Christ Church Cathedral overlooks the city of Newcastle with fantastic views of the harbour and beaches. Parking is available in church street or the small onsite car park. Entry through the main door takes you passed a small kiosk where the attendants give a quick run down of the Cathedral and its attractions. Should you wish to climb the tower, this is where you pay and receive your pass. Entry to the rest of the Cathedral is free.
Christ Church Cathedral
Walking around the interior, you will see some magnificent stain glass windows, making the interior look beautiful and light. At the altar, take note of the lovely old chairs that have been well restored.
The baptismal font is a work of art and deserves a good look while you are there.
Baptismal Font
Christ Church Cathedral Interior
Christ Church Cathedral Organ
Stain Glass Window
Stain Glass Window
Altar Chairs
Christ Church Cathedral Altar
The Bell Tower
Climbing the bell tower is a great experience and highly recommended if you are visiting, because of the fantastic views and unique perspective of the Cathedral. Commencing at a locked door, for which the attendant will give you a key, the climb starts with a narrow spiral stairway to the first landing. At this point you enter a large room, with windows overlooking the cathedral roof and surrounding area.
The climb continues with a modern metal spiral staircase which will bring you to the bells. We spent a while here looking at the bells and through the windows taking photos. Then we continued up the stairs and on to the roof, where the views of Newcastle, the harbour and beaches are amazing. The climb is around 170 steps, but as you do it in three stages is not too difficult and the views at the top make it worthwhile.
Entry Door to Bell Tower
Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
The Bells
Spiral Stairs to Roof
View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
Warriors’ Chapel
Originally built as a place where friends and relatives of victims of World War One could grieve, particularly those without a grave. It now caters for the families of those killed in wars.
The back right-hand corner of the cathedral holds several important and unique items. The Book of Gold was made from the jewelry and wedding rings of the family and friends of those who were killed in World War One. This item is currently on loan to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Also, on display is a Victoria Cross one of the few not held in trust by the church.
World War One Memorial
Warriors’ Chapel
World War One Medals
The Book of Gold
Christ Church Cathedral is a great place to visit to take in the culture and history of Newcastle, while admiring this great building. If you are interested in World War One and its impact on communities, it offers some great insights, through its collection of artefacts and Warriors’ Chapel.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, Muswellbrook is known for coal mining, horse breeding and a developing reputation for gourmet food and wine production.
St James Catholic Church
Our walk around Muswellbrook town centre started at St James Catholic Church. There is a car park nearby or in the street. This is a beautiful old church with a huge spire.
St James Catholic Church
St Alban’s Anglican Church
St Alban’s Anglican Church is located on the opposite side of the rail line that runs through town. Only a short walk off Bridge Street, if you walk around the back you will find the old wooden spire preserved on the ground.
St Alban’s Anglican Church
Buildings on Bridge Street
As you walk down Bridge street from Brooke St towards the railway bridge, you will find some old and interesting buildings.
Masonic LodgeUniting ChurchWar MemorialSchool of Arts
Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church
Street Art and Sculptures
Street Art
There are several pieces of street art on or near Bridge Street. The JTS Real Estate building has a mural on one side of the building and the barbecue in Simpsons Park has the sides covered in mosaics.
Street Art Outside JTS Realty Bridge St Muswellbrook
Mosaic Decoration on the BBQ in Simpson Park
Light Horseman Statue
This bronze statue commemorates the men and horses of the light horse in World War One. You will find it at the intersection of Bridge and Brooke Streets. There are verses from the poem of the light horse etched into the concrete under the statue, which adds a huge amount to the understanding of these brave men.
Light Horseman Memorial
Small Cattle Dog Statue
Also, on Bridge street is this small statue of a cattle dog. A cute little statue worth having a quick look at.
Small Cattle Dog Statue
The Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue
Sitting on a plinth 2 m tall, this huge statue commemorates the contribution of the blue heeler to Australian rural life. Located on the main road at the intersection with Hill Street he’s hard to miss.
Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue
Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail
The Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail runs from Muswellbrook to Denman and onto Sandy Hollow.
In Muswellbrook, it starts outside of the Regional Arts Centre, where you will find a map of the trail and the first sculpture, the ANZAC Centenary Stone. From here you drive to Two Rivers Wines outside of Denman, before heading to David Mahoney’s Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at Sandy Hollow. If you are interested in the Sculpture Trail, read our post here.
Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map
ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
Hunter Belle
If you are in the mood for a taste of the local produce, Hunter Belle is a great spot to stop. Situated on the northern outskirts of the town on The New England Highway. Here you will find local cheeses and other produce that you can relax and eat with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
Memorial Park
Located north of Muswellbrook, Memorial Park contains memorials to both world wars, Vietnam and other conflicts. Adjacent to a rest area is the Vietnam Memorial, consisting of a 105 mm field gun and a roll of honour.
