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Scotland Island Ferry on the Pittwater

Houses on Scotland Island

Scotland Island Ferry

Departing from the Church Point Wharf in Sydney’s northern suburbs, the Scotland Island Ferry is a fun cruise on the Pittwater. We found only limited car parking was available, the park next to the wharf was full, as was a council car park down the road. Fortunately, we found a spot on Pittwater Road, only a five minute walk away. So, arrive early to get a spot for your car, because otherwise, you may be waiting for the next ferry.

Planning to catch the 8:30AM ferry, we were pleased to find cafes open at the wharf, meaning that coffee could be bought before we left.

Tickets are purchased from the ferry master once you are on board and seated. Tell him if you will be getting off, or taking a round trip because this will save buying a second ticket. We sat at the front in the open to enjoy the views and fresh air. From here you can also get some great photos of the trip, because you can see in all directions.

The 40-minute trip loops around Scotland Island, while calling into several settlements there and on the mainland. The number of beautiful yachts moored nearby is amazing and they looked wonderful in the early morning light. Calling into the island’s wharfs, you see people’s houses nestled in the island’s trees, their boathouses and jetties.

We had a great time on the cruise and were able to see some lovely scenery.

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

Federation Cliffs Walk Sydney Australia

Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk

Federation Cliffs Walk

The five-kilometer Federation Cliffs Walk offers spectacular coastal views, with sandstone cliffs, a lighthouse and a shipwreck memorial.

Getting There

We chose to use public transport to the Federation Cliffs Walk, as this meant we could start at one end of the Walk and finish at the other, without having to return to the starting point. A ferry from Circular Quay took us to Watson’s Bay Wharf, where we started the walk, while the return trip was by bus to Central Station, from Diamond Bay Reserve.

The Gap Lookout and Walking Track

From Watsons Bay Wharf, we made the short walk to the Gap Lookout, where we started our walk. From the lookout, views of the cliffs and out to sea are amazing. Well-made and maintained walkways make the track easy to walk and from here heads south to Bondi and beyond.

Wreck of the Dunbar

Launched on 30 November 1854, the Dunbar was a first-class passenger and cargo carrier. On the night of 20 August 1857, the ship approached the entrance to Port Jackson from the south, but heavy rain and a strong gale winds made navigating difficult. Possibly mistaking The Gap as the port’s entrance, the captain ran the ship onto the rocks. Of the 122 people on board, only one survived.

As a result of this tragedy and the loss of the Catherine Adamson at North Head nine weeks later, the Government built Hornby Lighthouse.

Containing one of Dunbar’s anchors, a memorial stands on the cliffs above the wreck site.

Signal Hill

Constructed in 1892-1893, Signal Hill Battery was one of many defensive forts built around Sydney. Originally armed with a BL 9.2-inch (234 mm) Mk VI breech-loading counter bombardment British Armstrong disappearing gun, the fort operated until just after World War Two. By this stage the original gun had been replace by two six-inch guns. Fortunately, the 9.2-inch is on display at North Head, near the Memorial Walk.

Memorial plaques give tribute to those who served here as well as providing historical context for the structures.

This is a great place to stop on your walk to understand some of Sydney’s history and admire the fantastic views.

Memorials

Walking along the Federation Cliffs Walk, you will come across many memorials, it is worth stopping to view them. Some are for loved ones lost overseas, while others commemorate the locations of fortifications or the service of military regiments.

Macquarie Lighthouse

Designed by James Barnet and built from 1881 to 1883, Macquarie Lighthouse is 26m tall. Heritage listed, it is still fully operational and under the control of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The white tower makes an outstanding photo when set against a deep blue summer sky.

Macquarie Lighthouse on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Macquarie Lighthouse

The Grave Of Edmund Barton

Sir Edmund Barton, GCMG, PC, KC (18 January 1849 – 7 January 1920) was an Australian politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1901 to 1903. Located in South Head General Cemetery and marked by a cross headstone, Barton’s grave is difficult to find amongst all of the others found there.

An interesting place to visit because of the historical importance of Barton.

Edmund Barton's Grave
Edmund Barton’s Grave

Diamond Bay Reserve

Federation Cliffs Walk offers many superb views of the ocean and cliffs. One of the best is at Diamond Bay, where walkways and a viewing platform provide excellent views. Fishermen have constructed stairs and a gateway on the cliff face. The walkway provides a safe place for photographers

Waverley Council encourages visitors to Diamond Bay Reserve to stay away from the cliff’s edge. A 27 year-old woman past away recently after slipping when taking a photo on the cliff’s edge. Fencing and signs are there for your safety.

