Located a 20-minute drive north of Forster-Tuncurry on the New South Walesmid-north coast, the Big Tap is another of Australia’s Big Things that are dotted around the country. We drove along The Lakes Way heading out of Tuncurry. On the way, we passed through what the map called The Big Roundabout. It is a roundabout but is not that big, so we didn’t bother stopping.
The side closest to the Big Tap had a cleared spot where several cars could stop. As it’s located on a farmer’s property you can’t get close, so we viewed it from the fence line.
An interesting attraction and worth stopping to see if you are trying to see Australia’s big things.
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.
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.Arched bridge to 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.
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.Old control wheel cemented into the rocks.Walking track through Lawry Plunket Reserve.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.
Located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, Port Macquarie is a favourite tourist destination. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and rainforests, but is the Koala Capital of Australia. Not only these things and convict history, but if you get bored you can pick your own tomatoes or strawberries.
Below is a list of place we visited and things we did with links on this page. Should you want a more in depth story, links are provided further down the page.
One of the great attractions to Port Macquarie is the amazing beaches. Surrounded by wonderful sandy beaches, there are plenty to choose from, whether you want ones close to town or more privacy a small drive away.
Flynns Beach
Looking Through Trees to Flynns BeachFlynns BeachFlynns Beach
Oxley Beach
Beautiful Oxley BeachOxley Beach
Rocky Beach Lookout
View from the Rocky Beach LookoutRocky Beach Lookout
Housing the Port Macquarie Theatre, Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre, the Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre is a great place to visit, because not only does it have these things, but there are ruins in the basement!
Located all over Port Macquarie and its surrounding districts on the NSW mid-north coast, The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is a fun way to find your way around town. Many businesses and attractions have sponsored one or more of the sculptures making it an interesting way to explore the area and as a bonus finding lots of them.
Established in 1973 and dedicated to the to rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild koalas, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital also helps visitor learn about this unique Australian animal.
Preserving Port Macquarie’s maritime history, the Mid-North Coast Maritime Museum occupies two old Pilot Cottages dating from the 1890s. Originally used to house the pilot and the boatmen who assisted him but now repurposed into a museum.
This is a fun area near the town centre and next to Town Beach. The rocks of the break wall have been decorated by past visitors to make a colourful display along the beach.
Decorated rocks on the breakwallDecorated rocks on the breakwallFamily portrait painted on the breakwallTacking Point Lighthouse painted on the breakwallDecorated rocks on the breakwall
Located in the centre of town, the Port Macquarie Museum preserves the area’s history from colonial settlement and its dependance on the timber industry to the tourist destination it is today.
A favourite with locals and tourists, Port Macquarie’s Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is a fun place to pick your own fresh produce. Located only 20 minutes from the Port Macquarie CBD on the New South Wales mid-north coast, it’s a must-see place for visitors.
Designed by James Barnett and built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. With its own small carpark and located only 9km from Port Macquarie, it’s easy to get to.
