Destination's Journey

Category: Car

  • National Museum of Australia

    National Museum of Australia

    National Museum of Australia

    Dedicated to preserving Australia’s social history, the National Museum of Australia contains many unique and significant artefacts. Located in Canberra on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, its distinctive because of its architecture.

    Getting There

    We drove and used the large carpark on site, although as with most Canberra parking, there is a fee. Entry to the museum is free, but entrance to any special exhibits incur a fee. During our visit, Ancient Greeks, a large display of ancient Greek artefacts was there, so we paid to visit this too.

    National Museum of Australia
    Entrance
    National Museum of Australia
    National Museum of Australia

    The Gandel Atrium

    This is also the entrance foyer, containing the giftshop and several displays. In the centre is a cast of Australia’s most famous dinosaur, Muttaburrasaurus. Nearby is Australia’s first car, the FJ Holden and a caravan, showing the affluence of the 1950s and the rise of industrialisation.

    Situated just off the atrium is the café, where food and drinks can be purchased. We bought morning coffee and snacks here before moving on to other displays.

    FJ Holden and Propert Trailaway touring caravan
    FJ Holden and Propert Trailaway touring caravan
    Cast of Muttaburrasaurus langdoni National Museum of Australia
    Cast of Muttaburrasaurus langdoni

    Landmarks Gallery

    The Landmarks Gallery traces the social development of Australia from it’s early colonial farming to the current day. Important features such as the windmill used to pump water, harvesters and stagecoaches give way to mining and the stock market. We thought the most interesting item here was the very first Holden Prototype preserved in excellent condition.

    Kenya station windmill from the 1920s National Museum of Australia
    Kenya station windmill from the 1920s
    Sunshine Harvester
    Sunshine Harvester
    Thoroughbrace Coach used by the Nowland family, 1860–80
    Thoroughbrace Coach used by the Nowland family, 1860–80
    Backhoe rock shovel bucket from a Terex O&K mining excavator RH-120E
    Backhoe rock shovel bucket from a Terex O&K mining excavator RH-120E
    Holden Prototype No. 1 National Museum of Australia
    Holden Prototype No. 1

    First Australians

    The First Australians gallery showcases aboriginal society from pre-colonial times to the present day. Artefacts including a full sized outrigger canoe represent Torres Strait Islander culture.

    The post-colonial treatment of aboriginal people shows their disenfranchisement, loss of land and persecution. Although attempts have been made to remedy the wrongs of the past, a lot is still required for true equality. The displays here demonstrate the wrongs, often with personal stories from those who suffered.

    Hatchet and an adze National Museum of Australia
    Hatchet and an adze
    Bark hut from the Framlingham Kaori settlement
    Bark hut from the Framlingham Kaori settlement
    Mask from the Western Torres Strait National Museum of Australia
    Mask from the Western Torres Strait
    Double outrigger canoe named Kulbasaibai, 2000, from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait,
    Double outrigger canoe named Kulbasaibai, 2000, from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait,

    Special Exhibition Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes

    Open until 1 May 2022, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes contains many treasures from the British Museum. From statues to tiny coins and jewellery the displays were amazing. If you are in Canberra while this is showing, it is really worth going to. We have been to Greece but still enjoyed this display.

    Woman of Wealth National Museum of Australia
    Woman of Wealth
    Frieze from Halikarnossos Greeks vs Amazons
    Frieze from Halikarnossos Greeks vs Amazons
    Heroic athlete or athletic hero National Museum of Australia
    Heroic athlete or athletic hero
    Amphora depicting the Keles
    Amphora depicting the Keles
    Olympic Discus Thrower
    Olympic Discus Thrower

    What Did We Think?

    We loved the Greek display and would have visited just for that. The rest of the museum has a nationally important collection, which we found interesting. If you want to see the social history of Australia, it’s a great place to visit.

    For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here

  • Wings Over Illawarra 2021 Air Show

    Wings Over Illawarra 2021 Air Show

    Wings Over Illawarra 2021

    Delayed since 2020 due to Covid, Wings Over Illawarra was able to get into the air on the weekend of 27/28 November 2021. Held at Shellharbour Airport, south of Wollongong, the air show was well organised, with plenty of parking and helpful volunteers.

    We stayed at a nearby hotel the previous night, because the show was a four-hour drive from home. Our previous visit here in 2018 convinced us that Gold Tickets would be a good idea and we were not disappointed. Not only did they give us great seats and excellent onsite parking, but we got early access to the site. This let us wander around the static displays before the crowds arrived, allowing us to take photos without too many people around.

    Weather

    Unfortunately, the weather on the day was overcast with showers, but the organizers did a great job getting as many flights happening as possible. Some of the warbirds did not fly, as the risk was too great, but we were able to see them close up because they were parked in front of the Gold Ticket area.

    Static Displays

    After getting a coffee, we went for a walk through the aircraft on static display. The RAAF had a Lockheed Hercules C-130J on display, which we were able to walk through. The air force also had an F/A-18 Hornet, but it was on the flight line ready for a display.

    The Royal Australian Navy and Army contributed helicopters, with the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk demonstrating its flying abilities later in the day.

    HARS (previously Historic Aircraft Restoration Society) is based at the airport and had their collection on display. They have an excellent collection, with the MiG-21 being a new addition since our last visit.

