bus to Central Station, from Diamond Bay Reserve.

    The Gap Lookout and Walking Track

    From Watsons Bay Wharf, we made the short walk to the Gap Lookout, where we started our walk. From the lookout, views of the cliffs and out to sea are amazing. Well-made and maintained walkways make the track easy to walk and from here heads south to Bondi and beyond.

    Wreck of the Dunbar

    Launched on 30 November 1854, the Dunbar was a first-class passenger and cargo carrier. On the night of 20 August 1857, the ship approached the entrance to Port Jackson from the south, but heavy rain and a strong gale winds made navigating difficult. Possibly mistaking The Gap as the port’s entrance, the captain ran the ship onto the rocks. Of the 122 people on board, only one survived.

    As a result of this tragedy and the loss of the Catherine Adamson at North Head nine weeks later, the Government built Hornby Lighthouse.

    Containing one of Dunbar’s anchors, a memorial stands on the cliffs above the wreck site.

    Dunbar Memorial
    Dunbar Memorial
    Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
    Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

    Signal Hill

    Constructed in 1892-1893, Signal Hill Battery was one of many defensive forts built around Sydney. Originally armed with a BL 9.2-inch (234 mm) Mk VI breech-loading counter bombardment British Armstrong disappearing gun, the fort operated until just after World War Two. By this stage the original gun had been replace by two six-inch guns. Fortunately, the 9.2-inch is on display at North Head, near the Memorial Walk.

    Memorial plaques give tribute to those who served here as well as providing historical context for the structures.

    This is a great place to stop on your walk to understand some of Sydney’s history and admire the fantastic views.

    Cliff Top Fortifications
    Cliff Top Fortifications

    Memorials

    Walking along the Federation Cliffs Walk, you will come across many memorials, it is worth stopping to view them. Some are for loved ones lost overseas, while others commemorate the locations of fortifications or the service of military regiments.

    Lieutenant Grieve's Memorial
    Lieutenant Grieve’s Memorial

    Macquarie Lighthouse

    Designed by James Barnet and built from 1881 to 1883, Macquarie Lighthouse is 26m tall. Heritage listed, it is still fully operational and under the control of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The white tower makes an outstanding photo when set against a deep blue summer sky.

    Macquarie Lighthouse on the Federation Cliffs Walk
    Macquarie Lighthouse

    The Grave Of Edmund Barton

    Sir Edmund Barton, GCMG, PC, KC (18 January 1849 – 7 January 1920) was an Australian politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1901 to 1903. Located in South Head General Cemetery and marked by a cross headstone, Barton’s grave is difficult to find amongst all of the others found there.

    An interesting place to visit because of the historical importance of Barton.

    Edmund Barton's Grave
    Edmund Barton’s Grave

    Diamond Bay Reserve

    Federation Cliffs Walk offers many superb views of the ocean and cliffs. One of the best is at Diamond Bay, where walkways and a viewing platform provide excellent views. Fishermen have constructed stairs and a gateway on the cliff face. The walkway provides a safe place for photographers

    Waverley Council encourages visitors to Diamond Bay Reserve to stay away from the cliff’s edge. A 27 year-old woman past away recently after slipping when taking a photo on the cliff’s edge. Fencing and signs are there for your safety.

    Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay
    Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay
    Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs
    Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs
    Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
    Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
    Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
    Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Nowra New South Wales Australia

    Nowra New South Wales Australia

    How to Get There

    Only two and a half hours drive south of Sydney, Nowra is a great place to explore the nearby Kangaroo Valley and Shoalhaven District. Public transport by train and bus goes to Nowra, but you will then need to organise personal transport to explore outside of the town.

    Where Did We Stay

    While in Nowra, we stayed at Springs Shoalhaven, because it was in a quiet location and had an on-site restaurant at the adjoining club. The clean rooms and great views over the golf course we a nice place to relax before going out for dinner. The meals at the club were great and the staff friendly.

    Nowra’s Buildings

    Wandering through Nowra’s business district, we found several nice old buildings, which were worth stopping to look at.

    Roxy Theatre
    Roxy Theatre
    Mechanics' Institute and School of Arts
    Mechanics’ Institute and School of Arts
    Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church
    Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

    Nowra Street Art

    Walking through the central shopping district of Nowra, you will come across many pieces of excellent street art decorated buildings. Mostly located around the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, others can be found in side streets, which makes them fun to track down while exploring.

    Aboriginal Child - Street Art Nowra
    Aboriginal Child – Street Art Nowra
    Quest Street Art in Nowra
    Quest Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Car on Garage Door Street Art in Nowra
    Car on Garage Door Street Art
    Car on Garage Door Street Art in Nowra
    Car on Garage Door Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Car on Garage Door Street Art in Nowra
    Car on Garage Door Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Cockatoo Street Art in Nowra
    Cockatoo Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art
    Street Art in Nowra
    Street Art

    Ben’s Walk

    The walk loops around the Shoalhaven River, through its gorges and forests. The walk begins at the Nowra Showground, where you can enjoy a barbecue, and superb views of the river and mountains from Hanging Rock. The complete track provides a return walk of about 5.5 kilometres taking around two hours. A short return walk from the footbridge to the Showground and Hanging Rock takes around 10 minutes. A suspension bridge provides a fun crossing of the river.

    Hanging Rock
    Hanging Rock
    Shoalhaven River From Hanging Rock Lookout
    Shoalhaven River From Hanging Rock Lookout
    Shoalhaven River From Hanging Rock Lookout
    Shoalhaven River From Hanging Rock Lookout
    Stairs to Ben's Walk
    Stairs to Ben’s Walk
    Suspension Bridge Across Nowra Creek
    Suspension Bridge Across Nowra Creek

    Soldiers’ Monument

    Opened in 1931, this memorial commemorates all those who served in conflicts that involved Australia. The bronze statue represents an Australian soldier, his helmet and rifle discarded now that has won and returned home, but remains forever vigil.

    Nowra Soldiers Memorial
    Nowra Soldiers Memorial
    Nowra Soldiers Memorial
    Nowra Soldiers Memorial

    Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum

    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 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.

    To read the full story of our visit there, follow the link.

    RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
    RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5

    What Did We Think of Nowra?

    A great place to stay with a range of activities to do and things to see. We used it as a base for exploring Kangaroo Valley and further afield to Kiama and the Illawarra.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.