Located on the South Coast of New South Wales Australia near Norooma, the Glasshouse Rocks are a collection of sea stacks just off the coast. An excellent way to view them is from the adjacent headland which provides a great bird’s eye view. The Glasshouse Rocks Trail goes along the headland to a viewing point as well as having a side access track to the beach.
The trail starts at the Norooma Cemetery before heading south along the headland. Remember to be careful on the track as it is sometimes close to the cliffs edge.
Not far along the track, a small trail branches off to the left heading down to the beach. This is the way to go if you want to see the Glasshouse Rocks up close. It’s best to do this at low tide so that you get to see them better. Otherwise, at this point, continue along the headland and you will come across a great view of the rocks.
The walking trackTree on the trackPrincess Beach with cemetery on the headlandThe Glasshouse RocksNarooma Beach and The Glasshouse RocksThe Glasshouse RocksThe Glasshouse Rocks
We have driven past Lake George in New South Wales on the Federal Highway numerous times but never stopped. However with recent rains (during 2024), the water level is high, so we took the opportunity to stop see the views and look at the three different rest stops for VC recipients.
Lake George
Located next to the Federal Highway, around 40km from Canberra, Australia, Lake George is an endorheic lake which means it has no outflow of water to rivers and oceans. Originally, small streams drained its catchment into the Yass River, but then the Lake George Escarpment rose due to major crust movement along a strong fault line, blocking this drainage and forming the lake. Due to high levels of evaporation and only a small catchment area the lake never overflows.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system. It is awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy” to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It has no been superseded by the Victoria Cross for Australia.
Badcoe VC Rest Area
Between 23 February to 7 April 1967, Badcoe repeatedly performed extraordinary feats. While under fire he attacked across open ground; he rescued an American adviser; he captured a machine-gun; he led attacks; and he provided leadership and an example to wavering troops. He was eventually killed by a burst of enemy fire as he rose to throw a grenade. “His valour and leadership were in the highest traditions of the military profession and the Australian Regular Army.” He was buried at Terendak Cemetery, Malaysia.
Badcoe was awarded the Victoria Cross, service medals for the Vietnam War, the United States Silver Star, the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the South Vietnamese Wound Medal.
View over Lake George from the Shaded seats and table at the Badcoe VC Rest AreaInformation board at the Badcoe VC rest area
Wheatley VC Rest Area
On 13 November 1965 Wheatley and Warrant Officer Ronald Swanton, were operating in the Tra Bong valley. Their platoon came under heavy fire and Swanton was shot. Although he knew his mate was dying, Wheatley refused to leave him. Again urged to withdraw, Wheatley would not. Instead, he pulled the pins from two grenades and waited for the enemy. Two explosions were heard, followed by bursts of fire; both men were killed. Wheatley’s refusal to leave a mate was seen to be in the highest traditions of gallantry. His body was returned to Australia for burial.
Wheatley was awarded the Victoria Cross, the General Service Medal (for Malaya), service medals for the Vietnam War, the United States Silver Star, and South Vietnamese awards.
View over the lake from the Wheatley VC Rest AreaInformation board at the Wheatley VC Rest Area
Anderson VC Rest Area
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in command of the 2/19th Battalion against the Japanese invading force at Muar, Malaya in January 1942.
Cut off, surrounded and without support, Anderson led attacks against road-blocks, and enemy positions and organised his troops’ forced retreat to Singapore. Anderson was taken prisoner by the Japanese along with the remnants of the 2/19th – just 180 men from a full strength of 900. He was held captive for three years, first in Changi prison then on the Thai-Burma railway. He returned to Australia in 1945, resuming his life as a grazier, but also entering federal politics.
Looking over the lake from the Anderson VC Rest AreaView over the lake at Commemoration Monument to the VC medalists on the Federal Highway
What Did We Think
These were all well maintained rest areas with nice views over the lake. With places to sit they make a great place to recover while on a long drive. As a bonus you get to read about the gallantry of some of Australia’s service personnel.
Open until the 23rd of February 2025 at the Australian Museum in Sydney, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is a unique opportunity to experience Andean culture in Sydney. With over 130 artifacts from five Peruvian Empires to see it’s an amazing experience.
Getting There
The Domain carpark is the closest secure parking spot to the museum, being only a ten-minute walk away.
Getting there using Sydney’s public transport system is easy, with the Museum, St James and Town Hall train stations all within a ten-minute walk of the museum. Bus stops along Elizabeth Street, next to Hyde Park are another great option to get there.
Tickets
Access to the exhibition is by paid ticket. As this is proving to be very popular, it’s advisable to book ahead online to ensure you get in.
The Exhibition
Everyone starts with a short audio-visual presentation explaining the history and mythology of the Peruvian Empires. It concentrates primarily on the Mocha-culture and its hero-god Ai Apaec.
Once the presentation is complete, access to the displays is left to your own timing. An hour is recommended, but it would be easy to take longer. The initial exhibits show the beautiful craftmanship used to make jewelry, pottery and other objects. Many of them depict the struggles of Ai Apaec who ensures the return of the rains each season.
The final exhibits are magnificent gold funerary and religious regalia. Only the most important members of society were allowed to wear these gold and silver items. Being buries with them carried their status into the after life.
What Did We Think?
If you have an interest in history or South America, this is a must-see while it’s in Sydney. The amazing range of exhibits, particularly the gold regalia makes this a highly recommended exhibition to visit.
Stele representing a Goddess Chavin Culture 1250 BCE – 100 BCECrystal drop necklace Moche Culture 100-800 CEOwl God ceramic pitcher Moche Culture 100-800 CEWarrior Lord. Ceramic stirrup spout bottle. Moche Culture 100-800C.E.Flaring Bowl showing episodes of the mythological epic of Ai Apaec Moche Culture 100-800 C.E.Priest’s Head stirrup-spout bottle. Moche culture 100-800C.E.Ear flares featuring a mosaic bird warrior Mocha Culture 100-800C.E.Gold Crown. Chimu culture 1100-1470C.E.Tumi, a ceremonial sacrifice knife. Moche Culture 100-800C.E.Ceremonial Cup with Mythological Fertility Scenes Lambayeque Culture 700-1300 C.E.Gold imperial regalia. Likely from one of the nine rulers of the Chimu Empire. 1100-1470C.E.Warrior’s armour. Moche Culture 100-800C.E.Funerary crown Vicus Culture 100-400 CE
