Destination's Journey

Tag: New South Wales

  • Murrurundi in the NSW Upper Hunter

    Murrurundi in the NSW Upper Hunter

    Murrurundi is a beautiful country town in the NSW Upper Hunter Valley. The town has many lovely historical buildings, some nice cafes and has a wonderful selection of art galleries.

    The Eye of the Needle Bush Walk

    We started our day at Murrurundi with a walk to the Eye of the Needle. At around 90 minutes return, it is a nice bush walk with great scenery and rewarding views at the summit.  The walk starts at Paradise Park where there is a nice picnic area and toilet facilities. The rock formations here and along the track are very interesting, consisting of large exposed rock faces and boulders.

    Paradise Park Murrurundi
    Paradise Park Murrurundi

    The track is well-marked with red and yellow arrows, depending the route taken. At times it can be rough and slippery underfoot. Many of the rocks are a conglomerate and when weathered, form pebbles which can slip as you walk on them.

    Eye of the Needle Sign to Lookout Murrurundi
    Eye of the Needle Sign to Lookout

    The Eye Of the  Needle is a large crack in the rock face that you climb through. It is steep and narrow. This means that it can be difficult to climb. We took our time and got through OK. At the top the track is fairly flat to the lookout where you are rewarded with great views over the countryside and Murrurundi.

    Eye of the Needle Murrurundi
    Eye of the Needle
    Eye of the Needle Murrurundi
    Eye of the Needle
    Views From The Eye of the Needle Walk Murrurundi
    Views From The Eye of the Needle Walk

    Exploring Around Town

    Returning to town, we made our way to the buildings that interested us. The first stop was St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

    St Joseph's Catholic Church Murrurundi
    St Joseph’s Catholic Church Murrurundi

    After this a stop at the train station took us up to the pedestrian overpass for a high level view of the buildings. The station is well maintained and the buildings all looked like they had recently been painted.

    Murrurundi Railway Station
    Murrurundi Railway Station

    We then passed the Railway Hotel, and Anglican Church before parking in the Main Street and exploring on foot.  We walked past the White Hart Hotel, and as far as the Royal Hotel.  There are many interesting buildings along the way. Next to the old Literary Institute which is now a museum is a monument to Peter Norvill. He was a local who achieved many Australian flying records.

    The local tourist information is located near here.  So, if you are not sure what else to see, drop in and see the friendly staff.

    St Paul's Anglican Church Murrurundi
    St Paul’s Anglican Church Murrurundi
    Railway Hotel Murrurundi
    Railway Hotel
    Murrurundi Shire Council
    Murrurundi Shire Council
    Old Post Office Murrurundi
    Old Post Office
    Haydon Hall Murrurundi
    Haydon Hall
    RSL Memorial Hall Murrurundi
    RSL Memorial Hall
    Literary Institute now Museum Murrurundi
    Literary Institute now Museum
    Peter Norvill Monument Murrurundi
    Peter Norvill Monument
    Old Horse Troughs Murrurundi
    Old Horse Troughs
    Murrurundi Bowls Club Memorial Gate
    Murrurundi Bowls Club Memorial Gate

    Coffee Cakes and Art

    We found a great little café selling home-made cakes and sat down for a  break for a snack and coffee. Nelliebelles Bake And Cake Cafe had some delicious cakes and they went down well with the coffee. We had missed the pedestrian swing bridge and the people there gave us directions. Making our way to the bridge, we walked over it and yes it does bounce with each step you take. Just up from here was the old police station and adjoining court-house.

    Nelliebelles Bake And Cake Cafe Murrurundi
    Nelliebelles Bake And Cake Cafe
    Pedestrian Swing Bridge Murrurundi
    Pedestrian Swing Bridge
    Police Station and Court House Murrurundi
    Police Station and Court House Murrurundi

    Our last stop before going home was Michael Reid’s Murrurundi Gallery. The setting is a work of art in itself and the interior of the two buildings is full of art.  

