Designed by Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis in the Greek Revival style, Berrima Courthouse is one of the must see buildings in Berrima New South Wales. Completed in 1839, it only operated for seven years. Subsequently the courthouse operated only occasionally as a courthouse. However, as the centre of public administration it was from here that licenses were issued to publicans and hawkers and convicts were assigned as farm workers. It was also a venue for meetings, dances, concerts and church services.
Now a museum, the courthouse contains displays illustrating its past. One room is set up as the judge’s chambers, with portraits of judges. The main attraction though is a re-enactment of a murder trial. Set in the courtroom, with manikins dressed as the judge, jurors and the accused, it details how the trial was run. Running on a 15 minute loop, the multi-media presentation was fun to sit through.
This was a quick fun visit and worth seeing if you are in Berrima. We had only intended on seeing the outside of the building, but as it was open so we saw the interior as well.
Berrima CourthouseThe CourthouseJudges ChambersExhibitsShacklesWhipsOne of many locks on displayThe Demonstration Trial
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Perched on top of a hill, the Rocky Hill War Memorial and its associated Museum is very different from most memorials we have seen around Australia. Overlooking Goulburn in New South Wales, this 10.5m tall tower was opening in 1925 to commemorate all those who served in the First World War.
War Memorial
On entering the tower, you see a large marble memorial engraved with the names of service personnel from the Goulburn region who served in World War One. A spiral staircase decorated with photos from the war leads up to the viewing platform. We loved the way the photos told a story of the war and what the soldiers endured.
Rocky Hill War MemorialMemorial to the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Flying CorpsMemorial to those who served from Goulburn in WW1. Those killed are marked with *Photos lining the walls of the interior staircase
Museum
Outside the museum, two 150mm German Field Guns stand guard. Donated to the town following the war and installed here following the new museum’s completion 2020. This new state of the art museum replaced an older one in the old caretaker’s cottage.
The displays inside the museum are very good, included some World War one body armour, which we had not seen before. An impressive collection of rifles from different armies and trench warfare weaponry are also worth seeing.
Illustrated in a poster is a sombre reminder of the cost of World War One with the number of dead and wounded Australians shown in relation to the size of the countries’ population. Interestingly, this poster also shows how the war trophies were divided up to the towns and cities depending on their population.
This was a great place to visit, both for the memorial and museum showing the impact of the war so far away from the local community.
German 150mm Field GunWeapons on DisplayGerman Mauser, Turkish Mauser, Siamese Mauser Japanese Arisaka and British Lee Enfield riflesShell casing and a cartridge carrier from World War OneFirst World War Body ArmourGas mask and horse gear. Including a horse’s gas mask
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Dedicated to preserving Australia’s social history, the National Museum of Australia contains many unique and significant artefacts. Located in Canberra on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, its distinctive because of its architecture.
Getting There
We drove and used the large carpark on site, although as with most Canberra parking, there is a fee. Entry to the museum is free, but entrance to any special exhibits incur a fee. During our visit, Ancient Greeks, a large display of ancient Greek artefacts was there, so we paid to visit this too.
EntranceNational Museum of Australia
The Gandel Atrium
This is also the entrance foyer, containing the giftshop and several displays. In the centre is a cast of Australia’s most famous dinosaur, Muttaburrasaurus. Nearby is Australia’s first car, the FJ Holden and a caravan, showing the affluence of the 1950s and the rise of industrialisation.
Situated just off the atrium is the café, where food and drinks can be purchased. We bought morning coffee and snacks here before moving on to other displays.
FJ Holden and Propert Trailaway touring caravanCast of Muttaburrasaurus langdoni
Landmarks Gallery
The Landmarks Gallery traces the social development of Australia from it’s early colonial farming to the current day. Important features such as the windmill used to pump water, harvesters and stagecoaches give way to mining and the stock market. We thought the most interesting item here was the very first Holden Prototype preserved in excellent condition.
Kenya station windmill from the 1920sSunshine HarvesterThoroughbrace Coach used by the Nowland family, 1860–80Backhoe rock shovel bucket from a Terex O&K mining excavator RH-120EHolden Prototype No. 1
First Australians
The First Australians gallery showcases aboriginal society from pre-colonial times to the present day. Artefacts including a full sized outrigger canoe represent Torres Strait Islander culture.
The post-colonial treatment of aboriginal people shows their disenfranchisement, loss of land and persecution. Although attempts have been made to remedy the wrongs of the past, a lot is still required for true equality. The displays here demonstrate the wrongs, often with personal stories from those who suffered.
Hatchet and an adzeBark hut from the Framlingham Kaori settlementMask from the Western Torres StraitDouble outrigger canoe named Kulbasaibai, 2000, from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait,
Special Exhibition Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes
Open until 1 May 2022, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes contains many treasures from the British Museum. From statues to tiny coins and jewellery the displays were amazing. If you are in Canberra while this is showing, it is really worth going to. We have been to Greece but still enjoyed this display.
Woman of WealthFrieze from Halikarnossos Greeks vs AmazonsHeroic athlete or athletic heroAmphora depicting the KelesOlympic Discus Thrower
What Did We Think?
We loved the Greek display and would have visited just for that. The rest of the museum has a nationally important collection, which we found interesting. If you want to see the social history of Australia, it’s a great place to visit.
For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here
