Hunter Valley Archives - Page 19 of 28

23 September 20209 October 2020

Caves Beach Amazing Beautiful Views

Caves Beach

Located only 40 minutes south of Newcastle, Caves Beach is a relaxed southern suburb of Lake Macquarie. Named after the network of sea caves to the south of the beach, it is a great place to relax and explore the coast. If you want to explore the cave, make sure you go at low tide because at high tide, the cave is flooded, and access is cut off. You can check this on the internet. During the week we have found it to be quiet, but on a sunny weekend, it will be crowded, with people swimming and exploring the cave.

If you want to swim in the ocean, check that a lifeguard is on duty in the tower and swim between the flags to be safe.

Near the lifeguard tower is a steel sculpture, Norfolk 2019 by Kelly-Ann Lees, which reflects the seed cones dropped by the Norfolk Pines which are found in the area.

The Caves

Entering the cave is not dangerous. There are no warning signs and access is free. You can walk through the cave and out the other side to a rock platform. The cliff here also has some smaller caves to look at. The platform itself is quite interesting, with rock pools with algae growing in them. Be careful of your footing because the rocks can be slippery. Remember to check the tides, because the cave and rock platform are flooded at high tide.

Cave's Beach Sea Cave at High Tide — Cave’s Beach Sea Cave at High Tide

The Large Sea Cave at Caves Beach — Cave’s Beach Sea Cave at High Tide

Food and Refreshments

There is a kiosk next to the beach selling snacks and cold drinks during the week. Not far before the entrance to the carpark, you will find cafes and restaurants, if you want something more substantial. The beach area near the surf house also has barbecues and picnic area, along with a change house and toilets.

Caves Beach to Pinny Beach The Wallarah Coastal Walk

For some excellent views of the coast and to see some nice beaches, there is a walking trail from Caves Beach to Pinny Beach. The trails are rough in places and there are steps to climb, but it is generally an easy three kilometer one way walk. Along the way, lookouts let you look over beaches and rock platforms. Small trails also allow access to the beaches, which is a great way to extend your exploring of the area.

Sea Caves, Rock Platform and Beach — Caves Beach Viewed From the Cliff Top

Spoon Rocks

Originally built by a mining company for coal transportation, the breakwater’s shape is how this Spoon Rocks received its name. The spoon shape is visible on your way down the track to the beach.

The mining venture, with Silver Valley Minerals, didn’t proceed after it’s construction. However, the breakwater remains and provides protection from the swell at the beach. Although the water looks inviting, Spoon Rocks Beach is not patrolled, so swimming is not advised.

Pinny Beach

Located in Wallarah National Park, the Coastal Walk passes through locked vehicle gates. Designed to stop cars accessing the National Park, not people on foot, it’s safe to go past them. The views over the beach are amazing, but this was the end of our walk, so after a break for a snack, we returned to Caves Beach.

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

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18 May 202018 May 2020

Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre

Part of the Max Watters Collection on Display

Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre

Located on the corner of Bridge and William Streets in the School of Arts building, the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre houses a large collection of local national and international artists. The Muswellbrook School of Arts building is worth admiring because of its architectural beauty.

Entry to the centre is free and the friendly staff on the front counter will explain what is currently on display.

During our visit, we were lucky to have the 2019 Archibald Prize being displayed, which gave us an opportunity to admire that years winners. The Young Archies were also available for viewing, with artwork from young Australians on display.

Local artist Max Watters had several of his works on display, with the Centre holding many more of this art in storage. With the Archibald paintings taking up significant galley space, many pieces from the Centre’s collection were in temporary storage. This was a small price to pay however, to be able to see these other great paintings.

School of Arts Muswellbrook NSW Australia — School of Arts

Tjuparntarri – Women’s Business by David Darcy

White Shells, Black Heart by Blak Douglas

Through The Looking Glass the 2019 Archibald Packing Room Prize by Tessa MacKay

Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail

Outside the Centre, is the ANZAC Centenary Stone, which forms the start of the Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail. A sign next to the sculpture explains the trail and what is to be found at each location. See our post on the Sculpture Trail if you want to learn more about it.

ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre — Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map

What Did We Think?

With the bonus of seeing the Archibald Prize, we really enjoyed our visit. There was a great selection of local artists, that would only be better, when the gallery space taken up by the touring exhibition is available. The Arts Centre often has visiting exhibitions on display so check to see what’s on display before you visit.

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

17 May 202030 September 2020

Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail

Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail

The Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail runs from Muswellbrook to Denman and onto Sandy Hollow.

In Muswellbrook, it starts outside of the Regional Arts Centre, where you will find a map of the trail and the first sculpture, the ANZAC Centenary Stone. From here you drive to Two Rivers Wines outside of Denman, before heading to David Mahoney’s Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at Sandy Hollow

Muswellbrook

Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre

Two Rivers Wines

Situated just outside Denman, Two Rivers Wines contains a great selection of sculptures.

The ‘Custodians of the Landscape’ sandstone sculptures were carved onsite at Two Rivers in the winter of 2015 by international artist Ben Dearnley. More than 20 tonnes of stone sourced from the vineyard were used to create this unique and compelling project by Ben. His work directly references the ancient art form of stone masonry whilst reflecting our own landscape here at Two Rivers. Ben says that the flowing and dynamic nature of the sculptures reflects the ever changing moods and seasons of the vineyard where growing the vines is a labour of love in tune with nature itself.
There are 8 pieces of Ben’s work situated around the Cellar Door and entry to the vineyard. These pieces whilst all individual have been designed by Ben to collectively reflect the importance he saw that Two Rivers placed on our unique landscape.
https://www.tworivers.com.au/sculptures

While at Two Rivers, don’t forget to sample some of their excellent wines, or have a meal at the restaurant.

Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines — Entrance to Two Rivers Wines

Denman

While passing through Denman to Visit the sculptures at Two River Wines, don’t forget to stop in town and explore what is available. Whilst there we visited the main shopping street, Ogilvie Street and a number of cafe’s that served great meals and drinks, we did not get a chance to do the hotels nearby. Ogilvie Street also contains several interesting old buildings, such as the Memorial Hall.

On your way out of town towards Sandy Hollow and the last stop on the Sculpture Trail, keep and eye out for the two old tractors on poles at the entrance to a farm.

St Matthias Denman Anglican Church

Located at 35 Palace St, Denman NSW, this beautiful old church is not far from the town centre and worth the short walk to drive to visit. Designed by John Horbury Hunt and consecrated in 1875 by Bishop Tyrrell, St Matthias has been operating for over 130 years .

Sandy Hollow

David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park

Located on the Golden Highway at the intersection with Honey Lane, David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park is a wonderful place to wander through and explore. The magical sculptures and mosaics allow you to relax while you have a break from driving. We loved looking around because of the unique artworks on display.

The setting is also magnificent, giving great views over the surrounding farmland.

This is the last stop on the Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail and contains the largest number of displays. Parking is easy, as the Park fronts onto the highway, with plenty of spaces outside.

There is also an art gallery and cafe on site, but these were closed during our visit.

David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow

Giant Violin at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow — David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow

What Did We Think?

We had a great time following the Sculpture Trail, and enjoyed all three stops. We also liked Denman where we had a coffee and morning tea before heading on to Sandy Hollow.

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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Tag: Hunter Valley

Caves Beach Amazing Beautiful Views