    Michael Reid Murrurundi
    Michael Reid Murrurundi

    We had a great time in Murrurundi, from the bush walk to the exploring around town and the refreshments.

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

  • Burning Mountain

    Burning Mountain

    Burning Mountain

    The Burning Mountain track is just to the north of Scone near Wingen on the New England Highway The car park for the walk is also a rest stop for traffic so is quite large and has toilet facilities .  The track is easy to follow as the walk is well sign posted . It is well laid out with steps well constructed and maintained by Parks and Wildlife NSW.

    Walking Track

    The track steadily climbs to the top of the hill, through bush-land and some cleared areas.  The climb is not difficult and there are many places to stop and take in the views over the surrounding countryside.

    Walking Track Burning Mountain Nature Reserve Wingen NSW Australia www.destinationsjourney.com
    Walking Track Burning Mountain
    Formed Track Burning Mountain Nature Reserve Wingen NSW Australia www.destinationsjourney.com
    Formed Track Burning Mountain

    There are sign boards along the track detailing the local wildlife and plants. If you read all of this information the walk will take much longed but you will have a better understanding of the local fauna and flora.  The boards also detail Aboriginal and European settlement of the area.

    Burning Mountain

    The end of the track is the Burning Mountain itself. An underground coal seam that has been burning for thousands of years gives its name to the area. The air has a distinct sulfur smell and the ground has been turned red by the high temperatures. There are warning signs to keep off the heat affected areas as they can be unstable and very hot. You can see all you need to from the viewing platform and staying behind the fencing.

    Heat Affected Ground Burning Mountain Nature Reserve Wingen NSW Australia www.destinationsjourney.com
    Heat Affected Ground Burning Mountain

    The walk back to the car park is quite easy being mostly downhill, just be careful of slippery area.

    Gnarly Tree Roots Burning Mountain Nature Reserve Wingen NSW Australia www.destinationsjourney.com
    Gnarly Tree Roots Burning Mountain
    Walking Track Burning Mountain Nature Reserve Wingen NSW Australia www.destinationsjourney.com
    Flat Section of Track at Burning Mountain

    Overall an enjoyable day out. The best part is the walk there and back along the track, as the heat affected area, although of interesting colors and smell is not that fascinating to look at.

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

  • Hyde Park Sydney Australia

    Hyde Park Sydney Australia

    Hyde Park is in the centre of Sydney and is a fantastic retreat from the hustle and traffic of the city. It is cool and shady and there is plenty of seating set around the park.  Park Street divides Hyde Park in two, however there are pedestrian crossings at the lights at either end and the centre.

    ANZAC Memorial

    The ANZAC Memorial was built  to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force of World War I. It is the focal point of the southern section of Hyde Park,  along with the Pool of Reflection.  On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day the memorial is the central focus of the ceremonies, so can be extremely busy..

    120,000 gold stars covered the domed ceiling, representing all those from New South Wales who served in World War One. The centre piece of the interior is a bronze statue of a deceased youth, representing a soldier, held aloft on his shield.

    To the north is the pool of reflection and a long tree-lined pathway. It is very shady and cool in the Australian summer. A great place to sit quietly and relax.

    This is one of the must-see places in Sydney.

    The ANZAC Memorial
    The ANZAC Memorial
    Pathway to ANZAC Memorial
    Pathway to ANZAC Memorial

    Emden Gun

    This gun is a  4″ Gun taken from the German raider “Emden” destroyed by H.M.A.S. Sydney in 1914. A gift from the Commonwealth Government to the citizens of Sydney. Historically important, to Australia as a whole and Sydney in particular.

    The Emden Gun
    The Emden Gun

    The Munitions Statue

    This statue consists of four individual seven-metre tall steel and marble bullets, sitting next to three fallen shells, all on a large boomerang-shaped concrete base.  They represent the reality of war. Specifically they depict the sculptor’s (Tony Albert) grandfather and six companions.  The three fallen shells represent those who were killed.

