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Tag: Hunter Valley

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Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave

The Pink Cave

Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave

Getting There and Parking

Located in Catherine Hill Bay South of Newcastle, Moonee Beach and the Pink Cave (also called Deep Cave Bay) are an amazing place to visit, because of their beautiful colours and setting. Parking is limited near the beach access trail, as the road is narrow. However, a small area of the one-way road is wider to allow cars to park. A sign indicates the way to the beach.

The Track Down to the Beach

A sandy trail leads down to the beach, winding through bush until it reaches the beach. The beach is beautiful and quiet, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sand and waves.

  • The Track Down to Moonee Beach
    The Track Down to Moonee Beach
  • The Track Down to Moonee Beach
    Sandy Track Down to Moonee Beach

Moonee Beach

At the end of the track, you come out at Moonee Beach, an 800m long sandy beach with rock platforms at each end. At 800m long, there is plenty of room for everyone, so it’s unlikely to get crowded. Swimming is not advised, because the beach is not patrolled. While there we saw a lot of marine stingers washed up on the sand, which we were careful not to step on. Be careful, as the sting can still work even if they are dead. This is another reason to be careful swimming here.

  • Moonee Beach
    Moonee Beach
  • Portuguese Man o' War or Marine Stinger
    Portuguese Man o’ War or Marine Stinger

Rock Platform

The rock platform on the north end of the beach is where you will find the pink cave. Access to the cave is only safe at low tide, so make sure you check tide times before you go. Walking across the rock platform can be slippery, so have good footwear and take care.

On your 700m walk to the cave, take time to look at some of the wonderful rock pools, as some are very colourful. Also look at the algae and seaweed growing on the exposed rocks, many of them are also brightly coloured.

  • The Rock Platform Looking Towards Moonee Beach
    Rock Platform Looking at Moonee Beach
  • A Rock Pool on the Rock Platform
    A Rock Pool on the Rock Platform
  • The Rock Platform
    Small Bay on the Rock Platform
  • The Rock Platform
    Small Bay on the Rock Platform

The Pink Cave

Remember to only go here at low tide, because this is the safest period, as well as ensuring you see the pink rocks. The rocks are wet and slippery, because the cave is tidal, so take care.

Inside the cave, where the waves wash in, you will see the amazing pink rocks. Fully exposed at low tide, they make a great sight.

  • The Pink Cave
    The Pink Cave
  • The Pink Cave
    Inside The Pink Cave
  • A Small Pool in the Pink Cave
    A Small Pool in the Pink Cave
  • The Pink Cave
    The Pink Cave
  • Entrance to the Pink Cave
    Entrance to the Pink Cave
  • Entrance to the Pink Cave
    Looking out of the Cave

What Did We Think?

This was a great place to visit, because of the amazing colours of the cave. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy you surrounding, either before or after the walk along the rock platform.

A great addition to this visit is the Ghosties Beach Cave, which is only 1600m away along the beach.

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

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Dale Frank’s Botanic Gardens

Mature Palm Trees

Dale Frank’s Botanic Gardens

Situated just outside Singleton in the Hunter Valley, Dale Frank’s Botanic Gardens opened in November 2020. These gardens are an unexpected and fun place to visit because of the unusual and interesting plants on display. For opening times, check out their Facebook page.

These beautifully laid out gardens are the work of Dale Frank, an internationally renowned artist based in Singleton. With many of the trees being mature specimens, the area already has the look and feel of an established garden. This has been achieved by saving trees from developers in Sydney and transporting them to Singleton. They have survived the transition because of the attention given to them by Dale and his team.

Plants range from palm tree and boabs to cactus and succulents, with the settings varying as you walk around.

A great place to visit for a relaxing walk around if you are in the area.