Located further north is the World War One memorial which has a 7.7 cm German field gun and 250 mm mortar.
Nearest to town is a memorial to the National Servicemen.
105mm Field Gun in Memorial ParkVietnam War MemorialM577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ARN
St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days
St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days is an annual event held just outside Muswellbrook. Held over a weekend it’s a great way to get up close to these amazing animals.
The events run continually throughout the day so you are able to see all of the heavy horse breeds. We found the owners to be very friendly and happy for you to take photos of their horses.
It was
great to sit in the sun watching the competition or wandering around the stalls
that were set up.
A blacksmith had his forge there and put on a demonstration which was very interesting. Nearby was a woodcarver using a chainsaw to make sculptures. There were many stalls selling leather belts, saddles and lots of horse gear for sale. It was only $5 each to get in and there was lots of seating and a huge paddock for car parking.
Blackmore Da Vinci a Shire HorseSt Heliers Heavy horse Field Days
To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.
We drove to Bathurst New South Wales from Lithgow, after visiting the Abercrombie Caves The main reason for our visit was to see the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama. While in the town, we took the opportunity to look around and experience what the town had to offer.
We stayed at the Quality Hotel Bathurst, which was clean and comfortable, with friendly staff. Breakfast was including with our stay and was delicious and filling. For dinner, we went to the Bathurst RSL, where we had a great meal at a good price.
Abercrombie
House located on the outskirts of Bathurst gives the visitor an insight into
the life of the rich. Open to the public, to help fund its upkeep, cost of the
interior is accessible. Ample parking is available on the grounds in front of
the house.
The father of the current owner spent time in China and the decorations reflect this. We were fortunate that the owner was there during our visit, and he spoke about the origin of some of the decorations and furniture on display.
You are
free to wander around the house, but are asked not to enter closed doors or
pass through roped off areas.
The exterior of the house and surrounding garden make an interesting addition to the building A collection of old cars rusting in one field and an old blacksmith’s barn being worth seeing. Went beyond our expectations.
This house was the residence of Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth from 1914 until his death in 1951 and hers in 1962. The house has been maintained as a museum since 1973 as a memorial to the late Prime Minister and his family.
Interesting from an historical point of view, we only looked at the outside, but guided tours are available at limited days and times if you are interested.
This heritage listed court house on Russel Street is a very impressive building designed by James Barnet. Opened in 1880, and still in use it can be best viewed from across Russel Street in Kings Parade where the whole facade can be seen. Next door is the Conservatory of Music, so we heard classical music while we looked at the court house!
Located at the George Street end of Kings Parade, this large monument commemorates George Evans, the first European to survey the area. In addition, the local aboriginal people who assisted him in his journey are also commemorated.
This is a large and impressive monument and celebrates the founding of Australia’s first large inland town.
We parked here for a walk through the city centre and relaxed under the shady trees while we had lunch. There are some lovely trees and plenty of places to sit in the shade and relax. Very popular with both tourists and locals. Great place to visit and relax.
The National Motor Racing Museum is probably the largest draw card for Bathurst, outside of the main race held there annually. The collection of racing cars and bikes is impressive and any motor sports fan could spend hours here.
The range of racing cars is extensive and includes utes, touring cars, F1, rally and even a solar powered car. The Bathurst 1000 has a section to itself, with Ford on one side and Holden on the other. The other makes are also present, with Jaguar and others represented.
There is a small section with the busts of famous winners and a history of the race.
There is also an impressive collection of motorbikes and rally cars and a good selection of old open wheel racers.
Many of the exhibits are loan and rotated regularly, so it’s worth checking if there is a particular vehicle you want to see.
The railway station is a beautiful old building not far from the Chifley Home. Parking is easy because it has its own huge car park. Outside the station building is a preserved steam train, locomotive 5112. Nice to be able to get up close and have a really good lock at this huge train.
Locomotive 5112
South African War Memorial
The Boer War memorial stands at the southern end of Kings Parade, not far from the Carillon.
The towers of this college are visible from many places in Bathurst, so we drove over to see it close up. An interesting building to look at, but we simply took a photo and moved on.
The Bathurst War Memorial Carillon is a 30.5 metre tall tower structure located in the centre of Kings Parade, in the centre of Bathurst’s CBD. A memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars, the 35 cast bronze bells are rung daily at lunchtime. The picture really does not do it justice, it does look great, and you can have a close look from the outside to the inside. Definitely worth a look.
Corellen
What Did We Think of Bathurst?
So, if you are visiting Bathurst New South Wales for a race meeting, or the National Motor Racing Museum, spend some time in town. There is a lot to see and do.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
