The annual chalk drawing festival Chalk the Walk Newcastle 2023 ran from late September to early October 2023. This year’s theme, All Creatures Great and Small was reflected in the drawings, which ranged from whales to spiders.
As a bonus, Jenny McCracken’s whales located outside Harry’s Cafe de Wheels on Market Street lawn will be a permanent 3D pavement mural. Although the other murals had some protection added to protect them from the rain, this was only temporary and they have now been removed.
Octopus breaking through pavementDog and skateboard in Civic ParkGiant spider on Hunter Street.Whales and birds on Market Street lawnAnimals in front of the Newcastle Information CentreFrog Pond on Hunter Street
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Opened in September 2023, the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base Platypus is an excellent addition to this heritage site. Managed by the Harbour Trust, the old factory was partially demolished and revitalised as an open public space.
Getting There
We used public transport, getting the train to Milsons Point Station and then walking for 10 minutes. If you prefer to drive, there is parking available on site.
History of the Site
Opened in 1942 during World War Two the factory produced torpedoes for Allied forces. Many of the employees were women, due to many men being in the armed forces. Commemorated at the site with murals, it’s a great reminder of their contribution during the war. Post war, the torpedo workshops continued to service the British Navy submarine fleet based at HMAS Penguin and the Royal Australian Navy’s destroyer fleet.
The entire base was closed in 1999 when the Royal Australian Navy moved its Collins-class submarines to Western Australia.
The Site Now
The old factory features several interesting display that explain the site’s history. These range from a Torpedo Mark VIII, information boards and murals with photos and signs from the factory. There is also a car park with electric charging stations.
Our previous blog, which covers the rest of Sub Base Platypus can be found here.
Entrance to the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base PlatypusTorpedo Mark VIII Mod 4 on displayRear underside view of the Mark VIII TorpedoOld SignsOld Signs
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Nestled on the banks of a lake with the same name, Smiths Lake is a small village in the Myall Lakes National Park. We spent a week there using it as a base to explore the surrounding lakes, bush walks and beaches.
Facilities in town are limited to a bakery, general store, bowling club, and café. We found most of what we needed at the general store, had some meals at the bowling club and coffee at the Frothy Coffee.
Our accommodation was a beautiful holiday house overlooking the lakeshore. We could walk along the shore to the café, or just enjoy wonderful views over the lake. A deck at the rear was perfect for relaxed evenings where we often had guest kookaburras and lorikeets visit.
A beautiful place to visit. Not far from Newcastle with plenty to see and do.
The Frothy Coffee CafeView over the lakeThe lake shoreBoats at the lake shoreView from our accommodationRainbow LorikeetKookaburraSunset over the lake from our accommodation
