Destination's Journey

Tag: NSW

  • Newcastle Art Gallery New South Wales Australia

    Newcastle Art Gallery New South Wales Australia

    Newcastle Art Gallery

    Located in Laman Street Cooks Hill above Civic Park, the Newcastle Art Gallery contains an impressive art collection, primarily Australian artists. Limited display area restricts the number of art works on display, but a rotation ensures new works every few months.

    The large sculpture of a nest and giant egg mark the entrance to the gallery, making it easy to find.

    The gallery often displays special exhibits, which adds another reason to visit. During our last visit, the exhibit was Between Two Worlds, which featured works of art produced by Australian artists of Chinese heritage.

    Newcastle Art Gallery Entrance
    Newcastle Art Gallery Entrance

    Permanent Collection

    The gallery’s collection consists of over 6,500 items, covering areas of ceramics, painting, photography, prints & drawings, sculpture and video & new media. Works from colonial to the present are represented, from local, Australian and several international artists.

    • Foyer Ceiling Newcastle Art Gallery Exhibit
      Foyer Ceiling
    • Painting From the Permanent Collection
      Painting From the Permanent Collection
    • Painting From the Permanent Collection
      Painting From the Permanent Collection

    Between Two Worlds

    This was a great exhibit to walk around, because of the variety and quality of the works. Unfortunately, it has now finished, but a new one by George Gittoes is on display until mid-April 2020.

    • Foyer Ceiling Newcastle Art Gallery Exhibit
      Foyer Ceiling Newcastle Art Gallery Exhibit
    • Untitled by Guo Jian
      Untitled by Guo Jian
    • Bronze Power Dragon by Guan Wei
      Bronze Power Dragon by Guan Wei
    • The Open and Spacious Second Floor
      The Open and Spacious Second Floor
    • Samurai Painting Part of the Between Two Worlds Exhibit
      Samurai Painting Part of the Between Two Worlds Exhibit
    • Part of the Between Two Worlds Exhibit
      Part of the Between Two Worlds Exhibit
    • Newcastle Art Gallery Exhibit
      Newcastle Art Gallery Exhibit
    • Newcastle Art Gallery Exhibit
      Between Two Worlds Exhibit

    Newcastle Art Gallery Sculpture Garden

    Don’t forget to look at the sculpture garden while at the art gallery. Access is via a door near the toilets, to the left of the main entrance. With under a dozen sculptures, it is small, but still interesting and worth walking around to enjoy the displays.

    • Newcastle Art Gallery Sculpture Garden
      Newcastle Art Gallery Sculpture Garden
    • Sculpture by Margel Hinder
      Sculpture by Margel Hinder
    • Submarine 1993 by Edward Milan
      Submarine 1993 by Edward Milan
    • Two Forms 1958 by Kathleen Shillam
      Two Forms 1958 by Kathleen Shillam
    • Skyscraper by Vlase Nikoleski
      Skyscraper by Vlase Nikoleski
    • Beacon 1992 by Akio Makigawa
      Beacon 1992 by Akio Makigawa
    • Mary Magdalene 1978 by George Bladessin
      Mary Magdalene 1978 by George Bladessin

    New Displays in September 2020

    When we re-visited in September 2020, there were new exhibits on display from the Gallery’s collection, along with this year’s Kilgour Prize entrants. We had an enjoyable time looking at the artwork.

    • Newcastle Art Gallery
      Newcastle Art Gallery
    • Marion Borgelt - Liquid Light Horizontal Triptych No. 1
      Marion Borgelt – Liquid Light Horizontal Triptych No. 1

    Kilgour Prize 2020 – On Display Until November 2020

    In 1987, artist Jack Kilgour bequeathed funds for the creation of a major figurative and portrait art competition to be run in perpetuity at Newcastle Art Gallery. Today, the Kilgour Prize is one of Australia’s major art prizes, and awards $50,000 for the most outstanding work of art as determined by a panel of three judges, and $5,000 for the People’s Choice Award, as determined by votes from the public.

    For figurative and Portrait Painting

    • The Kilgour Prize 2020
      The Kilgour Prize 2020
    • Kenneth Lambert - I See Myself Reflected in You
      Kenneth Lambert – I See Myself Reflected in You
    • Jordan Richardson - The Dunce
      Jordan Richardson – The Dunce
    • Oliver Shepherd - The Proposal (Portrait of the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CGM)
      Oliver Shepherd – The Proposal (Portrait of the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CGM)
    • Daniel Butterworth - Self Waiting For Life To Happen Number Two
      Daniel Butterworth – Self Waiting For Life To Happen Number Two

    What Did We Think?

    A great place to visit and because the exhibits change regularly, a great place to go back to. Well laid out, it offers ample opportunities for photographs.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

    As we do not have copyright permission for any of the artworks shown here, none of these photos are for sale. However, photos from many of our other stories can be found on Shutterstock.

