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  • Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

    Christ Church Cathedral

    Christ Church Cathedral overlooks the city of Newcastle with fantastic views of the harbour and beaches. Parking is available in church street or the small onsite car park. Entry through the main door takes you passed a small kiosk where the attendants give a quick run down of the Cathedral and its attractions. Should you wish to climb the tower, this is where you pay and receive your pass. Entry to the rest of the Cathedral is free.

    Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral

    Walking around the interior, you will see some magnificent stain glass windows, making the interior look beautiful and light. At the altar, take note of the lovely old chairs that have been well restored.

    The baptismal font is a work of art and deserves a good look while you are there.

    Baptismal Font Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Baptismal Font
    Christ Church Cathedral Interior Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Interior
    Christ Church Cathedral Organ Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Organ
    Stain Glass Window Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Stain Glass Window
    Stain Glass Window Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Stain Glass Window
    Altar Chairs Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Altar Chairs
    Christ Church Cathedral Altar Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Christ Church Cathedral Altar

    The Bell Tower

    Climbing the bell tower is a great experience and highly recommended if you are visiting, because of the fantastic views and unique perspective of the Cathedral. Commencing at a locked door, for which the attendant will give you a key, the climb starts with a narrow spiral stairway to the first landing. At this point you enter a large room, with windows overlooking the cathedral roof and surrounding area.

    The climb continues with a modern metal spiral staircase which will bring you to the bells. We spent a while here looking at the bells and through the windows taking photos. Then we continued up the stairs and on to the roof, where the views of Newcastle, the harbour and beaches are amazing. The climb is around 170 steps, but as you do it in three stages is not too difficult and the views at the top make it worthwhile.

    Entry Door to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Entry Door to Bell Tower
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Bell Tower
    The Bells Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    The Bells
    Spiral Stairs to Roof Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Spiral Stairs to Roof
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    View from Cathedral Roof of Harbour

    Warriors’ Chapel

    Originally built as a place where friends and relatives of victims of World War One could grieve, particularly those without a grave. It now caters for the families of those killed in wars.

    The back right-hand corner of the cathedral holds several important and unique items. The Book of Gold was made from the jewelry and wedding rings of the family and friends of those who were killed in World War One. This item is currently on loan to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Also, on display is a Victoria Cross one of the few not held in trust by the church.

    World War One Memorial Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    World War One Memorial
    Warriors' Chapel Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    Warriors’ Chapel
    World War One Medals Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    World War One Medals
    The Book of Gold Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle New South Wales Australia
    The Book of Gold

    Christ Church Cathedral is a great place to visit to take in the culture and history of Newcastle, while admiring this great building. If you are interested in World War One and its impact on communities, it offers some great insights, through its collection of artefacts and Warriors’ Chapel.

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

  • Muswellbrook New South Wales

    Muswellbrook New South Wales

    Muswellbrook

    Located in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, Muswellbrook is known for coal mining, horse breeding and a developing reputation for gourmet food and wine production.

    St James Catholic Church

    Our walk around Muswellbrook town centre started at St James Catholic Church. There is a car park nearby or in the street. This is a beautiful old church with a huge spire. 

    St James Catholic Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    St James Catholic Church

    St Alban’s Anglican Church

    St Alban’s Anglican Church is located on the opposite side of the rail line that runs through town. Only a short walk off Bridge Street, if you walk around the back you will find the old wooden spire preserved on the ground.

    St Alban's Anglican Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    St Alban’s Anglican Church

    Buildings on Bridge Street

    As you walk down Bridge street from Brooke St towards the railway bridge, you will find some old and interesting buildings.

    Masonic Lodge Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Masonic Lodge
    Uniting Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Uniting Church
    War Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    War Memorial
    School of Arts Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    School of Arts

    Presbyterian Church

    Presbyterian Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Presbyterian Church

    Street Art and Sculptures

    Street Art

    There are several pieces of street art on or near Bridge Street. The JTS Real Estate building has a mural on one side of the building and the barbecue in Simpsons Park has the sides covered in mosaics.

    • Street Art Outside JTS Realty Bridge St Muswellbrook
      Street Art Outside JTS Realty Bridge St Muswellbrook
    • Mosaic Decoration on the BBQ in Simpson Park
      Mosaic Decoration on the BBQ in Simpson Park

    Light Horseman Statue

    This bronze statue commemorates the men and horses of the light horse in World War One. You will find it at the intersection of Bridge and Brooke Streets. There are verses from the poem of the light horse etched into the concrete under the statue, which adds a huge amount to the understanding of these brave men.

    Light Horseman Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Light Horseman Memorial

    Small Cattle Dog Statue

    Also, on Bridge street is this small statue of a cattle dog. A cute little statue worth having a quick look at.

    Small Cattle Dog Statue Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Small Cattle Dog Statue

    The Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue

    Sitting on a plinth 2 m tall, this huge statue commemorates the contribution of the blue heeler to Australian rural life. Located on the main road at the intersection with Hill Street he’s hard to miss.

    Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue

    Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail

    The Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail runs from Muswellbrook to Denman and onto Sandy Hollow.

    In Muswellbrook, it starts outside of the Regional Arts Centre, where you will find a map of the trail and the first sculpture, the ANZAC Centenary Stone. From here you drive to Two Rivers Wines outside of Denman, before heading to David Mahoney’s Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at Sandy Hollow. If you are interested in the Sculpture Trail, read our post here.

    • Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map
      Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map
    • ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
      ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre

    Hunter Belle

    If you are in the mood for a taste of the local produce, Hunter Belle is a great spot to stop. Situated on the northern outskirts of the town on The New England Highway. Here you will find local cheeses and other produce that you can relax and eat with a nice cup of tea or coffee.

    Memorial Park

    Located north of Muswellbrook, Memorial Park contains memorials to both world wars, Vietnam and other conflicts. Adjacent to a rest area is the Vietnam Memorial, consisting of a 105 mm field gun and a roll of honour. 

    Located further north is the World War One memorial which has a 7.7 cm German field gun and 250 mm mortar.

    Nearest to town is a memorial to the National Servicemen.

    105mm Field Gun in Memorial Park Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    105mm Field Gun in Memorial Park
    Vietnam War Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
    Vietnam War Memorial
    M577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ARN
    M577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ARN

    St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days

    St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days is an annual event held just outside Muswellbrook. Held over a weekend it’s a great way to get up close to these amazing animals.

    The events run continually throughout the day so you are able to see all of the heavy horse breeds. We found the owners to be very friendly and happy for you to take photos of their horses.

    It was great to sit in the sun watching the competition or wandering around the stalls that were set up.

    A blacksmith had his forge there and put on a demonstration which was very interesting. Nearby was a woodcarver using a chainsaw to make sculptures. There were many stalls selling leather belts, saddles and lots of horse gear for sale. It was only $5 each to get in and there was lots of seating and a huge paddock for car parking.

    Shire Horse at St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days
    Blackmore Da Vinci a Shire Horse
    St Heliers Heavy horse Field Days
    St Heliers Heavy horse Field Days

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

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  • Barrington Tops National Park

    Barrington Tops National Park

    Barrington Tops National Park

    Aberdeen

    Our drive to the Barrington Tops started at Aberdeen in the NSW Hunter Valley.  This is a small town, famous for its Scottish heritage and its annual Highland Games.  Also of interest as you pass through the town is St Mark’s Church.

    • St Mark's Anglican Church Aberdeen NSW Australia
      St Mark’s Anglican Church

    Polblue Swamp Walk

    Polblue Swamp Walk can be started in either the camping ground, or the nearby day parking area.  The walk forms a loop that passes through both areas. This was a nice walk that took us 30 minutes to complete.  The loop, skirts the swamp area and passes through wooded area, over several creeks (with bridges) and finishes with a board walk over part of the swamp.

    We found the board walk to be the most interesting, as it had a variety of bird life and plants.

    • Polblue Swamp Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Polblue Swamp

    Devil’s Hole Lookout

    The track to Devils hole Lookout is very short (about 5 minutes) and paved. The view is amazing over the Barrington Tops, because the viewing platform is placed well. 

    • Devil's Hole Lookout Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Devil’s Hole Lookout
    • Devil's Hole Lookout Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Devil’s Hole Lookout

    Thunderbolt’s Lookout

    Thunderbolt’s Lookout gives views similar to Devils hole, but also has a more interesting walk to the viewing area. You pass ferns, huge trees, and part of the path is enclosed overhead with tree branches forming a passageway.

    • Thunderbolt's Lookout Track Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Thunderbolt’s Lookout Track

    Honeysuckle Walk

    Honeysuckle Walk was our favourite in the Barrington Tops, because of its wonderful trees and undergrowth. The walk starts at the Honeysuckle Picnic Ground and then loops around through the forest before returning to the picnic area.

    The walk passes through Antarctic beech forest with an undergrowth of tree ferns. Many of the trees have moss covered trunks are a spectacular sight. This walk took us 30 minutes, but could be quicker if you don’t stop to admire the surroundings.

    • Honeysuckle Walk Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Moss Covered Trunk
    • Honeysuckle Walk Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Honeysuckle Walk
    • Honeysuckle Walk Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Honeysuckle Walk
    • Fern Understory Honeysuckle Walk Honeysuckle Walk Barrington Tops National Park NSW Australia
      Fern Understory Honeysuckle Walk

    Mountain Maid Gold Mine

    Hidden Treasure track is an easy walk through dry rain forest following Copeland Creek beneath the rain forest canopy. This hike also takes you past remnants of the area’s mining history. Along the track you will pass mine adits that have been barred shut. Some are now home to micro bats and you can smell the guano from the entrance.

    We took 90 minutes to complete this track. Be careful of the signage and take a map (or photograph the map at the start of the walk), because some signs are not obvious.

    The Basin Loops track takes 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours and is an extension of the Hidden Treasure track.  We didn’t have time to complete this one, so left it for another day.

    • Giant Fig Tree
    • Mountain Maid Gold Mine Entrance Hidden Treasure Track Copeland Tops State Conservation Area NSW Australia
      Mountain Maid Gold Mine Entrance
    • Hidden Treasure Track Copeland Tops State Conservation Area NSW Australia
      Hidden Treasure Track

    What Did We Think?

    Our trip finished in Gloucester, where we had a late lunch at a cafe on the main street before the drive home. The Barrington Tops was a great day out with some lovely walks and scenery. There are many places to stop and admire the scenery as well as walks for beginners to the more adventurous.

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