If you get tired of shopping, want a break or are waiting for someone, while at the Greenhills Shopping Centre in Maitland NSW Australia, the area outside the food hall is a great option. Not only are there places for the kids to play, and tables and chairs to sit and eat at but there are some great sculptures located there. Spread throughout the area Animal March Sculptures, represents local wildlife. Made by Gillie and Marc you can find them either in the garden beds or around the tables.
The largest ones are of wombats, koalas and kangaroos, but if you look closely, you will find birds, turtles and possums. A great addition to the centre, it certainly adds interest to the area while showing the native animals that we need to care for.
A Family of WombatsMother and Baby KoalaKoala FamilyKangaroos with a Joey in the Mother’s PouchWombat and KangarooPossumsTurtlesLost WombatKookaburras
Held over the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 featured both air and static ground displays. The first days was a free community events with flying displays over Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Harbour. Day Two had a nominal $10 entry fee to the RAAF Williamtown Air Force base where most of the aircraft flying on day one were on display. The Royal Australian Air Force and Newcastle Council did an amazing job of organising this event.
Getting There
Parking in the inner city was limited because of road closures. However, the council provided a park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, while additional ferries brought people from Stockton where large carparks had been set up.
Day One
Commencing at 10:00 AM, the air display was continuous until 12:30. At 2:00 PM it started again and ran through until 4:00PM. By start time, the foreshore and Nobbys Beach were packed. Additional premium viewing was available at Fort Scratchley, providing the highest vantage point on the day.
Sitting near the surf club we had an excellent view of the displays as they performed just off shore, or flew down the harbour.
Warbirds
Flying started with old warbirds and training aircraft, such as the CAC Winjeel, CAC Mustang (a licence built North American P-51 Mustang) and Supermarine Spitfire. Operated by 100 Squadron RAAF, these old planes preserve the history of military flying in Australia.
Current RAAF Aircraft
Following the warbirds, the RAAF aerobatic team the Roulettes put on a skillful flying display. They were followed by the current combat aircraft operated by the RAAF. Fortunately we brought ear plugs, because we knew the F-35 and F/A-18F would be noisy. They certainly didn’t disappoint and put on an amazing display of their flying capabilities.
Closing out the air display were the RAAF’s larger aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon used maritime surveillance, the E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C and the KC-30 MRTT multi role transport and tanker.
CAC Winjeel A85-439 over Nobbys Beach
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys Beach
RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A over Nobbys Beach
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail
RAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon
Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf Club
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
The crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys Headland
Part of the crowd with a Lockheed P-3C Orion flying over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
Pilatus PC-21 of the Roulettes
Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet
Day Two of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show
Held at the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown just north of Newcastle, Day 2 was a non-flying day, although most of the aeroplanes from Day 1 were on display.
The RAAF provided parking on base, with busses taking people onto the base. This was an excellent idea because the base also hosts Newcastle Airport which provides domestic civilian air services. The buses allowed the airport to keep the runway operating while people were transported to an from the display area.
Each of the aircraft on display were attended by RAAF personnel who were happy to discus what they do and the jet’s capabilities. We had a great time walking around them all, including the warbirds.
The Airbus KC-30 MRRT was available for a walk-through but the queue was too long so we just looked at it from outside.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAF
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAF
Boeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAF
Pilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 Squadron
Close up of the radar housing of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAF
Boeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAF
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF
Weapons bay of an Boeing P-8A Poseidon
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markings
CAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours.
CT-4 Airtrainer A19-077
Fighter World
Fighter World the RAAF’s museum of fighters aircraft was open on Sunday and free to enter. Several of the fighters were outside the hanger which was great because the displays inside are usually close together. This allowed us to get close to some interesting planes. Most RAAF operated jets were on display from early Gloster Meteors to F/A-18s and an F-111. See out blog on Fighter World for more information and photos.
Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War
Located and hour’s drive north-east of Newcastle, New South Wales, the Soldiers Point Marina is a popular tourist destination. Not only does it have excellent boat launching facilities, but has a modern marina, beach and restaurant.
We took a walk along Sunset Beach and enjoyed the views, we loved the boats and yachts moored in the water and on the beach. The marina has tables near the beach, where you are able to enjoy a rest while taking in the views. If you feel like exercising your brain, each table has a chess board and sets are available from the nearby cafe.
The marina has also installed a number of sculptures around the cafe and boats. All are located close together and easy to find with a slow walk around the moored boats.
Overall a great morning out, with a coffee, relaxing walk on the beach and some sculptures.
Sunset BeachSunset Beach Looking back at the marinaDingy on Sunset Beach Complimentary Chess at the outdoor diningThe Missing Link by Mike Van DamSea Borne humpback WhalesWe Ride Together in Love by Marc and GillieSummit aka The Thinking Man by Laurence EdwardsBubble and Squeak by Mike Van DamThe Table of Love by Gillie and MarcThe Brolgas by Willie Wildlife SculpturesPelican SculptureAnchorFlipper by Jay Sikora
