Category: Military Memorial

  • Glebe Sydney Australia

    Glebe Sydney Australia

    Glebe

    Glebe is a beautiful old suburb in Sydney. From foreshore parks, old tram sheds and Federation buildings to a Taoist Temple, there is lots to see and do here. The vibe of the suburb from the main street to the water front is laid back and relaxed. It is a great place to chill out on a day off.

    Getting There

    Getting there was easy using the light rail from Central Station. From the light rail station, we went into the Tram Sheds for a coffee and to look around the food stalls, which were amazing for the freshness of the produce they were selling.

    Tramsheds

    The old tram sheds have been repurposed into a remarkable food hall selling fresh produce and containing several eateries. We had a coffee and ate some delicious fresh muffins here, before continuing outside to the parks.

    Tram Sheds Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Tram Sheds

    Jubilee and Federation Parks

    Two parks sit between the Tram Sheds and Rozelle Bay, divided by Johnstone Creek. A bridge crosses this creek, making getting between the two very easy.

    Jubilee Park at Glebe Point offers a relaxed place to unwind in a once disused industrial site. Rehabilitated for the Jubilee this grassed area has paved walking tracks and play areas for children. Sections of the park are also dog friendly and while we were there many people took advantage of this with dogs running around and swimming on the foreshore. Being dog friendly, there are many dog drinking fountains spread throughout the park. From what we saw the owners were all very responsible with no dog droppings seen with only friendly dogs running around.

    Archways at Glebe Federal Park Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Archways at Glebe Federal Park

    Rozelle Bay Waterfront

    As an acknowledgement to its industrial past an old crane and winder sit on the waterfront, which are both interesting to look around. Sitting in the bay, is the old Glebe Island Bridge, which is a unique opportunity for a photo. Preserved for its heritage value, this old rotating bridge and can only be viewed from the shore.

    The new ANZAC Bridge dominates Rozelle Bay and from the shore, you can glimpse the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the same time, which makes an interesting photo.

    Old Winder Glebe Point Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Old Winder
    Old Wharf Crane Glebe Point Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Old Wharf Crane
    Glebe Island Rotating Bridge Rozelle Bay Sydney NSW Australia
    Glebe Island Rotating Bridge Rozelle Bay
    ANZAC Bridge with Sydney Harbour Bridge Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    ANZAC Bridge with Sydney Harbour Bridge
    Jetty Jubilee Park Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Jetty Jubilee Park

    Sze Yup Taoist Temple

    Not far from the park is the Sze Yup Taoist temple, which is only one of four pre-World War One Chinese temples still active in Australia. Built from 1898 to 1904 the temple is now listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register.

    Sze Yup Taoist Temple Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Sze Yup Taoist Temple

    The main road and side streets have a fantastic number of old federation houses and buildings. Walking from the Sze Yup Temple to Glebe Road, we passed several interesting buildings and Federation Style cottages.

    Federation Houses Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Federation Houses

    St John’s Church

    Located on Glebe Road, this lovely old church is a relaxing stop to walk around and admire. The stone work and doorways are great and even the surrounding stone wall is a work of art.

    St John's Church Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    St John’s Church
    St John's Church Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    St John’s Church

    World War 1 War Memorial

    The World War One Memorial sits next to St John’s Church.

    World War 1 War Memorial Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    World War 1 War Memorial

    Street Art

    Walking along the back streets we came across some street art in Mitchel Street There were a few of these art works scattered along the street and some adjacent roads. A great surprise as we walked along.

    Street Art Mitchel Street
    Street Art Mitchel Street Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Street Art Mitchel Street
    Old Glebe Fire Station Mitchell Street Glebe Sydney NSW Australia
    Old Glebe Fire Station Mitchell Street

    What Did We Think?

    Glebe is a wonderfully relaxed place to visit, whether just visiting the foreshore, or venturing into the back streets, there is a huge variety of sites to take in. We had a great morning there.

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

  • Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Christ Church Cathedral

    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 Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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 Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Baptismal Font
    Christ Church Cathedral Interior Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Interior
    Christ Church Cathedral Organ Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Organ
    Stain Glass Window Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Stain Glass Window
    Stain Glass Window Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Stain Glass Window
    Altar Chairs Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Altar Chairs
    Christ Church Cathedral Altar Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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 Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Entry Door to Bell Tower
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
    The Bells Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    The Bells
    Spiral Stairs to Roof Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Roof
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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 Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    World War One Memorial
    Warriors' Chapel Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Warriors’ Chapel
    World War One Medals Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    World War One Medals
    The Book of Gold Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    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.

  • Muswellbrook New South Wales

    Muswellbrook New South Wales

    Muswellbrook

    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 Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    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 Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    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 Lodge Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Masonic Lodge
    Uniting Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Uniting Church
    War Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    War Memorial
    School of Arts Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    School of Arts

    Presbyterian Church

    Presbyterian Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    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.

    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 Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    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 Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    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 Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    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.

    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 Park Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    105mm Field Gun in Memorial Park
    Vietnam War Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Vietnam War Memorial
    M577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ARN
    M577A1 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.

    Shire Horse at St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days
    Blackmore Da Vinci a Shire Horse
    St Heliers Heavy horse Field Days
    St Heliers Heavy horse Field Days

    To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.

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