The Rocks is one of the oldest areas of Sydney, and as such it has many historically important buildings to visit. We started our walk near the Fortune of War hotel and the old restored police building next door. Walking through the archway nearby we went to Nurses Walk and looked at the monuments to the original hospital located there and read a lot of the history surrounding the nurses who worked there during that period. The area is now very trendy and full of eateries, nothing like its original use. However, it’s an interesting spot to visit.
Suez Canal
At the end of Nurses Walk is Suez Canal which is the narrowest street in the city. It was originally a sewer and a haunt of the underclass and criminals during the early days of the colony.
Suez Canal
Cadman’s Cottage
At the top of Suez Canal is Harrington Street. We turned right here and again at Argyle Street, walking to George Street, where we crossed the road and walked down some stone steps to check out Cadman’s Cottage.
Cadmans CottageCaptain William Bligh
Returning to Argyle Street we walked down Playfair Street and its Cafes and restaurants, buying some excellent meat pies from a stall holder and eating them near some brilliant buskers. All this near the shortest street in Sydney, Atherden Street. This is a popular spot with great opportunities to take in all this place has to offer, including the statue First Impressions of early settlers, convicts and soldiers.
Biggles
First Impressions Sculpture
The Rocks
Federation Park
The old row of houses in Playfair Street back onto one of the Rocks hidden gems, Federation Park, a rank of demolished cottages left as ruins. There is a small passage through the shops, or you can get to them from Cumberland Street. This area has been left with only a few enhancements to help show what used to be there. Some old rooms have been decorated with furniture, and stairs added for easy access. We found this a great spot to sit and relax. It is very quiet and such a great place to see the history, without the congestion that usually goes with these hidden gems.
Foundation Park
At the end of Gloucester Walk we took the stairs down to the Cahill Expressway underpass. This took us past Garrison Church and then to the Sydney Observatory, which were great to explore. The observatory has amazing views of Sydney.
Argyle St Underpass
The Garrison Church
Sydney Observatory
View From South African War Memorial
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
We drove to Bathurst New South Wales from Lithgow, after visiting the Abercrombie Caves The main reason for our visit was to see the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama. While in the town, we took the opportunity to look around and experience what the town had to offer.
We stayed at the Quality Hotel Bathurst, which was clean and comfortable, with friendly staff. Breakfast was including with our stay and was delicious and filling. For dinner, we went to the Bathurst RSL, where we had a great meal at a good price.
Abercrombie
House located on the outskirts of Bathurst gives the visitor an insight into
the life of the rich. Open to the public, to help fund its upkeep, cost of the
interior is accessible. Ample parking is available on the grounds in front of
the house.
The father of the current owner spent time in China and the decorations reflect this. We were fortunate that the owner was there during our visit, and he spoke about the origin of some of the decorations and furniture on display.
You are
free to wander around the house, but are asked not to enter closed doors or
pass through roped off areas.
The exterior of the house and surrounding garden make an interesting addition to the building A collection of old cars rusting in one field and an old blacksmith’s barn being worth seeing. Went beyond our expectations.
This house was the residence of Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth from 1914 until his death in 1951 and hers in 1962. The house has been maintained as a museum since 1973 as a memorial to the late Prime Minister and his family.
Interesting from an historical point of view, we only looked at the outside, but guided tours are available at limited days and times if you are interested.
This heritage listed court house on Russel Street is a very impressive building designed by James Barnet. Opened in 1880, and still in use it can be best viewed from across Russel Street in Kings Parade where the whole facade can be seen. Next door is the Conservatory of Music, so we heard classical music while we looked at the court house!
Located at the George Street end of Kings Parade, this large monument commemorates George Evans, the first European to survey the area. In addition, the local aboriginal people who assisted him in his journey are also commemorated.
This is a large and impressive monument and celebrates the founding of Australia’s first large inland town.
We parked here for a walk through the city centre and relaxed under the shady trees while we had lunch. There are some lovely trees and plenty of places to sit in the shade and relax. Very popular with both tourists and locals. Great place to visit and relax.
The National Motor Racing Museum is probably the largest draw card for Bathurst, outside of the main race held there annually. The collection of racing cars and bikes is impressive and any motor sports fan could spend hours here.
The range of racing cars is extensive and includes utes, touring cars, F1, rally and even a solar powered car. The Bathurst 1000 has a section to itself, with Ford on one side and Holden on the other. The other makes are also present, with Jaguar and others represented.
There is a small section with the busts of famous winners and a history of the race.
There is also an impressive collection of motorbikes and rally cars and a good selection of old open wheel racers.
Many of the exhibits are loan and rotated regularly, so it’s worth checking if there is a particular vehicle you want to see.
The railway station is a beautiful old building not far from the Chifley Home. Parking is easy because it has its own huge car park. Outside the station building is a preserved steam train, locomotive 5112. Nice to be able to get up close and have a really good lock at this huge train.
Locomotive 5112
South African War Memorial
The Boer War memorial stands at the southern end of Kings Parade, not far from the Carillon.
The towers of this college are visible from many places in Bathurst, so we drove over to see it close up. An interesting building to look at, but we simply took a photo and moved on.
The Bathurst War Memorial Carillon is a 30.5 metre tall tower structure located in the centre of Kings Parade, in the centre of Bathurst’s CBD. A memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars, the 35 cast bronze bells are rung daily at lunchtime. The picture really does not do it justice, it does look great, and you can have a close look from the outside to the inside. Definitely worth a look.
Corellen
What Did We Think of Bathurst?
So, if you are visiting Bathurst New South Wales for a race meeting, or the National Motor Racing Museum, spend some time in town. There is a lot to see and do.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Only a short drive from Newcastle up the Pacific Highway, the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens has great displays of local and Australian native plants. Well set out in themed gardens it is a peaceful and relaxing place to wander around and admire a range of plant species.
Our trip started in the gift shop and café where we paid the entrance fee and enjoyed a coffee. When paying for entrance you will be given a token which operates the car park boom gate when you leave. This is just a gold coin fee.
The café also has a supply of insect repellent for free which was fantastic as the mosquitoes were everywhere.
Sir Joseph Banks Bust
Botanic Walk
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
Waterfall Garden
Waterfall Garden
Grevillea and Banksia Gardens
Grevillea
Myrtaceae Callistemon Attentuatum
Grevillea
Grevillea
Succulent Garden
Succulent Garden
Succulent Garden
Wetlands Boardwalk
Wetlands Boardwalk
Rainforest and Palm Garden
The Palm Garden
Orchid and Bromeliad Houses
Bromeliads
Orchid House
What Did We Think?
We spent an hour and
a half walking around enjoying what was on display and admiring the spring
blooms.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