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

  • Cathedral Rocks Kiama on the NSW South Coast

    Cathedral Rocks Kiama on the NSW South Coast

    How to Get There

    Located three kilometers, north of Kiama, Cathedral Rocks are an unusual volcanic rock formation, famous for their distinctive shape. We viewed them from two locations, up close from Jones Beach and further away from Cliff Drive.

    Jones Beach has an excellent car park, with easy beach access, making it an ideal place to start your walk to the rocks. From the car park, walk to the beach and head south (or right as you face the ocean). This will take you to a small rocky headland, where you climb over rocks, until the Cathedral Rocks come into view.

    Jones Drive provides a view of the Rocks from the opposite side, which is a great way to take some different photos. Parking is on-street, but there is plenty of room to leave your car. followed by a track down to the shore. We found that at high tide, the view was restricted, because it was not possible to walk out onto the rock platform. However at low tide, the view was great, just be careful of slippery rocks.

    Jones Beach

    A great place to visit in its own right, Jones Beach is wide and sandy, making a relaxing place to soak up the sun. Cathedral Rocks are to the south on the rocky headland and rock platform. Take footwear, as the rocks are sharp and slippery. We took Crocs, because they can be worn in water and protect feet from sharp rocks.

    Jones Beach
    Jones Beach

    Cathedral Rocks

    Standing above and surrounded by water, the rock formations look amazing, providing a great opportunity for photos. The rock platform gives many different vantage points to see the rocks as well as vantage points to see the rest of the coastline.

    Cathedral Rocks
    Cathedral Rocks

    Cathedral Rocks Cave

    While walking along the rock platform, keep an eye out for a small cave. You can see the Cathedral Rocks from here, while the cave entrance frames them. This gives another and different view.

    Cathedral Rocks
    View From the Cave

    Cliff Drive

    With views from above Cathedral Rocks, as well as a path down to sea level, Cliff Drive offers alternate views to Jones Beach. If you choose to use the path and walk down to the rock platform, low tide is the best time to visit. This will allow you to walk further onto rocks to get a good view.

    Cliff Drive Cathedral Rocks
    Cliff Drive Cathedral Rocks

    What Did We Think?

    A great place to visit and enjoy the beach as well as climbing over rocks. Visiting at low tide will give a you a better view.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

  • Sydney Tramway Museum Australia

    Sydney Tramway Museum Australia

    Sydney Tramway Museum

    Located in Sydney’s southern suburb of Loftus, the Sydney Tramway Museum, is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Hosting a collection of trams from Sydney, other Australian and some international cities makes this museum a must-see for tram and train lovers.

    • Control Box Sydney Tramway Museum
      Control Box Sydney Tramway Museum

    Getting to the Sydney Tramway Museum

    In addition to its on car park, the museum is conveniently located adjacent to the Loftus Railway Station, making it easy to get to.

    Tram Rides

    With many of the museum’s trams in operating condition, it is great that they offer tram rides. The cost of the ride is included in the entry fee. Travelling in two directions, initially towards Sutherland and then into Royal National Park, where it stops at an old station. At the station, you disembark the tram for 5 to 10 minutes before the return trip. This was great fun and will appeal to families with children, as well as tram enthusiasts.

    • Sydney O Class 1111 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney O Class 1111 Waiting to Pick Up Passengers

    Gift Shop

    Setup in an old tram, the gift shop offers a huge range of souvenirs, mostly tram related. From the usual postcards and fridge magnets to publications dedicated to trams, there should be something to suit everyone.

    Sydney Tramway Museum Gift Shop Sydney Tramway Museum
    Gift Shop at the Sydney Tramway Museum

    Sydney Tramway Museum’s Collection

    Undercover in an old workshop, and well maintained, the collection is accessible for a real hands on look. Most trams have boards near them, explaining the history of the tram, adding to the experience. Importantly, it is possible to board some trams, except when signs prevent it to avoid damage.

    Sydney Trams

    C Class Trams

    Built in 1896 by Bignall & Morrison and acquired in 1955, C 290 has been restored to original passenger condition from 1996-97. Operational for special events, it is the oldest operational electric tramcar in Australia.

    • Sydney C Class 290
      Sydney C Class 290
    • Sydney C Class 290
      Sydney C Class 290
    • Sydney C Class 290
      Tram 290 a Sydney C Class
    • Sydney C Class 290 Interior
      Sydney C Class 290 Interior
    • Sydney C Class 290 Interior
      Sydney C Class 290 Interior

    Built in 1898 by Hudson Bros and acquired in 1961 Tram C 29 is operational for occasional service.

    • Sydney C Class 29 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney C Class 29
    • Sydney C Class 29 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney C Class 29

    F Class Tram

    Built in 1902 by Clyde Engineering acquired in 1953 tram F 393 operates for special events. Owing to its use as a driver training tram, it is the only F class car remaining.

