Category: Vehicles

  • Sydney Tramway Museum Australia

    Sydney Tramway Museum Australia

    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.

  • Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

    Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

    Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

    A great way to experience the Nepean River at Penrith is to take a cruise on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler down the 50 million year old gorge. This gives you a nice relaxed environment, while viewing the river and enjoying morning tea or lunch.

    We chose the morning tea cruise, giving us an early start, but being able to enjoy the whole day in the Penrith area. Arriving early, we grabbed a coffee from one of the cafes across the road from the Nepean Belle carpark. There was ample car parking available near the Paddlewheel. We just needed to provide our ticket and have our names ticked off, making the boarding process easy.

    The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler Tour

    Once we boarded the Paddlewheeler, we were allocated a table on the upper level by a window, giving us great views over the river. This tour was 1.5 hours, but there are quite a few tours to choose from including twilight dinner tours etc.

    The Nepean Belle is very stable on the water and once underway, you can walk around freely, admiring the views natural flora and native wildlife around the river. There was a lot of birdlife on the water and we were pleased to have seen a few eagles as flying overhead. The captain gave ample information about the area. There were people kayaking on the river and enjoying water sports as well.

    Morning Tea

    Morning tea was tea/coffee and delicious fluffy scones with home-made jam and cream, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The staff were exceptional and the captain a wealth of knowledge. It’s nice to be able to go on this cruise with so many staff who were so welcoming and really appeared to love what they do!

    It was a relaxed way to start the day on a nice old boat while getting to see the Nepean River.

    We spent the afternoon at Knapsack Bridge, Lennox Bridge and Mt Schoenstatt Spirituality Centre.

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

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  • Jervis Bay

    Jervis Bay

    Jervis Bay

    Located a three-hour drive south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. The abundance of white sandy beaches, bush and accommodation makes it a great place to enjoy a relaxing break. With two national parks, there’s plenty of places for nature lovers to explore.

    Beecroft Peninsula

    Forming the northern headland of Jervis Bay, the Beecroft Peninsula has some excellent beaches, walking tracks, rock pools, spectacular views, a lighthouse and a shipwreck. This should be more than enough to keep you occupied for a few days.

    Part of the peninsula is owned by the Department of Defense, so you will need to go through a checkpoint. This is a simple process, and the guard will take a note of your car registration, number of people and a mobile phone contact. In return, you will get some brochures on the area and safety advice. If the Department of Defence has operatins in progress, this area will be closed. To avoid disappointment, and refused entry, check beforehand by calling 0244483248.

    The beaches here are unpatrolled, so be careful when entering the water. Supervise children to ensure their safety.

    Currarong

    Currarong is a great base to use to explore the area as it has several excellent caravan parks where you can stay. If you are just passing through to explore the peninsula it’s a good place to stop for a meal or purchase snacks. Everything is so easy to find and reasonably priced.

    Abrahams Bosom Reserve

    We parked at Abrahams Bosom Reserve as it was close to the walking tricks we wanted to take as well as the nearby beaches. Our first walk was to the rock pools nearby and then we looked at the creek flows past the reserve to the ocean. From here we walked to MS Merimbula shipwreck and then on to Gosang’s Tunnel. when walking to the shipwreck, it is good to wear sensible shoes e.g. crocks, or old sneakers, the rocks are sharp!, also check for tides. there are also bits of metal sticking up around in and about what is left of the wrecks!

    Abrahams Bosom Creek
    Abrahams Bosom Creek

    Currarong Rock Pools

    Located between Currarong and Abraham’s Bosom Reserve these interesting rock pools are great to see and easy to get to. When exposed at low tide the pools have waves breaking around them are fun to watch. A close-up look will allow you to see shellfish that inhabit the pools. Sometimes fish become trapped, along with the odd crab, so have a look to see what you can find.

