Located at Corlette in Port Stephens NSW Australia the Anchorage Marina and its associated luxury hotel overlook the beautiful Karuah River while only being a short walk or drive to Nelson Bay.
We stopped here to look at the sculptures on display and see the views over the river.
Public parking is available next to the hotel and adjacent to a playground. If you have young children this is a great place to let them burn off some energy after a car ride.
Although access to the hotel is restricted to guests, the water front and break walls are open to the public.
The first sculpture is an amazing sail fish, which is next to the playground. Scattered along the marina five sculptures by Gillie and Marc, featuring their Rabbit Woman and Dog Man can be found. Two are interactive, allowing you to sit on the bike or bench for a photo.
People were fishing on both break walls during our visit and seemed to be doing well. Several young families were enjoying themselves on Corlette Beach which is next to the marina.
This was a quick stop for us to see the artwork, but families could make a day of it fishing and relaxing on the beach.
Boats in the marinaLooking over the Karuah RiverSailfish sculptureTandem Lovers by Gillie and MarcThe Friendship Bench by Gillie and MarcCoffee Friends by Gillie and MarcPaparazzi Pack by Gillie and MarcThey would swim until they couldn’t stop by Gillie and Marc
Children’s playground
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Completed in 1816 Parliament House in Sydney houses the Government of the state of New South Wales Australia. Originally a hospital, the central section of the façade is a two story Georgian building. When built, no funds were available to Governor Macquarie so he arranged funding via the importation of 60,000 gallons of rum licensed to a group of merchants. In return for the license, they built the hospital.
From 1829, the Legislature occupied the building, which had primarily been used as the residence of the chief surgeon. As the size of the colony of New South Wales expanded, so did the number of parliamentary representatives. As a result, north and south extensions were made for the old Legislative Council (now Legislative Assembly) Chamber in 1843 and the current Legislative Council Chamber in 1856.
Since then numerous additions and modifications have been made to the building. Despite many plans over the years, it remains one of the least grand parliament buildings in Australia, primarily due to its original design as a hospital.
Getting There
Situated in the centre of the Sydney CBD means that getting to Parliament House is quite easy. Several buses stop nearby in Macquarie Street, while the closest station is Martin Place.
We visited during Sydney is Open so access to otherwise closed areas was available. In addition, volunteers were stationed throughout the building answering questions and providing invites into the workings of State Government.
Parliament of New South WalesWaiting room with busts of past parliamentariansMarble staircase
Legislative Assembly
Being modelled on the British Westminster System, the Legislative Assembly is the lower house of government and corresponds to the House of Commons, (or the Australian Federal Government House of Representatives). As such, the colour of the carpet and seats is green.
This chamber of parliament debates legislation before it is sent to the Legislative Council and then the Governor for approval. The Governor is the British Monarch’s representative and is appointed by the NSW Parliament.
Legislative AssemblyLegislative AssemblyThe mace of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales
Legislative Council
The upper house of the NSW Parliament is the Legislative Council, whose primary colour is red, following the tradition of the British House of Lords.
Legislation passed by the lower house is debated here and either retired to the Legislative Assembly or forwarded to the NSW Governor if approved.
Legislative CouncilLegislative CouncilUsher of the Black Rod
The Library – Now the Jubilee Room
Although now used for meetings and functions, the Jubilee Room holds a significant collection of historical records, along with the only state government archive.
In addition to the amazing collection of books on the shelves, the stained glass ceiling is amazing.
Parliamentary LibraryStain-glass ceiling of the Parliamentary Library
Fountain Courtyard
The Fountain Courtyard is one of the most recent additions to Parliament House, having been added in 1983. Located around the fountain on the surrounding walls is part of the parliamentary art collection as well as temporary displays. A significant portion of the display is by indigenous artists, forming the Reconciliation Wall.
Fountain CourtIndiginous Art on Reconciliation Wall in Fountain CourtReconciliation Wall in Fountain CourtIndiginous Art on Reconciliation Wall in Fountain Court
What Did We Think?
This was a great visit because it was a good way to learn about the history of government in NSW as well as seeing both Chambers of Parliament. If you want to see how our government works, there is no better place to visit.
Maitland Australia in the New South Wales Hunter Valley has been adding to its collection of street art. The Maitland City Council has been active in promoting the placement of the artworks to brighten up some otherwise dull laneways and side streets. If you arrive by train the first artwork you see is the Welcome to Maitland sign opposite the train station.
Maitland Sign near the train station
Connecting High Street to The Levee and Hunter River
Located in lanes connecting the mall to the Levee, many of the works have a connectivity or flowing theme. Covering both sides of Preschool Lane,’ Passing On’ by Patrick Hunter represents the impact of humans on the environment.
Painted by Alex Umpel, ‘Take Me to the River’ located in Drill Hall Lane highlights Maitland’s unique relationship with the Hunter River and acts as a direct link between High Street and the riverside walk.
Created by Patricia Van Lubeck, ‘The New One’ is one of the original artworks installed between High street and the Levee.
Passing On in Preschool Lane by Alex HunterTake Me To The River in Drill Hall Lane by Alex UmpelTake Me To The River in Drill Hall Lane by Alex Umpel‘The New One’ at the Levee
Stillbury Lane
Duck Mural in Stillbury LaneFrog Mural in Stillbury LaneMural in Stillbury LaneShark mural in Stillbury LaneDog mural in Stillbury LaneTriceratops in Stillbury Lane
Other Street Art Around Maitland
Maitland’s history gets represented several times in Lee and Elgin Streets. Painted by Patricia Van Lubeck the Lee Street mural looks like a circuit board but actually represents the pipes and fittings of the gas works that previously occupied a nearby site.
Inspired by local scenery in Maitland and featuring a South Maitland Railway 10 Class Steam Engine hauling coal the mural located on the side of Hunter Studios at Elgin Street, the second mural was curated by Newcastle artist Mitch Revs.
Flow by Art Studio Amsterdam in Lee StWish You Were Here by Hunter Studios at Elgin Street
The annual Maitland Aroma Festival which celebrates coffee and chocolate, along with local wine and many other types of local produce has its own mural. This mural can be found in the Riverside Carpark.
Jenny & June by Keo Match for the Maitland Aroma Festival. In the Maitland Riverside Carpark
Maitland Riverside Plaza
Located in the underground carpark, these murals represent local birdlife.
Rosella Maitland Riverside Plaza CarparkRosella Maitland Riverside Plaza CarparkKookaburra Maitland Riverside Plaza Carpark
Probably the original and most famous example of Maitland’s street art is the Indian Root Pill tin shed. Located on the road to Morpeth, it’s a local landmark because its distinctive colour stands out in the surrounding farmland.
Painted Shed Indian Root Pills on the Way to Morpeth
