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ANZAC Memorial Sydney

ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park Sydney

The ANZAC Memorial was built  to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force of World War I. It is the focal point of the southern section of Hyde Park,  along with the Pool of Reflection.  On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, the memorial is the central focus of the ceremonies, so it can be extremely busy.

120,000 gold stars covered the domed ceiling, representing all those from New South Wales who served in World War One. The centre piece of the interior is a bronze statue of a deceased youth, representing a soldier, held aloft on his shield.

On the ground floor, a gallery has exhibits from military conflicts NSW citizens have been involved with. These range from the Sudan (1885) to Afghanistan, with an emphasis on the First World War.

To the north is the pool of reflection and a long tree-lined pathway. It is very shady and cool in the Australian summer. It is a great place to sit quietly and relax.

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

Held over the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 featured both air and static ground displays. The first days was a free community events with flying displays over Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Harbour. Day Two had a nominal $10 entry fee to the RAAF Williamtown Air Force base where most of the aircraft flying on day one were on display. The Royal Australian Air Force and Newcastle Council did an amazing job of organising this event.

Getting There

Parking in the inner city was limited because of road closures. However, the council provided a park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, while additional ferries brought people from Stockton where large carparks had been set up.

Day One

Commencing at 10:00 AM, the air display was continuous until 12:30. At 2:00 PM it started again and ran through until 4:00PM. By start time, the foreshore and Nobbys Beach were packed. Additional premium viewing was available at Fort Scratchley, providing the highest vantage point on the day.

Sitting near the surf club we had an excellent view of the displays as they performed just off shore, or flew down the harbour.

Warbirds

Flying started with old warbirds and training aircraft, such as the CAC Winjeel, CAC Mustang (a licence built North American P-51 Mustang) and Supermarine Spitfire. Operated by 100 Squadron RAAF, these old planes preserve the history of military flying in Australia.

Current RAAF Aircraft

Following the warbirds, the RAAF aerobatic team the Roulettes put on a skillful flying display. They were followed by the current combat aircraft operated by the RAAF. Fortunately we brought ear plugs, because we knew the F-35 and F/A-18F would be noisy. They certainly didn’t disappoint and put on an amazing display of their flying capabilities.

Closing out the air display were the RAAF’s larger aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon used maritime surveillance, the E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C and the KC-30 MRTT multi role transport and tanker.

CAC Winjeel A85-439 over Nobbys Beach
CAC Winjeel A85-439 over Nobbys Beach
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys Beach
RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys Beach
RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Lockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A over Nobbys Beach
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail
Boeing P-8A Poseidon
RAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon
Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf Club Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf Club
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
The crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys Headland
The crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys Headland
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
Part of the crowd with a Lockheed P-3C Orion flying over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
Pilatus PC-21 of the Roulettes
Pilatus PC-21 of the Roulettes
Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet

Day Two of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show

Held at the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown just north of Newcastle, Day 2 was a non-flying day, although most of the aeroplanes from Day 1 were on display.

The RAAF provided parking on base, with busses taking people onto the base. This was an excellent idea because the base also hosts Newcastle Airport which provides domestic civilian air services. The buses allowed the airport to keep the runway operating while people were transported to an from the display area.

Each of the aircraft on display were attended by RAAF personnel who were happy to discus what they do and the jet’s capabilities. We had a great time walking around them all, including the warbirds.

The Airbus KC-30 MRRT was available for a walk-through but the queue was too long so we just looked at it from outside.

Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAF
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAF
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAF Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAF
Boeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAF
Boeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAF
Pilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team
Pilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 Squadron
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 Squadron
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAF
Close up of the radar housing of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAF
Boeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAF Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Boeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAF
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF
Weapons bay of an Boeing P-8A Poseidon Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Weapons bay of an Boeing P-8A Poseidon
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markings
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markings
CAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours. Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
CAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours.
CT-4 Airtrainer A19-077
CT-4 Airtrainer A19-077

Fighter World

Fighter World the RAAF’s museum of fighters aircraft was open on Sunday and free to enter. Several of the fighters were outside the hanger which was great because the displays inside are usually close together. This allowed us to get close to some interesting planes. Most RAAF operated jets were on display from early Gloster Meteors to F/A-18s and an F-111. See out blog on Fighter World for more information and photos.

Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War

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

Manly to North Head Walk

Manly to North Head Walk

The walk from Manly to North Head takes you past some beautiful beaches with views over the coast, through coastal scrub and passes old fortifications. Finally ending at the entrance to Sydney Harbour, it has spectacular views of the city.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Manly is to take the Manly ferry from Circular Quay. If you’re new to Sydney, this is an attraction in itself, because the Sydney Harbour ferries form an important part of the local public transport. During the ferry ride, you get some brilliant views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge as well as all the other boat traffic on the water.

Start of the Walk

Catching the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay, we arrived at Manly Wharf at 9:30 am. We planned our walk to take us along the shore to Shelly Beach where we would follow a track to the Barracks Precinct. Not only would this give us views over the coast but take us past some old fortifications and gun emplacements.

From the Manly wharf, we walked down The Corso, which is a pedestrian mall leading to the beach.

Manly Beach

One of the most popular Sydney beaches, Manly Beach is a great place for a swim or relaxing on the sand. We bought a coffee at a kiosk near the south end of the beach before starting the walk.

Manly Beach
Manly Beach

Manly to Shelly Beach

Starting at the south end of Manly Beach, the path follows the coastline, which is rocky until you reach Shelly Beach. There are plenty of places with places to look up and down the coast and back to Manly, giving you some amazing views.

Along the way look out for small metal sculptures of local wildlife. These have been placed on the rocks next to the path.

About halfway to Shelly Beach, Fairy Bower Pool is a protected ocean pool where you can swim. The pool is also decorated with a sculpture of two fairies.

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a secluded and serene crescent-shaped beach surrounded by nice shady trees. As well as a grassed area to relax on it has a kiosk where you can buy refreshments before continuing the walk.

From Shelly Beach, the track goes uphill to head along the cliffs to the south.

Shelly Beach Manly Sydney Australia
Shelly Beach

Shelly Headland Lookout

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean, this Shelly Headland Lookout provides an ideal spot for photographers because of the wonderful views along the coast. During the whale migration season, it’s also an ideal point to watch them swimming past.

Coastal view looking north back to Manly Manly to North Head Walk
Coastal view looking north back to Manly

Shelly Beach to the Barracks Precinct

After the flat walk from Manly the track becomes rougher and steeper. From here the track climbs uphill to reach the cliff tops. Winding through the coastal vegetation, it is not as busy as the first section because it is a more difficult walk. We loved this section, as the walk through the bush was much more peaceful.

At the top of the cliffs, old fortifications dating from the Second World War and earlier can be seen. The track even goes through one of the old walls built to defend the area.

Barracks Precinct

The Barracks Precinct at North Head is a historically significant site that served as a military base from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. It played a crucial role in the defence of Sydney Harbor and housed various military units over the years.

The Barracks Precinct has well-preserved sandstone buildings, which showcase the architectural style of the time. It includes several barracks, officers’ quarters, mess halls, and maintenance buildings. These structures provide a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers stationed at North Head.

Today, the Barracks Precinct has been repurposed as a heritage site and is open to the public for exploration. Visitors can wander through the historic buildings, learn about the site’s military history through information boards which are dotted around the area.

In this area and continuing to North Head, the walking tracks are generally well paved and often consists of boardwalks or paved roads. When we visited, the banksias were in flower adding a touch of colour to the walk.

Fortifications

Many of the original fortifications were dismantled and the guns sold for scrap when they were no longer needed. Fortunately, some are still in place so that visitors can see them. Several large gun emplacements are open to the public, but when we visited others were being repaired.

A great way to get a feel for the area’s past is to take the underground tunnels tour. We did this several years ago and highly recommend it. You walk through the tunnels and underground sections of the fortifications as well as getting into areas the general public cannot access.

Memorial Walk

Winding through the coastal vegetation, the Memorial Walk commemorates Australia’s military heritage. Not only are there great sandstone memorials but the path is inlaid with bricks commemorating individuals or military units.

Fairfax Lookout

The end of our walk took us to Fairfax Lookout with its stunning views of Sydney and Sydney Harbour. The site was named after Sir James Fairfax, a prominent Australian businessman and philanthropist.

View of Sydney and the Harbour from Fairfax Lookout Manly to North Head Walk
View of Sydney and the Harbour from Fairfax Lookout

Other Places to See in North Head

If you have time, Q Station, the old Sydney Quarantine Station is worth a visit. We did a guided tour here some time ago, which took us through the history of the site and most of its buildings. The old quarantine station cemetery is also a great place to see.

Getting Back

After finishing our walk, we decided to catch the bus back to the wharf as it stops right outside. Alternatively, you could walk back via Q Station. We had an excellent tour there a few years ago and highly recommend a visit.

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