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Burwood Beach Mining Heritage

Rusting Rail Wheels Buried in the Sand at Burwood Beach

Burwood Beach Mining Heritage

Located south of Merewether Ocean Baths, Burwood Beach is not only a great surfing beach, but has relics from the areas mining heritage.

There are several ways to get to the beach, each with its own benefits.

  1. The Yuelarbah Track, which winds down a Flaggy Creek, is a great hike in coastal eucalyptus forest.
  2. Hickson Street Lookout, which provides excellent views as you walk down to the beach
  3. From Merewether Baths for a walk along the beach without much up and down hill hiking.

We have walked all three and the Yuelarbah Track is the more interesting, because it winds through some beautiful bushland. However, it is also the most difficult, due to the track and need to walk back uphill when returning.

On our most recent trip we walked in from Merewether Baths, mainly because we hadn’t gone this way before. We found it to be a straightforward walk along the beach.

Several of the relics are located on the rock platforms, so the best time to visit is low tide. This ensures that you can see everything while remaining safe.

Railway Wheel on the Rock Platform

When walking from Merewether Baths at low tide, a railway wheel is visible on the rock platform. This relic is now covered in seaweed and shellfish, which have made it their home on.

Railway Wheels in the Sand

Further along the beach are three rusty wheels buried in the sand, but partially exposed.

Remains of the Burwood Beach Mining Heritage Rail Line

A rail line once ran along the dunes hauling coal to the copper smelter but is now decaying as nature reclaims it. Rusting rail lines and sleepers, now exposed in places where wind and rain have revealed them poke through the sand.

Rail Wheels in the Sand Dunes

Near the exposed rail lines are several railway wheels, which are abandoned and rusting in the dunes.

The Coal Seam

A reminder of the coal mined here exists in the cliff face, where the exposed coal seam contrasts with the lighter coloured rocks around it.

What Did We Think?

We thought Burwood Beach was a relaxed place to visit, because of the few people there. The relics from the mining past were a great addition to the day, as they lie exposed and readily visible.

Baan Baa Cricket Club Grandstand

Derelict Bus

Baan Baa Cricket Club Grandstand

Driving between Gunnedah and Narrabri on the Kamilaroi Highway we passed the small town of Baan Baa. Like most Australian towns it has a cricket club and oval, but what made us stop was its grandstand. Originally a Leyland Titan double-decker bus, this repurposed vehicle now serves as the club’s grandstand. You can find some pictures of Titans in happier condition here.

In very poor condition, with most of the panels removed, probably to improve airflow and visibility. A wooden awning has been added outside, along with some bench seats, but they look very unstable. The interior looked unsafe, so we didn’t enter, but looked through the windows. Wooden bench seats have replaced the original bus seating, even on the upper level.

Along with the overgrown cricket pitch, this bus needs some attention, but is still a great place to stop for something so unusual. Be careful of the long grass, unstable bus and awning. Otherwise enjoy a unique site in the Australian bush.

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.