On display at the Newcastle Lock-Up until 5 February 2023, “Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt” by Alex Seton was specifically made for the cells of the Lock-Up. The title of the show refers to Kurt Vonnegut’s anti-war novel “Slaughterhouse-Five” about the fire bombing of Dresden that dislocates linear time.
These beautiful artworks are worth the visit and with free entry it’s even better. We had a great time here, slowly walking around the exhibits.
Our previous visit to the Lock-Up can be found here. It details the building’s history and shows the rooms and cells with no artwork installed.
Old Gaol Cellsby Alex SetonEverything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Alex SetonThe Amber of this Moment by Alex Setonby Alex SetonStill Very Much Alive in the Past by Alex SetonStill Very Much Alive in the Past by Alex SetonPillar of Salt by Alex Seton
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
In the 1860s Britain removed its garrison troops from its Australian colonies, which resulted in a rapid examination of the colonies’ defenses. Britain’s war with Russia escalated fears of an invasion (not sure how Russia was going to send an invasion force all the way to Australia). As a result two Imperial Engineers arrived (Scratchley who also designed Fort Scratchley in Newcastle and Jervois). Between them and with the assistance of colonial architects they devised a series of forts to defend the coastline and major centres. One of these was Bare Island.
With excellent views over the entrance to Botany Bay, Bare Island was perfectly placed to guard against an overland attack of Sydney. Manned by around 70 soldiers it served as a fort from it’s completion in 1886 until the early 1900s. With changing technology, the fort became a war veterans’ home until 1942 when the military again took up residence.
Bare Island Fort Today
Unfortunately during the 1930s all but the two largest guns were sold for scrap. The largest guns remain only because they were too heavy to move. In 1967, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) were given control of the now gazetted historical site. In 1989, the fort opened to the public.
Getting There
We drove to La Perouse and parked in the foreshore parking area. From here we walked over the pedestrian bridge to Bare Island.
The Tour
NPWS conduct guided tours of the island, which can be booked online. Joining a tour at the entrance gate is possible, but only if there is room. Book onlie to avoid disappointment.
Access to the island is via a pedestrian bridge. Your guide will meet you at the far end of the bridge and let you through the gates. From here, the tour takes you through the gun pits, tunnels and rooms of the fort. The guide provides a narration throughout the tour, so you receive the full history of the island.
From the top of the island, you get amazing views of Botany Bay, while being able to appreciate the importance of the fort as it overlooks the bay’s entrance.
What Did We Think of Bare Island?
This was a great tour, full of history and interesting things to see. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, providing us with lots of information on the Island’s history. Especially good was the group size, which was no so large that you missed out on seeing things.
The external walls of the fortified island Bare IslandExternal wallsThe connecting bridgeRifle slots in the wallsVerandah of the BarracksConnecting tunnel between gun pitsunderground gun, firing through a concealed gunportConnecting tunnel and magazine accessOne of the gun pitsGun mounted on one of the gun platforms.Disappearing gun pitThis shows the commanding field of fire the gun had to the entrance to Port Botany.Gun pit with a view of the connecting bridge to the islandView from Bare Island to the mainland. Aboriginal, Australian and NSW flags.
Held at Bondi Beach, this annual event (with past disruptions due to Covid) attracts sculptors from all over the World. Running from South Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach, the 2 km walk had over 100 sculptures on display. Sculptures by the Sea 2022 ran from 21 October – 7 November 2022.
Getting to Bondi Beach
Parking at Bondi can often be a problem, with limited spaces and high popularity combining to make it difficult. We were lucky and found a space in the main carpark next to the beach. From here we walked past the Bondi Icebergs Club and followed the path along the coast.
Alternatively, catch a train to Bondi Junction where a bus runs to Bondi Beach.
Be prepared for crowds because this is a very popular event. Although our photos don’t show it, there were hundreds of people moving along the walkways enjoying the sculptures.
The Sculptures
As usual there was a huge number of sculptures on display and they looked amazing with the ocean backdrop. Some of our favorites are shown below.
Next year’s event will run from 20 October – 6 November 2023.
A Wounded Land by Suzie Bleach & Andrew TownsendHeads It Is, by Paul CapornFolly Interstice by Tony DavisHorn Of Vicissitude by Marcus TattonOushi Zokei–Infinity by Keizo UshioShо̄gun by Nigel DobsonOur Love Touches The Sky by Ayad AlqaragholliSelfish by Juan Pablo Pinto & Cristian RojasWeightless 9 by Andrew RogersPivot by Donna MarcusDeep Sea Bloom by Danni BryantHotbed Twilight by Sivaan Lansdowne WalkerA Scene-Dedicated To Handels, ‘The Water Music 20-1 by Takeshi TanabeTidal Body, by April Pine
