Destination's Journey

Tag: Australia

  • Maitland Steamfest 2023

    Maitland Steamfest 2023

    Maitland Steamfest 2023

    This took place on 29 and 30 April 2023 in Maitland, New South Wales. Maitland Steamfest 2023 was a festival of steam and industrial heritage. The festival celebrates Maitland’s rich steam and industrial history, which dates back to the 19th century when the city was a major coal mining and railway centre. Featuring a diverse program of family friendly entertainment, with a steam theme (well generally but not always) it was a great day out.

    Train Rides

    Several historic steam engines made their way to Maitland for the festival, providing rides around the Hunter Valley’s nearby towns. Starting at the Maitland train station, we arrived just in time to see the Garratt 6029 leaving. The photo below shows how well maintained the train is despite its age. It was great to be able to get close while it was running, but the noise when it let off steam was deafening.

    Steam Locomotive Beyer Garratt #6029
    Steam Locomotive Beyer Garratt #6029

    The Rally Ground

    Across the road from the train station, the rally ground had displays of antique machinery such as traction engines, portable engines and steam rollers. Most of the steam engines were running and demonstrating how they operated. Several were also driving around a loop track outside the rally ground.

    Foden steam truck
    Foden steam truck
    Traction engine giving joyrides Maitland Steamfest 2023
    Traction engine giving joyrides
    Traction engine doing loops around the other displays
    Traction engine doing loops around the other displays
    Traction engine giving joyrides Maitland Steamfest 2023
    Joyrides on a traction engine
    Steam traction engine
    Steam traction engine
    Line up of steam engines Maitland Steamfest 2023
    Line up of steam engines

    Steampunk and Town Crier

    We found several steampunk enthusiasts wandering through the grounds, along with a town crier who were all happy to pose to photos. They also had a display tent selling steampunk themed merchandise. They all seemed to be having a great time and staying in character.

    An area was set aside where blacksmiths demonstrated their skills, which apparently are in high demand again and is a growing in popularity as a profession again.

    Steampunk lady Maitland Steamfest 2023
    Steampunk lady
    Steampunk gentlemen
    Steampunk gentlemen
    Town Crier
    Town Crier

    Vintage Military Display

    One of the not quite steam related display was a large collection of military equipment in the middle of the rally ground. They were a great addition to the other displays and had a huge crowd looking at them. With no barriers, we were able to get very close and see inside most of them.

    Willys Jeep Maitland Steamfest 2023
    Willys Jeep
    Ferret armoured car
    Ferret armoured car
    Volkswagen Type 82 Kübelwagen Maitland Steamfest 2023
    Volkswagen Type 82 Kübelwagen
    Humvee
    Humvee

    What Did We Think of Maitland Steamfest 2023?

    We had a great day out at Steamfest because of the relaxed atmosphere and variety of thing to see. All things steam from trains to traction engines and steampunk people.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

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

  • Balmoral Beach

    Balmoral Beach

    Balmoral Beach

    Balmoral Beach is a picturesque and popular beach located on the north shore of Sydney Harbour, Australia. It’s a great place to swim, relax or just take in the scenery.

    Getting There

    During busy time like weekends and public holidays, the area can be very busy, so getting there early might be a good idea. Using public transport requires several changes of buses, trams and ferries, depending on where you leave from. Only the 114 and 238 busses stop at the beach, with the 238 connecting to the wharf at Taronga Zoo, enabling you to get the ferry from Circular Quay.

    Balmoral Beach

    The main attraction, in the area is of course the beautiful beach. The sheltered waters are a great place to relax and swim. Along the foreshore, a variety of eateries offer places for snacks and meals. The old Bathers’ Pavilion is now a restaurant, with views over the beach while you eat. Strictly speaking this area is Edwards Beach, as there is a name change around Rocky Point Island.

    Bathers Pavilion
    Bathers Pavilion.

    Rocky Point Island

    Located just offshore and at the north end of the beach, Rocky Point Island was one of the reason we visited. Not only does it have great views along the coast and back to the beach, but it is accessed via a unique foot bridge. This bridge allows access to the island during high tide while providing a great backdrop for photos. It’s very popular for wedding photos as well.

    Arch bridge to Rocky Point Island Balmoral Beach
    Arch bridge to Rocky Point Island.
    Arched bridge to Rocky Point Island
    Arched bridge to Rocky Point Island.
    View to Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point Island
    View to Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point Island.
    View to Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point Island

    Balmoral Wharf

    Built in the early 1900s, the circular Balmoral Pier is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The water enclosed by the pier is a sheltered and safe spot to swim and we saw a lot of families with small children using it. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the restaurants or cafes located on the wharf, while taking in the stunning views of the harbour.

    The Circular Wharf Balmoral Beach
    The Circular Wharf.

    Tramway Cutting

    Located in Lawry Plunkett Reserve and opposite Balmoral Beach is an old tramway cutting, built in the early 1900s to provide easy access to the beach for visitors. Unfortunately it was removed, as it would make access to the area far easier. Today, the tramway cutting is a pedestrian walkway that runs along the eastern side of the beach, providing a scenic route for walkers and joggers.