    Currarong Rock Pools Beecroft Peninsula New South Wales Australia
    Currarong Rock Pools
    Currarong Rock Pools Beecroft Peninsula New South Wales Australia
    Currarong Rock Pools

    SS Merimbula Wreck

    Although not much of the SS Merimbula Wreck is visible what’s there makes an interesting visit. At low tide you can walk out onto Whale Point where you can get very close to the remaining wreckage.

    The SS Merimbula, a large twin screw steamship ran its bows onto Whale Point on the night of 27 March, 1928, later breaking up on the steeply shelving reef. The rear portion of the vessel fell into deep water, so that only the remains of the bow can be seen at low tide.

    To get there, park at Abraham’s Bosom Reserve and then take the marked trails until you reach the beach from here it’s a simple walk over the rocks to the scattered remains of the wreck.

    Wreck of the SS Merimbula
    Wreck of the SS Merimbula
    Wreck of the SS Merimbula
    Wreck of the SS Merimbula

    Gosangs Tunnel

    The excellent signage erected by Parks and Wildlife make Gosangs Tunnel easy to find. Ranges keep the walkways in the area clear of vegetation and overhanging branches making the walk very easy. The walk was very easy, along sandy tracks, where there was a great opportunity to see the local coastal vegetation.

    Because we left very early, there was no-one else at the tunnel. The tunnel is small which means you need to be on your hands and knees and be very careful not to hit your head on the roof. If there was a crowd of people here it would be very uncomfortable getting in and out because you would get in each other’s way.

    On reaching the other side of the tunnel you exit onto a small rock platform which gives you great views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. On a stormy day like the one we visited on your able to see the waves crashing against the rocks. Be very careful as the unprotected cliff edge has big drop to the ocean below.

    Young children should not take this walk due to the height of the unprotected cliffs.

    Gosangs Tunnel Track
    Gosangs Tunnel Track
    Gosangs Tunnel Track
    Gosangs Tunnel Track
    Typical Signpost on the Track
    Typical Signpost on the Track
    Gosangs Tunnel Entrance
    Gosangs Tunnel Entrance
    Inside Gosangs Tunnel
    Inside Gosangs Tunnel
    View From the Gosangs Tunnel Exit
    View From the Gosangs Tunnel Exit
    The View From the Rock Platform at the Tunnel Exit
    The View From the Rock Platform at the Tunnel Exit

    Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

    Accessed via a military security checkpoint because of the live weapons range in the area, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is a 15-minute drive from Currarong. During the drive to the lighthouse, numerous signs warn not to enter the military zones, but as long as you stay on the road, you’re in no danger.

    The security guard will take a note of your car registration, the number of people and a mobile phone contact for emergencies.

    The lighthouse is a beautiful heritage listed building, set high above the cliffs. Beautifully preserved and painted it makes an excellent scene for photographs because of its location.

    A fence protects falls from the 75m high cliffs, making the views along the coastline safe to enjoy.

    Cape Perpendicular Lighthouse
    Cape Perpendicular Lighthouse

    Honeymoon Bay

    Located on the west coast of Beecroft Peninsula, Honeymoon Bay is a beautiful area for camping or a day trip because of excluded and tranquil surroundings. The bay has trees growing down to the sand, providing shade from the sun. The bay is a great place to swim, but is not patrolled, so take care swimming. it was very popular when we visited, but you can still grab your own little spot to sit and enjoy yourself with such a great spot.

    Although permitted, camping is restricted due to the limited space available, so it is important that you book ahead.

    Honeymoon Bay Beecroft Peninsula NSW Australia
    Honeymoon Bay
    Honeymoon Bay Beecroft Peninsula NSW Australia
    Honeymoon Bay Beecroft

    Huskisson

    Where to Stay

    We stayed at the Huskisson Beach Motel, because of its central location and access to the beach. The rooms were clean, and we enjoyed our stay here. Limited parking means that if the motel is full, you may need to park your car on the street outside. which appears safe and easy.