    The Munitions Statue
    The Munitions Statue
    The Munitions Statue
    The Munitions Statue

    Hyde Park Obelisk

    The Hyde Park Obelisk is on the intersection of Elizabeth and Bathurst Streets.  Built in 1857 the obelisk was a vent for the sewer system.  It is now used to ventilate the storm water system.  At 22m it’s hard to miss.  Interesting for what it is, but not worth taking too much time over.

    Hyde Park Obelisk
    Hyde Park Obelisk

    Statue of Fire, Water and Earth.

    Located on the western side of the park, near Elizabeth street, is a three-piece sandstone sculpture representing the three elements, by Gerard Havekes.  A creative and interesting piece of art work and worth finding to have a look at it.

    Earth Wind and Fire
    Earth Wind and Fire

    Captain Cook Statue

    This bronze statue commemorates Captain James Cook, the first Englishman to chart the east coast of Australia. It was officially unveiled in 1879. Worth looking at for the  historical significance of Cook.

    Captain Cook Statue
    Captain Cook Statue

    Archibald Fountain

    The focus of the northern park is the Archibald Fountain. Named after the editor of the Bulletin Magazine who donated the funds to have it built. It was designed by a French sculptor, both because of Archibald’s love of French culture and to commemorate the ties between Australia and France from the First World War.

    Seats surround the fountain making it a very restful place, right in the middle of Sydney.

    The Archibald Fountain
    The Archibald Fountain

    Sandringham Gardens

    Near Park Street are the Sandringham Gardens. They surround a circular fountain and commemorate King George V and King George VI.  It is an attractive setting and a beautiful place to walk around.

    Sandringham Gardens
    Sandringham Gardens

    Statue of William Bede Dalley

    Dalley was born to convict parent and rose to be the first Australian appointed to the Privy Council. He was well-respected and this monument was erected to honor him. Located on the northern edge of Hyde Park it is easy to find.

    Statue of William Bede Dalley
    Statue of William Bede Dalley

    Cannon

    Sitting among the flower beds on College Street is a bronze cannon.  It used to form part of Sydney’s defense at Bennelong Point.  Dating from 1808 it is worth a look as you pass by.

    Cannon
    Cannon

    Governor Lachlan Macquarie Statue

    The most northerly Statue in the Gardens is that of Governor Lachlan Macquarie.  He was Governor from 1810  to 1821 and was responsible for the social, economic and architectural development of the colony. Located looking down the road named after him, it is very easy to find. As a major figure in Australia’s history, the statue is worth looking for.

    Major General Governor Lachlan Macquarrie
    Major General Governor Lachlan Macquarie

    Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Statues

    Although not in the park, there are two statues located just to its northern boundary in Queen’s Square. To the West is Queen Victoria and to the east is her consort, Prince Albert. If you are in Hyde Park, it is worth crossing the road to have a look at them.

    Queen Victoria
    Queen Victoria
    Prince Albert
    Prince Albert

    St Mary’s Cathedral

    Dominating the eastern side of the park is St Mary’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney and is the Cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Sydney.

    Beautiful inside as well as out, this is one of the great buildings in Sydney. As well as the interior you can visit the crypts.  To visit the crypts, buy tickets from the gift shop. We were the only ones there when we went. Many early bishops of Sydney are interred in the crypt, so it is interesting historically. In addition,  the architecture is fantastic and well worth spending time down there to admire it.

    Saint Mary's Cathedral
    Saint Mary’s Cathedral
    Saint Mary's Cathedral
    Saint Mary’s Cathedral
    Saint Mary's Cathedral
    Pope Statue , Saint Mary’s Cathedral
    St Mary's Cathedral
    St Mary’s Cathedral
    St Mary's Cathedral Crypt
    St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt

    Hyde Park

    So if you are in Sydney, you can easily spend most of a day looking around Hyde Park and its surrounding areas. Nearby is the Australian Museum and  Macquarie Street with most of central Sydney very close as well. For other places to see in Sydney, please read some of our other stories.