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Category: Military

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ANZAC Day Sydney

World War 1 Flags ANZAC Day March Sydney

ANZAC Day Sydney

We usually attend ANZAC Dawn Service in our home town of Singleton. However since our daughter joined the RAN and was marching in Sydney we travelled down to see her.

By far the biggest parade in the state if  not Australia (we haven’t seen Melbourne’s parade so cant compare). It was impressive for its sheer size.

Getting There

Travelling down by train we arrived at Central Station in plenty if time to walk into the city a grab a coffee along the way. We could have caught a train to Hyde Park but wanted to stretch our legs after a 2 hour train journey.

We picked a spot near Bathurst Street and staked our place at the barriers so that we could get the best view. This turned out to be a good plan as the crowd was soon several people deep.

The ANZAC Day Parade

The parade started with the cavalry horse being led with no rider but with boots placed  backwards in the stirrups to represent its deceased rider and extending this to all of those killed in battle.

For Fallen Comrades ANZAC Day March Sydney
For Fallen Comrades

Veterans who were no longer able to walk or march followed in cars. These all received huge cheers as they went past. Veterans then passed marching behind their unit flags, some interacting with the crowd, all receiving huge cheers.

  • Ford Falcon Taxi For Veterans ANZAC Day March Sydney
    Ford Falcon Taxi For Veterans
  • Plymouth Taxi For Veterans on the March Anzac Day
    Plymouth Taxi For Veterans on the March

Once the veterans had passed currently serving personnel marched passed.

  • World War 1 Flags ANZAC Day March Sydney
    World War 1 Flags
  • Royal Australian Navy ANZAC Day March Sydney
    Royal Australian Navy

Interspersed with the marchers were bands from around the state with the Scottish bands with pipes and drums providing some great sounds.  The parade goes on for 4 hours, and provides a lot of history to today’s society.  Once the parade is over, there is the opportunity to play two up, or eat and socialise throughout a huge area.

Scots Band on Anzac Day
Scots Band on Anzac Day

The march ends at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, where the ceremony is held.

  • ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park Sydney
    ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park Sydney

If you are in Sydney on April 25, it is highly recommended that you go and visit the parade.  If you live in Sydney, this is something worth doing, to remember those how have and do serve Australia.

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

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Newington Armory

Buildings Behind Earth Bunds Newington Armory Sydney Australia

Newington Armory

Newington Armory was originally a storage facility for the Australian Army and Navy’s explosives and weaponry. Now disused, many of the buildings have been re-purposed and the whole site is part of a museum and national park.

If you are travelling with children, there is a huge playground, just before you reach the entrance to the Armory. This looks like a great place to let them work off some excess energy either before or after your visit.

Wharf Area

The wharf area is now quiet, but this was where explosives were shipped from. Some old cranes and buildings are still present, giving a great backdrop to the area. The old wharf office is now a small cafe, which is where we started our day, sitting on the wharf having a coffee in the morning sunlight was very peaceful.

  • Crane at the Old Wharf Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Crane at the Old Wharf

Armory Buildings

The armory site itself is extensive and it is free to walk around examining the old buildings and going into those that are open. Many of the buildings are locked up, but you can walk around the outside and examine them and take the photos.

It’s interesting to see the precautions that were set up to protect each building in case of an explosion. Surrounded by concrete walls or large earthworks to contain any mishaps, many buildings are partially hidden.

Buildings near the entrance are in use so you can go inside. Make sure you go around the back and between them to see the explosion protection.

  • Concrete Blast Protection Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Concrete Blast Protection
  • Blast Protection Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Blast Protection
  • Buildings Behind Earth Bunds Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Buildings Behind Earth Bunds

Armory Train

The train tracks that were set up to move items around of the armory are still in place and on Sunday a train runs so people can travel and have a look around the site while enjoying a ride.

There is a bird sanctuary discovery area in the centre of the park, where you can learn about the bird life in the area. If the birds interest you, there is a great bird watching area not far away in the wetlands.

Nearby are the train loading stations which are still in place and make a good photo opportunity. You can also walk over the old explosives’ magazines with their earth coverings but can’t go inside.

  • Explosives Magazine Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Explosives Magazine

A throw disc golf course has been set up which visitors can use. Rules are provided and although we didn’t play it looked like fun. Something families would enjoy.

  • Golf Course Newington Armory Sydney Australia
    Golf Course

From the Newington Armory, we walked to the Homebush shipwrecks before catching the ferry from Sydney Olympic Park Wharf to Circular Quay.

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

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Hornby Lighthouse Watsons Bay Sydney

Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com

The Hornby Lighthouse is located on Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city and coastline. Parking is limited as the car park can become full but we were lucky and got a park. The start of the walk to the Hornby Lighthouse is at Camp Cove Beach. Camp Cove Kiosk serves nice snacks and drinks, so we had a relax on the beach before starting our walk.

Camp Cove Beach With Sydney in Background Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Camp Cove Beach With Sydney in Background

Southern Heritage Trail

The South Head Heritage Trail which leads to the lighthouse is all paved and although it goes uphill is not strenuous if you don’t rush. Along the path you will pass old fortifications used for the defense of Sydney in the 19th century.  You will also get great views over  Sydney Harbour and the city so admire the views and take some photos.

Old Gun Emplacement Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Old Gun Emplacement

Old Defensive Cannon Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Old Defensive Cannon

There are several beaches below the path but beware that one of them is a nudist beach so looking  down at them might cause some embarrassment.

HMAS Watson naval base is situated nearby and you will see warning signs about not entering and beware of low flying helicopters.

Light Keeper’s Cottage

Just before you reach the lighthouse you will come across the light keepers cottage a pretty and well maintained building.

Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

Hornby Lighthouse

The main attraction  on the walk is  Hornby Lighthouse  which is in need of a fresh coat of paint. Up close its distinctive red and white stripes are weather worn. Even so it is a spectacular sight with the ocean behind it. Be careful of the surrounding cliffs.  There are warning signs and fences, but people were still crossing them to get that perfect photo.

It’s a beautiful location with fantastic views with a great walk on your way there.

Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Hornby Lighthouse