Dale Franks Botanic Gardens
One of the Displays at the Gardens
Boab Tree
Boab Tree
Cactus Garden Dale Franks Botanic Gardens
Cactus Garden
Mature Palm Trees at Dale Frank's Botanic Gardens
Mature Palm Trees
Mature Palm Trees at Dale Franks Botanic Gardens
Mature Palm Trees

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

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Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

Maitland Sign

Maitland

Situated on the Hunter River approximately 166 kilometres by road north of Sydney and 35 kilometres north-west of Newcastle, Maitland is a city in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Located on the New England Highway, it is easy to get to and its heritage and proximity to the Hunter Valley vineyards makes it worth visiting.

The Levee

Running parallel to the Hunter River and encircled by Ken Tubman Drive, The Levee is a hive of activity. It offers a range of entertainment and dining options, a blend of small business and national retail stores. Professional services such as banks, solicitors and accountants are also located here.

  • The Levee on a Foggy Morning
    The Levee on a Foggy Morning
  • Street Art at the Levee
    Street Art at the Levee

Buildings

The city has several historic buildings, and many others with interesting architecture, making them worth searching out. Several excellent walks can be found here, downloadable as PDFs.

Maitland Railway Station

The railway reached Maitland in 1858, having reached East Maitland in 1957. This resulted in the building of the current Italianate style building being built in the 1880s.

This building can be viewed from the carpark, or for a different perspective, climb the pedestrian overpass. This allows you to see it from above, where you can see the top of the building more clearly.

Railway Station
Railway Station

Maitland Post Office

Constructed in 1881 and designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet, the Maitland post office is an example of Victorian Italianate design of stucco on brick. This is characteristic of Barnet’s work, making it a fantastic attraction in the centre of the city.

  • Maitland Post Office
    Maitland Post Office
  • Maitland Post Office
    Clock Tower at the Maitland Post Office
  • Maitland Post Office
    Maitland Post Office

Old Bank of Australasia Building

Built in 1869 and opened on 1st January 1870, this was the third bank constructed in High Street. The design of this building is one of the few colonial examples of Byzantine architecture and is significant for the skilful use of the curve and upper floor verandah. Although substantially altered, it still exhibits many original features making it significant.

Old ANZ Bank Building
Old ANZ Bank Building

St. Mary’s Church

Opened in 1867, St. Mary’s Church has a magnificent stone spire which is a landmark in the town and surrounding area. The building is a fine example of High Victorian Style Gothic architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Edmund Blackett the building has excellent stone tracery windows and detailing, exhibiting craftsmanship of the highest order.

St Mary's Anglican Church
St Mary’s Anglican Church

Old Synagogue

Ceasing as a place of worship in 1898 the old Synagogue was the first of its kind in Australia. Designed by renowned local architect, John W. Pender it is a simple Victorian Romanesque building. Constructed in 1879 it subsequently served as a co-educational school until 1928, a meeting hall and is now, after restoration, used as a Credit Union office and shopfront.

Former Maitland Synagogue
Former Synagogue

Heritage Mall

Constructed as a Bicentennial Project in 1988 The Heritage Mall in the main commercial centre of Maitland contains many building styles. Best viewed by walking down the centre of the Mall, the history of many buildings can be viewed on their upper floors above the awnings

Johnston's Boot Store Facade
Johnston’s Boot Store Facade
Old Building Facades
Old Building Facades

Courthouse

Designed during the transition of Victorian and Federation periods, the Maitland Courthouse is an outstanding building. Designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1895-96, it is Federation Free Classical in style and detailing, using typical Federation materials such as face red brick with contrasting sandstone trim.

Maitland Courthouse
Maitland Courthouse
Street by the Court House
Street by the Court House

Steamfest

Established in 1986, Steamfest pays homage to an industrial steam era and the men and women involved in its operation.

The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains. While there you can take a ride on one of the many unique train trips visiting various Hunter destinations or simply wander around and enjoy the displays.

Read our full story and see our pictures of Steamfest here.

  • Traction Engines Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland
    Traction Engines
  • Locomotive 6029 The Garrett
    Locomotive 6029 The Garrett

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.