Category: 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.

  • Scone New South Wales Hunter Valley

    Scone New South Wales Hunter Valley

    Scone

    Scone is 280km north of Sydney in the Upper Hunter Valley.  Famous for its horse breeding and agriculture, Scone has many historic buildings, making it s beautiful town to visit.

    Scone Visitor Information and Elizabeth Park

    Located on Kelly Street, the Visitor Information Centre and Elizabeth Park are a great place to start your visit to town. The park is shady, making it a nice place to relax after your drive. There is a statue of a mare and foal, representing the importance of the horse breeding industry to the area.

    A bronze bust of Captain John Hunter, the former Governor of New South Wales sits in the park. The Hunter Valley was named after him in honour of his achievements in exploration around Australia. 

    Across Susan Street is the Visitor information Centre, where you can find out about any interesting events or places to see that are not generally known about or have just become available.

    Mare and Foal Sculpture Scone NSW Australia
    Mare and Foal Sculpture
    Scone Visitor Information Centre Scone NSW Australia
    Scone Visitor Information Centre
    Captain John Hunter Scone NSW Australia
    Captain John Hunter

    Kelly Street

    Running through the centre of town, Kelly Street contains many old and important buildings. You will also find cafes, restaurants and pubs along this street, so if you are looking for something to eat, wander around here.

    Scone Court House Scone NSW Australia
    Scone Court House
    Campbells Chambers Scone NSW Australia
    Campbells Chambers
    Barwick House Scone NSW Australia
    Barwick House
    Royal Hotel Scone NSW Australia
    Royal Hotel
    Campbell's Corner Scone NSW Australia
    Campbell’s Corner

    Kingdon Street

    There are some great old buildings on Kingdon Street, including the first Catholic Church (now an arts centre) and the original court house (now a theatre).

    Old Court House Scone NSW Australia
    Old Court House

    Washpools Water Hole

    Washpools Water Hole is 20 km north of Scone in the Towarri National Park.  There are two area that you can stop in, the camp ground and picnic area. The picnic area is next to the wash pools and unless you plan an overnight stay is the best place to go.  It has picnic areas and shaded seats to eat at, so is well set up.

    The wash pools are a nice series of water holes in the local creek and are picturesque, being set amongst trees and bushes and reflecting the blue sky. We spend an hour wandering around them taking photos and admiring the bush setting.

    While we were there a pair of kookaburras sat in a tree watching us, probably hoping we would drop some food for them.

    Washpools Water Hole Towarri National Park Scone NSW Australia
    Washpools Water Hole
    Kookaburras at Washpools Water Hole Scone NSW Australia
    Kookaburras at Washpools Water Hole
    Washpools Water Hole Towarri National Park Scone NSW Australia
    Washpools Water Hole

    Farming

    Farming is important to the Scone district and you will see evidence of it as you drive around. The most obvious industry as seen from the New England Highway is horse breeding. You will pass many horse studs as you drive into and out of town.  On the side roads you will some across other agriculture, ranging from cropping to cattle and sheep.  In some fields you will see some old abandoned farm equipment, which makes for an interesting photo.

    Old Farm Equipment Scone NSW Australia
    Old Farm Equipment
    Drought Stricken Tree Scone NSW Australia
    Drought Stricken Tree

    Burning Mountain

    Burning Mountain is 25 km north of Scone. The walk begins in the Burning Mountain Rest Area, where you will find toilets and plenty of parking. For the full story of our Burning Mountain walk, please follow the link.

    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.