Located in Shortland just outside of Newcastle, the Hunter Wetlands Centre is a community based project returning this once industrial wasteland back to important wetlands. Numerous migratory birds pass through here as well as local birds that use it as a nesting place.
There is ample parking and a café provides snacks for either before
or after your visit.
Several short walks wind around the ponds and stands of trees,
providing different aspects of the area and differing habitats for birds. We
found the tracks very easy to negotiate and well maintained.
Main Water Body at the Wetlands CentreWater Birds at the Wetlands CentreBirds at theWetlands CentreIbisMangrovesWetlandsWalking Track
After our walk we sat in the café overlooking the central pond and watched the birds as they flocked around the central pond..
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Located next to The Entrance on the Central Coast, Long Jetty is a quiet coastal spot with some great scenery to enjoy. We found parking easy all along the foreshore but, imagine it would be busy during holiday periods.
Our first stop was Toowoon Beach for a coffee overlooking the beach while we relaxed after our drive. Sitting and looking over the water while drinking the coffee was very relaxing after the drive.
After this we drove to Long Beach where we parked the car and walked along the foreshore. There are thee jetties of varying lengths going into the lake. We walked out on the two largest ones for some great views and photos. The length of the jetties is deceptive and you don’t realize how long they are until you reach the end and look back.
Long JettyOld Boat Shed on Lake Macquarie
There are several grassed areas with picnic facilities and families were using them. Along with the play equipment here it looked like a great place for kids.
Old Park BenchSeat With View over the Jetty
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Goat Island in Sydney Harbour is administered by National Parks and Wildlife and tours are organised and conducted by Rangers. We met our guide at Circular Quay wharf 6 where we boarded the ferry for a quick trip to the island. Access to the island is prohibited unless you are on an official tour, because of its heritage listed status. This tour takes 2 hours, which is plenty of time to see all of the island’s history.
Original Use
The original use for Goat Island was gunpowder storage and the most impressive building there is the old magazine. Built using convict labour this sandstone building has 2m thick walls, as a precaution to contain any explosions.
It was interesting to see the difference between the convict-built buildings and those built after. The convict buildings are of excellent construction and quality, but hose built afterwards are of a far lesser standard as the government paid for their construction.
Some boat maintenance is still performed on the island at the old shipyards but the facilities are a shadow of what happened there when Sydney was a large boat building harbour. The old crane still standing there is a reminder of the industry that used to be there.
View of Sydney Harbour From Goat Island
View of Sydney Harbour From Goat Island
Gunpowder Magazine Entrance
Gunpowder Magazine Walls
Interior of the Gunpowder Magazine
Magazine Memorial Plaque
Convict Built Building on Goat Island
Convict Built Building on Goat Island
Old Derelict Crane
Harbour Master’s Residence
The harbour master’s residence overlooking the harbour is a beautiful old building but is currently unused. Plans to develop it and several surrounding cottages did not materialise leaving it unoccupied.
We also stopped at Boney Anderson’s rock where he was chained for 2 years as punishment for bad behaviour. The small cutting in the rock was where he slept.
Harbour Master’s Residence
Boney Anderson’s Bed
Water Police
The tour also takes in the old water police and fire tender wharf which are in poor condition. Only the piers of the wharf remain and although they make an interesting photo it would have been nicer had it been preserved. The building is badly in need of renovating because although the structure appears sound, the interior walls and floors need repair.
Filmed on the island, the Australian TV show Water Rats built a set there. Unfortunately once filming stopped the set was not removed and remains an eye sore on the waterfront because it’s style does not match the historic buildings elsewhere.
Old Water Police Wharf
Cottage Interior
What Did We Think of Goat Island?
We had a fantastic time on Goat Island and learnt a great deal from our guide. This tour is highly recommended to anyone who wants to find out more about Australia’s past.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
