Providing an excellent opportunity to see some of the Royal Australian Navy’s ships up close, Fleet Base East Open Day 2024 was held on 25 February 2024.
Although ticketed so as to control numbers, entry was free and commenced at 10:00am. After a quick ticket and bag check at security we were allowed onto the base. Three ships were open to visitors, HMAS Arunta, Hobart and Canberra, although others were present and viewable from the dock. The RAN also had displays along the dock, showing their capabilities, career options and roles available.
HMAS Hobart (DDG 39)
HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)
1. HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)2. HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)The 127mm Gun of HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk based on HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)Crest of HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)Motto of HMAS Arunta (FFH 151
HMAS Canberra (L02)
The Well Deck of HMAS Canberra L02 from OutsideHMAS Canberra L02 Looking Through the Well Deck to HMAS Sydney DDG 42Looking Through the Well Deck of HMAS Canberra L02 to HMAS Sydney DDG 42HMAS Canberra L02 With a Landing Craft in the Well DeckAustralian Army Truck on the Cargo Deck of HMAS Canberra L02 HMAS Canberra L02 BridgeThe Ski Jump of HMAS Canberra L02
HMAS Sydney (DDG 42)
1. HMAS Sydney (DDG 42)2. HMAS Sydney (DDG 42)3. HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) Stern4. HMAS Canberra L02 Looking Through the Well Deck to HMAS Sydney DDG 42
Located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Lennox Gardens in the Australian capital Canberra has several distinct areas gifted to Australia by foreign governments. Additionally it contains several memorials while being a beautiful place to relax.
Nara Peace Park
Gifted to the people of Canberra by the Japanese city of Nara, this small garden contains many traditional elements particularly the large number of decorative trees. Throughout the park, are two stone lanterns and other sculptures.
The tranquility of the garden is wonderful and a great place to wander through.
Traditional wooden gate entrance to the Japanese GardensKasuga lantern in the Canberra Nara Peace Park
Beijing Garden
The Canberra Beijing Garden was a gift from the Beijing Municipal Council. Designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty it has a traditional Chinese gate to welcome visitors while meandering paths lead past sculptures and a pavilion.
Traditional Chinese gate to welcome visitors to the Canberra Beijing Garden Reverse side of the Chinese gate Replica statue of the Bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying SwallowAzure Dragon representing east and spring
JNF Israel Garden
Memorial to the Centenary of Australia and the Centenary of the Jewish National Fund
Spanish Civil War Memorial
This is a small memorial to Australians who fought in the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 139.
Spanish Civil War Memorial
Canberra Rotary Peace Bell
The Rotary Club of Canberra undertook a fund raising exercise to install a peace bell within the Nara Peace Park precinct. This was done in partnership with the World Peace Bell Association.
Although outdated and no longer in use, the Maitland Gaol in NSW Australia is now a tourist attraction. Several options are available when visiting, guided tours, self guided tours or a guard tower tour. We chose the last option, as this takes you up onto the walls of the gaol, providing better views over the buildings. The guide also gives a commentary full of interesting information. Additionally, you can do the self guided tour when you finish on the walls.
Getting There
Located in East Maitland NSW Australia, the gaol has its own car park, so self -drive is usually not a problem.
Watch Towers
Before undertaking the tour, a safety talk ensures that you understand the risks and behaviour expected. The main risks are heights and enclosed spaces. These are all managed with guard rails, but if you suffer from heights and enclosed spaces, the guard tower tour might not be for you.
Climbing to the top of the tower is via a modern metal spiral staircase inside one of the towers. Once at the top, you are safely enclosed by a metal frame and mesh wire. The view from the top is amazing, providing views over the gaol. The hour long tour took us along the walls where guards used to patrol and through several towers.
Guard TowerStairs up to the watch towerOuter WallWalkway on the wallDividing Wall and Razor Wire
Prison Cells
Originally opening in December 1848, Maitland Gaol did not close until January 1998. By this time it no longer met community standards.
The cells and exercise yards are open for visitors to explore where you get to see the conditions the prisoners were held in. The rooms are small and basic reflecting the times in which they were built.
Gaol CellsGaol CellB-Wing CellsExercise Area
Buildings
Built of sandstone, the buildings are impressive in size and certainly look substantial and difficult to escape from.
In addition to the cell blocks, there is a chapel with stain glass windows where religious services took place weekly.
As the number of prisoners increased over time, the gaol expanded. This is best seen from the guard towers where the original wall now runs down the centre of the gaol forming a dividing wall.
At this time a building for female prisoners was added. It originally had a balcony and doors facing into the gaol. Later, the women were relocated to another facility and the balcony was removed and the doors filled in. Different coloured sandstone in the walls shows where this happened.
A-Wing and the ChapelLooking at A-Wing from the Watch TowerDividing Wall and Razor WireThe old Female Section (rear) and day-cells. The different sandstone blocks show where the doorways onto the balcony used to be.Stained Glass Windows in the ChapelThe Kitchen Workers’ Cells
Other Buildings Nearby
Opposite the gaol is the East Maitland Courthouse. This building is still operating as a children’s’ court, so access is restricted. However, if the court is closed, you can enter the carpark and see the front facade.
Located next to the gaol on Lindesay Street are the old Mounted Police Barracks. Used by the Maitland and Beyond Family Heritage, it is generally closed to the public. However the outside of the buildings can be viewed from the road.
East Maitland Court HouseMounted Police BarracksMounted Police Barracks