    We accessed the park from Botanic Road, but there are entrances from all of the surrounding streets. Following the path through the reserve led us to the old cutting, which is near the Esplanade entrance. Several pieces of old track are still present, but most has been removed. This was an interesting place to see and nice to see that a small part was preserved.

    Remains of the old tracks in the tramway cutting Balmoral Beach
    Remains of the old tracks in the tramway cutting.
    Old control wheel cemented into the rocks
    Old control wheel cemented into the rocks.
    Walking track through Lawry Plunket Reserve Balmoral Beach
    Walking track through Lawry Plunket Reserve.
    The White Flower by Christopher Hodges
    The White Flower by Christopher Hodges.

    What Else to do in the Area?

    From here we walked part of the Hedland Park Walking Track which has fantastic views over Sydney Harbour. We had a great day here walking along the beach and it’s surroundings, and finished it off with a great walk.

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

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Headland Park Walking Track

    Headland Park Walking Track

    Headland Park Walking Track

    The Headland Park Walking Track is a scenic and historic trail that runs from Balmoral Beach to Georges Head in Mosman, Sydney, Australia. The walking track is approximately 4.5 kilometers in length and offers stunning views of the harbour and surrounding coastline. The portion we walked was approximately 2 kilometers long.

    Starting at Balmoral Beach the track winds its way along the coast, passing through beautiful parks and natural landscapes. As you make their way along the trail, you pass several historic landmarks as well as outstanding views of Sydney and the Harbour.

    How to Get There

    We parked at Balmoral Beach where we found a long duration park area. This was great because most of the parking there had a 2 hour limit which is not long enough. Sign posts placed along the track give direction to the differing destinations you can get to. Well maintained, the track varies from flat sections to very steep ones. The climb up from Balmoral takes in around 300 steps. Although more spaced out on the other side of the ridge, it descends another 300 steps. Remember you will need to climb them all again on the return walk.

    Sign Post
    Signs on the Track
    Stone steps
    Stone steps on the Walking Track
    Track
    Part of the Track

    Spectacular Views

    If the going starts to get tough, there are many places to stop , relax and take in the spectacular views over Sydney Harbour. If you take some snacks and drinks, it’s a great place to stop and refuel.

    View Over Sydney Harbour from the Headland Park Walking Track
    View Over Sydney Harbour

    Georges Head Battery

    The Georges Head Battery is a historic military installation that dates back to the early 1900s. It was built to protect Sydney Harbour from possible attacks during times of war. The battery features a range of structures, including gun emplacements, ammunition stores, and command posts. Visitors can explore the site and learn about its history through interpretive signs and displays.

    There are more great views from here too, with the main CBD area and Circular Quay in Sydney visible.

    Cannon emplacement overlooking Sydney Harbour at Georges Head
    Cannon emplacement overlooking Sydney Harbour at Georges Head
    View Over Sydney Harbour from Georges Head
    View Over Sydney Harbour from Georges Head

    Gunners’ Barracks

    Another significant feature of the Headland Park Walking Track is the Gunners’ Barracks, which is a historic building built in the early 1800s. The building served as a barracks for soldiers stationed at Georges Head Battery, and later as a residence for military officers. Today, the Gunners’ Barracks has been restored and transformed into a luxury restaurant and event space, offering visitors a unique dining experience with stunning views of the harbor.

    From Georges’ Head you can look down onto the restored buildings before continuing along the track.

    Gunners' Barracks Headland Park Walking Track
    Gunners’ Barracks

    6 Inch Gun Battery

    Georges Heights 6 Inch Gun Battery was constructed in the early 1900s and was designed to protect the entrance to Sydney Harbour from naval attack. Steep sections around the gun emplacement are fenced off, but access available about 20m further along the track. This allows you to enter the emplacement and see the gun up close. If you miss the gun and see the sculpture park, you have gone too far. The gun site is almost directly in front of the Sculpture Park.

    6-Inch guns emplacement Headland Park Walking Track
    6-Inch guns emplacement

    Sculpture Park

    The Headland Park Walking Track also features a sculpture park, which is home to a range of contemporary art installations by Australian and international artists. Scattered around a large grassed area, the sculptures are surrounded by buildings that used to house military personnel who manned the local guns.

    Sculpture
    Wooden Sculpture Headland Park Walking Track
    Wooden Sculpture
    Sculpture Headland Park Walking Track
    Sculpture
    Sculpture Headland Park Walking Track
    Sculpture
    Old Military Buildings
    Old Military Buildings

    Chowder Bay

    We ended our walk at Chowder Bay on Sydney Harbour. Several cafés and restaurants with views of the harbour give you a choice of places to eat. We bought take away coffees and drank them overlooking the small beach before tackling the return walk.

    Overall, the Headland Park Walking Track is a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, nature, and art.