    Lockheed C-130J Hercules Wings Over Illawarra 2021
    Lockheed C-130J Hercules
    Eurocopter MRH-90 Taipan Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
    Eurocopter MRH-90 Taipan
    De Havilland Canada Caribou Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
    De Havilland Canada Caribou
    Douglas C-47 Dakota A65-95
    Douglas C-47 Dakota A65-95
    CAC Sabre A94-901 Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
    CAC Sabre A94-901
    MiG 21U in Indian Air Force colours Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
    MiG 21U in Indian Air Force colours
    Dassault Mirage IIIO
    Dassault Mirage IIIO

    War Birds

    The highlight of many air shows are the war birds giving flying demonstrations. The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk, Lockheed Neptune and CAC Wirraway put on a great display Despite the weather. Unfortunately, the Avenger, Corsair and P-51 didn’t fly on the day, but were still displayed for people to see.

    Vought Corsair with folded wings Wings Over Illawarra 2021
    Vought Corsair with folded wings
    Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk
    Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk

    Flying Displays

    Apart from the war birds, flying displays were put on by the RAAF with their F/A-18, the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk and the Sky Aces aerobatic team. These were great to see and our seats in the grandstand gave us an excellent view.

    Lockheed P-2H Neptune A89-273
    Lockheed P-2H Neptune A89-273
    F/A-18A Hornet A21-8
    F/A-18A Hornet A21-8
    Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
    Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
    Paul Bennett in his Wolf Pitts
    Paul Bennet in his Wolf Pitts

    Vehicle Displays

    On the far side of the airfield was a small static display of vintage vehicles and current Australian Army vehicles. This was a fun and interesting area to walk around, as it offered something different to see.

    1939 Chevrolet
    1939 Chevrolet
    Bushmaster
    Bushmaster

    What Did We Think of Wings Over Illawarra 2021?

    We had a great day here watching the flying and walking around the displays, despite the gloomy weather. The following day had much improved weather, so the full flying agenda took place. Displays by HARS and access to their museum was a great part to the show.

  • Kandos The Town That Built Sydney

    Kandos The Town That Built Sydney

    Kandos The Town That Built Sydney

    Established in the early 1900s for the NSW Cement, Lime and Coal Co Ltd, Kandos produced cement until the plant’s closure in 2011. Taken from the initials of the founding company directors: Campbell, Angus, Noyes, McDonald, Oakden and Stephen. The first letter was later changed to a K rather than a C at the insistence of the Postmaster General. He thought it was too close to Chandos in South Australia.

    Cement produced here was used all over New South Wales, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Central to St James underground railway, leading to the town branding itself “The Town That Built Sydney”.

    Located 234 km north-west of Sydney, for a three and a quarter hour trip, or a 64 km, one-hour trip south-east of Mudgee, Kandos is a great place to visit. Not only does the town offer interesting things to do, but nearby is Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park.

    On entering town, an old railway wagon proudly displays a load of Kandos Cement, making you aware of the town’s heritage.

    Some interesting sights include the old railway station and nearby hotel, along with some interesting sculptures nearby. We also found an old underground loading unit sitting on the side of a road near the museum, which was an interesting discovery.

    • Kandos Cement Wagon
      Cement Wagon
    • Old Rail Wagons
      Old Rail Wagons
    • Kandos Town Sign
      Kandos Town Sign
    • Kandos Railway Station
      The Railway Station
    • Train Sculpture at a Kandos Railway Station
      Train Sculpture at a the Railway Station
    • Sculpture at a Kandos Railway Station
      Sculpture at the Railway Station
    • St Laurence’s Anglican Church
    • Railway Hotel
      Railway Hotel
    • Underground Loader
      Underground Loader

    Kandos Museum

    Specialising in Kandos and the surrounding towns, the museum has a wonderful collection of historical items. A large section is dedicated to the cement works and their impact on the town.

    Outside displays provide access to several large displays of cement works equipment, including skips from the aerial ropeway that brought limestone from the quarry to the cement works.

    The volunteer staff were exceptional, full of local knowledge and more than happy to answer our questions. They really made the visit even more enjoyable.

    Kandos Museum
    Kandos Museum

    Kandos Cement Works

    Walking inside the museum’s entrance, you are greeting by the immaculate 1930 Nash Ambulance. This vehicle is surrounded by cement works artefacts, detailing the workings of the factory that kept Kandos ticking for nearly 100 years.

    • Kandos Cement Works 1930 Nash Ambulance
      Kandos Cement Works 1930 Nash Ambulance
    • The Mine's Old Safety Sign
      The Old Safety Sign
    • Gauges From the Cement Factory
      Gauges From the Cement Factory
    • The Many Used for an Old Cement Bag
      The Many Used for an Old Cement Bag

    Local History

    The local history of Kandos and surrounding villages makes up a large display in a second room, detailing local life.

    • Local Towns and Villages Sign at the Museum
      Local Towns and Villages Sign at the Museum
    • Gas Powered Fridge
      Gas Powered Fridge
    • Gramophone Collection
      Gramophone Collection
    • Gas Light
      Gas Light
    • Old Telephones and Cinema Sign
      Old Telephones and Cinema Sign
    • Kandos Museum
      Main Museum Display Room
    • Old Farm Tools
      Old Farm Tools

    Outside Displays

    Large pieces of equipment displayed outside the museum include part of the aerial ropeway, steam engines and crushers provide a glimpse of the limestone quarry’s operation.

    • Old Equipment at the Museum
      Old Equipment at the Museum
    • Mill From the Kandos Cement Factory
      Mill From the Cement Factory
    • Overhead Skip
      Aerial Ropeway Skip

    What Did We Think?

    Kandos is a great town to visit, with a lot of history crammed into 100 years, as well as the wonderful Wollemi National Park to visit close by.

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

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