We Can Be Heroes is a photographic exhibition by Australia’s best music photographers, making it a must see for music fans. On display at the Newcastle Art Gallery until 14 February 2021.
From local talent to international superstars, there will someone you recognise. Artists such as David Bowie, The Preachers and Midnight Oil were on display. We had a great time walking around the displays, because it not only shows artists on stage, but also shows behind the scenes shots.
Silverchair’s Neon Ballroom is there, along with chairs to sit on in front of it. A wall covered in promotional posters for shows was interesting to look at, because you could see adds for shows from the past.
This display takes up the top floor, as this is where the special exhibitions go. The lower floor was not accessible, because the gallery was rotating its display, bringing some its stored items out, which will be nice to see when completed.
The Aberdare South Colliery operated from 1913 to 1927, making it long abandoned. All that remains of the old mine are the winder house and chimney, but these make the trip worthwhile, so that you can see some of the original industry of the Hunter Valley.
Getting There
Located in the village of Abernethy, the best place to start the walk is from Abernethy House, an old pub now operating as a guest house. Cars can park in a small cleared area opposite the house. This is convenient, because it is at the start of the walking track. The track is not suitable for two wheel drive vehicles, as the road is not well maintained. When we were there, it was badly rutted and eroded by heavy rain, making four wheel drive vehicle access impossible as well.
Abernethy House From the Car Park
The Track
Follow the track until you pass an intersection to the left. At this point, keep walking along the main track until you come to a second track to the left, which you take. This track, will lead you to a dam on the left hand side at which point you will also see a large chimney.
After rain the tack is muddy and rutted by previous traffic, which makes is rough in places. Be careful how you walk as some places are slippery and covered in water. Even if the weather is dry, the road will be badly rutted.
Access Track After Rain
Access Track After Rain
The Old Winder House at the Aberdare South Abandoned Mine
Once an impressive building, the old winder house is now a ruin with the roof and floor collapsed. Even in this state it is fun to look around and take pictures, as long as you are careful.
The interior was overgrown with grass and the collapsed floor and old basement were full of water, so we didn’t go inside. We were also wary of the surrounding area as the grass was very long and we were concerned about snakes.
Inside the Winder House
Outside the Winder House
The Old Ruined Winder House
The Chimney
Still standing after 100 year, the chimney is starting to look old, as the brickwork has cracks making it look unstable. Standing in the middle of the bush, it looks out of place, making it a unique and interesting photo opportunity.
Old Chimney at the Mine Site
The Dam and Returning to The Start
Once we had looked around the chimney and winder house, we followed the track down to the dam, which was full of water and surrounded by eucalyptus trees. From here, we walked around the dam until we found the track which took us back to our car. This track is the first one we passed on the way in, allowing us to do the walk as a circuit.
View Over the Dam
Things to be Aware Of
We aware that snakes are common in the area, so be careful around long grass. The old buildings are not maintained, so are unstable, particularly inside the winder house.
What Did We Think?
This was a great place to visit, because of the unusual sight of abandoned mine buildings. The walk was short and quite easy, despite the wet ground.
Located on the Central Coast Highway near Norah Head, Wyrrabalong National Park is an hours drive south of Newcastle. We parked in a small car park just past the Pelican Beach Road turn-off, which was small, but well maintained. Signs and an information board provide information about the park and its tacks.
Entrance Sign
Lilli Pilli Loop Track
The day we visited was wet and overcast, but this added to the fun of the walk, making the trails very atmospheric. The Lilli Pilli Loop Trail meanders through coastal rain forest along narrow bush tracks. The tracks are often made of sand, but have been reinforced with wooden boards to prevent erosion of this fragile environment.
This is one of the few remaining intact areas of rainforest on the Central Coast, which makes it a very special place. An information board on the lake side of the track details the forest and its wildlife.
The damp conditions encouraged mushroom to grow on dead trees which let us see some beautiful ones as we walked by.
Typical Walking Track
Fallen Trees on the Lilli Pilli Loop Track
Lilli Pilli Track
Mushrooms Growing on a Fallen Log on the Lilli Pilli Track
Red Gum Loop Track
The Lilli Pilli Loop Track joins the Red Gum Loop, at this point you can either return to your car or continue on. We chose to walk the new track, because the vegetation changes to red gum forest, from the rainforest we had just walked through.
The path down to the track is steep, but reinforce with sturdy wooden sleepers, making it safe to walk down. This also prevents erosion of the sand dune, so is environmentally safe too.
The forest in this area is more open with less undergrowth, making views of Tuggerah Lake possible in places. Lookouts have been built in places where the views are best, but it was overcast during our visit, so the lake was not visible. On a clear day, the view would be great.
Steep Descent on the Track Reinforced With Wooden Sleepers
Lookout and Seat on the Red Gum Loop Track
Red Gum Loop Track
Red Gum Trees
What Did We Think of Wyrrabalong National Park?
Both of the loop tracks in the Wyrrabalong National Park were fun to do, because of the different vegetation. We were also pleased we did it while it was wet and damp, as this added to the fun and the environment we passed through.