    • Sydney F Class 393 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney F Class 393
    • Sydney F Class 393
    • Sydney F Class 393
      Sydney F Class 393

    N Class Trams

    Built in 1906 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company and acquired in 1953 tram N 728 is operated for special events.

    • Sydney N Class 728
      Sydney N Class 728

    O Class Trams

    Built in 1909 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company and on loan from the Powerhouse Museum tram O 805 is operational for special events.

    • Sydney O Class 805 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney O Class 805

    Built in 1912 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company and acquired in 1958, tram O 1111 is operational in regular service.

    • Sydney O Class 1111
      Sydney O Class 1111
    • Sydney O Class 1111
    • Sydney O Class 1111
      Sydney O Class 1111

    L/P Class Trams

    Built in 1900 by Clyde Engineering as an F class car and converted in 1910 to an ‘L’ type tram, and again in 1926 as an ‘L/P’ type, tram L/P 154 was acquired in 1950. It currently representing trams from the Newcastle system. Operational in occasional service, it is known as the oldest preserved tram in the Southern Hemisphere.

    • Sydney LP Class 154 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney LP Class 154

    Brisbane Trams

    Built in 1924 by T Gardiner and Son and acquired in 1958, tram 180 ‘Dreadnought’ is in regular service, mainly during the Summer months.

    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180
      Brisbane Dreadnought 180
    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180
      Brisbane Dreadnought 180
    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180
      Tram Stop and Brisbane Dreadnought 180
    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180
      Brisbane Dreadnought 180
    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180 Interior
      Brisbane Dreadnought 180 Interior
    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180 Interior
      Interior of Brisbane Dreadnought 180
    • Brisbane Dreadnought 180 Interior
      Brisbane Dreadnought 180 Interior

    Ballarat Trams

    Built in 1908 by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company acquired in 1974, ‘Single-Truck’ tram 12 is operational for special events, but remains in “as is” condition.

    • Ballarat Single-Truck Sydney Tramway Museum
      Ballarat Single-Truck

    Overseas Trams at the Sydney Tramway Museum

    San Francisco PCC “Torpedo”

    Built in 1948 by St. Louis Car Company San Francisco PCC “Torpedo” tram 1014 was a Bicentenary gift from Sydney’s sister city San Francisco in 1987. It is the last remaining “Torpedo” PCC in original condition. During our visit it was out of service, waiting parts.

    Nagasaki 1054

    Built in 1952 by Nigata Iron Works Nagasaki 1054 operated on the Sendai and Nagasaki tramway systems. Operational in occasional service it was acquired in 1992..

    • Nagasaki 1054 Sydney Tramway Museum
      Nagasaki 1054

    Berlin 5133

    Built in 1969 by the East German Railways and acquired in 1996 Berlin 5133 operates an occasional service.

    • Berlin Tram 5133
      Berlin Tram 5133
    • Berlin Tram 5133 Interior
      Inyerior of Berlin Tram 5133
    • Berlin Tram 5133 Controls
      Berlin Tram 5133 Controls

    Works Cars

    134s Sydney Scrubber Car

    Built by Ritchie Bros. in 1899 as D class passenger car 112, it was converted to a scrubber car in 1930. Scrubber cars use carborundum blocks to ‘scrub’ the railhead clear of debris. Acquired by the museum in 1961, it operated in 1978/9 to clean the Eastern Suburbs railway tracks and again in 1983 for a similar purpose along the Cronulla line. With the implementation of the new Light Rail line, it was used in 1997 to ‘scrub’ the tracks around Haymarket. It is still operational when required.

    • Sydney Scrubber Car 134s
      Sydney Scrubber Car 134s
    • Sydney Scrubber Car 134s
      Sydney Scrubber Car 134s

    141s Sydney Breakdown Car

    Built by Meadowbank Manufacturing Company in 1911 as O 1030 and converted to a Breakdown car in 1955, Breakdown Car 141s is in occasional service.

    • Sydney Breakdown Car 141s Sydney Tramway Museum
      Sydney Breakdown Car 141s

    Buses & Trolley Buses

    AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck Trolleybus

    Trolleybus No.19 is an AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck trolleybus,built in 1937 by Ritchie Bros Pty Ltd. The museum acquired it in 1978, when it was rebuilt and partly fitted out, by apprentices of the then State Rail in Chullora from 1982-1988. It is Sydney’s last remaining double-deck trolley-bus.

    • AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck Trolleybus No.19
      AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck Trolleybus No.19
    • AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck Trolleybus No.19 Sydney Tramway Museum
      AEC 3-Axle Double-Deck Trolleybus No.19

    What Did We Think?

    This was a great place to visit, because of the amazing collection of trams, and the accessibility of the displays. The tram ride was a great bonus, making this museum a great place for families to have fun and enthusiasts to enjoy the trams.

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    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.