Situated in the western suburbs of Newcastle, the Minmi cemetery, records the early history of coal mining in the district. Time and weather have faded many headstone to the point where they can no longer be read. This adds to the atmosphere of the area however, as it gives you a feeling for its age.
Dating from the mid-1800s some of the graves record the tragic deaths of workers in the coal mines, showing how dangerous it was. Well maintained and easily accessed, this was an interesting place to visit.
GravesAn Old Weathered HeadstoneSome of the GravesThe Cemetery
We Can Be Heroes is a photographic exhibition by Australia’s best music photographers, making it a must see for music fans. On display at the Newcastle Art Gallery until 14 February 2021.
From local talent to international superstars, there will someone you recognise. Artists such as David Bowie, The Preachers and Midnight Oil were on display. We had a great time walking around the displays, because it not only shows artists on stage, but also shows behind the scenes shots.
Silverchair’s Neon Ballroom is there, along with chairs to sit on in front of it. A wall covered in promotional posters for shows was interesting to look at, because you could see adds for shows from the past.
This display takes up the top floor, as this is where the special exhibitions go. The lower floor was not accessible, because the gallery was rotating its display, bringing some its stored items out, which will be nice to see when completed.
The Aberdare South Colliery operated from 1913 to 1927, making it long abandoned. All that remains of the old mine are the winder house and chimney, but these make the trip worthwhile, so that you can see some of the original industry of the Hunter Valley.
Getting There
Located in the village of Abernethy, the best place to start the walk is from Abernethy House, an old pub now operating as a guest house. Cars can park in a small cleared area opposite the house. This is convenient, because it is at the start of the walking track. The track is not suitable for two wheel drive vehicles, as the road is not well maintained. When we were there, it was badly rutted and eroded by heavy rain, making four wheel drive vehicle access impossible as well.
Abernethy House From the Car Park
The Track
Follow the track until you pass an intersection to the left. At this point, keep walking along the main track until you come to a second track to the left, which you take. This track, will lead you to a dam on the left hand side at which point you will also see a large chimney.
After rain the tack is muddy and rutted by previous traffic, which makes is rough in places. Be careful how you walk as some places are slippery and covered in water. Even if the weather is dry, the road will be badly rutted.
Access Track After Rain
Access Track After Rain
The Old Winder House at the Aberdare South Abandoned Mine
Once an impressive building, the old winder house is now a ruin with the roof and floor collapsed. Even in this state it is fun to look around and take pictures, as long as you are careful.
The interior was overgrown with grass and the collapsed floor and old basement were full of water, so we didn’t go inside. We were also wary of the surrounding area as the grass was very long and we were concerned about snakes.
Inside the Winder House
Outside the Winder House
The Old Ruined Winder House
The Chimney
Still standing after 100 year, the chimney is starting to look old, as the brickwork has cracks making it look unstable. Standing in the middle of the bush, it looks out of place, making it a unique and interesting photo opportunity.
Old Chimney at the Mine Site
The Dam and Returning to The Start
Once we had looked around the chimney and winder house, we followed the track down to the dam, which was full of water and surrounded by eucalyptus trees. From here, we walked around the dam until we found the track which took us back to our car. This track is the first one we passed on the way in, allowing us to do the walk as a circuit.
View Over the Dam
Things to be Aware Of
We aware that snakes are common in the area, so be careful around long grass. The old buildings are not maintained, so are unstable, particularly inside the winder house.
What Did We Think?
This was a great place to visit, because of the unusual sight of abandoned mine buildings. The walk was short and quite easy, despite the wet ground.