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

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Sydney Tramway Museum Australia

Brisbane Dreadnought 180

Sydney Tramway Museum

Located in Sydney’s southern suburb of Loftus, the Sydney Tramway Museum, is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Hosting a collection of trams from Sydney, other Australian and some international cities makes this museum a must-see for tram and train lovers.

Getting to the Sydney Tramway Museum

In addition to its on car park, the museum is conveniently located adjacent to the Loftus Railway Station, making it easy to get to.

Tram Rides

With many of the museum’s trams in operating condition, it is great that they offer tram rides. The cost of the ride is included in the entry fee. Travelling in two directions, initially towards Sutherland and then into Royal National Park, where it stops at an old station. At the station, you disembark the tram for 5 to 10 minutes before the return trip. This was great fun and will appeal to families with children, as well as tram enthusiasts.

Gift Shop

Setup in an old tram, the gift shop offers a huge range of souvenirs, mostly tram related. From the usual postcards and fridge magnets to publications dedicated to trams, there should be something to suit everyone.

Sydney Tramway Museum Gift Shop Sydney Tramway Museum
Gift Shop at the Sydney Tramway Museum

Sydney Tramway Museum’s Collection

Undercover in an old workshop, and well maintained, the collection is accessible for a real hands on look. Most trams have boards near them, explaining the history of the tram, adding to the experience. Importantly, it is possible to board some trams, except when signs prevent it to avoid damage.

Sydney Trams

C Class Trams

Built in 1896 by Bignall & Morrison and acquired in 1955, C 290 has been restored to original passenger condition from 1996-97. Operational for special events, it is the oldest operational electric tramcar in Australia.

Built in 1898 by Hudson Bros and acquired in 1961 Tram C 29 is operational for occasional service.

F Class Tram

Built in 1902 by Clyde Engineering acquired in 1953 tram F 393 operates for special events. Owing to its use as a driver training tram, it is the only F class car remaining.

N Class Trams

Built in 1906 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company and acquired in 1953 tram N 728 is operated for special events.

O Class Trams

Built in 1909 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company and on loan from the Powerhouse Museum tram O 805 is operational for special events.

Built in 1912 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company and acquired in 1958, tram O 1111 is operational in regular service.

L/P Class Trams

Built in 1900 by Clyde Engineering as an F class car and converted in 1910 to an ‘L’ type tram, and again in 1926 as an ‘L/P’ type, tram L/P 154 was acquired in 1950. It currently representing trams from the Newcastle system. Operational in occasional service, it is known as the oldest preserved tram in the Southern Hemisphere.

Brisbane Trams

Built in 1924 by T Gardiner and Son and acquired in 1958, tram 180 ‘Dreadnought’ is in regular service, mainly during the Summer months.

Ballarat Trams

Built in 1908 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company acquired in 1974, ‘Single-Truck’ tram 12 is operational for special events, but remains in “as is” condition.

Overseas Trams at the Sydney Tramway Museum

San Francisco PCC “Torpedo”

Built in 1948 by St. Louis Car Company San Francisco PCC “Torpedo” tram 1014 was a Bicentenary gift from Sydney’s sister city San Francisco in 1987. It is the last remaining “Torpedo” PCC in original condition. During our visit it was out of service, waiting parts.

Nagasaki 1054

Built in 1952 by Nigata Iron Works Nagasaki 1054 operated on the Sendai and Nagasaki tramway systems. Operational in occasional service it was acquired in 1992..

Berlin 5133

Built in 1969 by the East German Railways and acquired in 1996 Berlin 5133 operates an occasional service.

Works Cars

134s Sydney Scrubber Car

Built by Ritchie Bros. in 1899 as D class passenger car 112, it was converted to a scrubber car in 1930. Scrubber cars use carborundum blocks to ‘scrub’ the railhead clear of debris. Acquired by the museum in 1961, it operated in 1978/9 to clean the Eastern Suburbs railway tracks and again in 1983 for a similar purpose along the Cronulla line. With the implementation of the new Light Rail line, it was used in 1997 to ‘scrub’ the tracks around Haymarket. It is still operational when required.

141s Sydney Breakdown Car

Built by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company in 1911 as O 1030 and converted to a Breakdown car in 1955, Breakdown Car 141s is in occasional service.

Buses & Trolley Buses

AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck Trolleybus

Trolleybus No.19 is an AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck trolleybus,built in 1937 by Ritchie Bros Pty Ltd. The museum acquired it in 1978, when it was rebuilt and partly fitted out, by apprentices of the then State Rail in Chullora from 1982-1988. It is Sydney’s last remaining double-deck trolley-bus.

What Did We Think?

This was a great place to visit, because of the amazing collection of trams, and the accessibility of the displays. The tram ride was a great bonus, making this museum a great place for families to have fun and enthusiasts to enjoy the trams.

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