    Where to Eat

    Owen St was only a few minutes walk from our motel, with a huge variety of places to eat from cafes to pubs and the local RSL. We ate at both the Huskisson Hotel and Club Huskisson (an RSL) and enjoyed both. The food was good, the beer was cold and the great views made it more enjoyable.

    HMAS Voyager Memorial

    The local war memorial is also a tribute to HMAS Voyager which was sunk off the coast by HMAS Melbourne during a collision. The memorial is of etched granite and depicts Voyager, lists her the crew and the victims of the collision while explaining what happened. The entire foreshore from the memorial to the Hutchison docks commemorates this tragedy.

    HMAS Voyager Memorial Huskisson NSW Australia
    HMAS Voyager Memorial Huskisson

    Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

    The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum features a collection of maritime artefacts and navigational and surveying instruments. The Museum exhibits a range of nautical equipment, models, photographs, paintings, drawings and objects relating to the history and heritage of the Jervis Bay area.

    The Museum is home to the historic Lady Denman Ferry, which we thought as the highlight of the museum visit

     Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

    Sydney Ferry Lady Denman

    Designed by Walter Reeks and built by Joseph Dent, Huskisson for Sydney Ferries Limited, the Lady Denman was launched in 1912. The hull was built in Huskisson from local timber, launched then floated to Sydney where machinery was installed and upper works completed. It operated on Sydney Harbour until 1979, when is was donated to Huskisson.

    The Lady Denman Jervis Bay Maritime Museum

    Jervis Bay National Park

    Cape St. George Lighthouse

    In stark contrast to the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse the Cape St George Lighthouse is in ruins, although this does not detract from its interest. Most of the tower has collapsed into a pile of sandstone blocks, as have most of the outbuildings. The immediate area and the buildings are fenced off, but this has been done in such a way that you can still see inside part of the building.

    Several of the buildings associated with the lighthouse are still standing and their sandstone block construction makes them very interesting to see. There is a huge carpark, which was great.

    Cape St. George Lighthouse Jervis Bay
    Cape St. George Lighthouse
    Cape St. George Lighthouse Jervis Bay
    Cape St. George Lighthouse
    Sandstone Building next to Cape St. George Lighthouse Jervis Bay
    Sandstone Building next to Cape St. George Lighthouse

    Hole in the Wall

    Hole in the Wall refers to a rock formation seen from this beach. Part of the rock spur has been eroded, leaving a hole. The beach was empty when we visited, but had a lot of washed up seaweed, so we didn’t stay very long. The surrounding trees provide great shade and are a great place to set up for a day here. The tide was coming in when we visited so did not get right up to it.

    The Hole in the Wall
    The Hole in the Wall
    Beach at the Hole in the Wall
    Beach at the Hole in the Wall
    Beach at the Hole in the Wall  Jervis Bay
    Beach at the Hole in the Wall

    Murrays Beach

    A very popular area for holiday makers, Murray’s Beach offers fantastic stretches of sand and great water to swim in. Due to its popularity a large car park is not far away. There is also a boat ramp for anyone who wants to get out onto the water. There is also huge toilet/change room facilitities.

    The trees from the surrounding national park go right up to the sand which gives you some great places to set up in the shade.

    Murray's Beach
    Murray’s Beach

    Scottish Rocks

    Visit this area at low tide if you are interested in unusual rock formations. Accessed through Bristol Point Camping Ground, Scottish Rocks are one of several interesting geological formations in the area. The erosion of the rocks in here has formed interesting patterns highlighted by the different colours of the rocks. A small beach nearby allows access to the water without climbing over the rocks if you want to go for a swim.

    Scottish Rocks Jervis Bay
    Scottish Rocks Jervis Bay

    What Did We Think of Jervis Bay?

    We had a great time here and wish we had more time to spend exploring all of the walking tracks and beaches. Whether you like camping, or hotel accommodation, swimming, bushwalking or just relaxing at a beach, there’s something here for everyone. When travelling on some of the roads in these areas there are so many turn offs to something different, you are only limited by your time! We loved it!

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

    Our photos are available for purchase on