Street Art Archives - Page 7 of 9 - Destination's Journey

18 October 202024 January 2021

Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

Maitland

Situated on the Hunter River approximately 166 kilometres by road north of Sydney and 35 kilometres north-west of Newcastle, Maitland is a city in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Located on the New England Highway, it is easy to get to and its heritage and proximity to the Hunter Valley vineyards makes it worth visiting.

The Levee

Running parallel to the Hunter River and encircled by Ken Tubman Drive, The Levee is a hive of activity. It offers a range of entertainment and dining options, a blend of small business and national retail stores. Professional services such as banks, solicitors and accountants are also located here.

Street Art at the Levee — The Levee on a Foggy Morning

Buildings

The city has several historic buildings, and many others with interesting architecture, making them worth searching out. Several excellent walks can be found here, downloadable as PDFs.

Maitland Railway Station

The railway reached Maitland in 1858, having reached East Maitland in 1957. This resulted in the building of the current Italianate style building being built in the 1880s.

This building can be viewed from the carpark, or for a different perspective, climb the pedestrian overpass. This allows you to see it from above, where you can see the top of the building more clearly.

Maitland Post Office

Constructed in 1881 and designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet, the Maitland post office is an example of Victorian Italianate design of stucco on brick. This is characteristic of Barnet’s work, making it a fantastic attraction in the centre of the city.

Old Bank of Australasia Building

Built in 1869 and opened on 1st January 1870, this was the third bank constructed in High Street. The design of this building is one of the few colonial examples of Byzantine architecture and is significant for the skilful use of the curve and upper floor verandah. Although substantially altered, it still exhibits many original features making it significant.

St. Mary’s Church

Opened in 1867, St. Mary’s Church has a magnificent stone spire which is a landmark in the town and surrounding area. The building is a fine example of High Victorian Style Gothic architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Edmund Blackett the building has excellent stone tracery windows and detailing, exhibiting craftsmanship of the highest order.

St Mary's Anglican Church — St Mary’s Anglican Church

Old Synagogue

Ceasing as a place of worship in 1898 the old Synagogue was the first of its kind in Australia. Designed by renowned local architect, John W. Pender it is a simple Victorian Romanesque building. Constructed in 1879 it subsequently served as a co-educational school until 1928, a meeting hall and is now, after restoration, used as a Credit Union office and shopfront.

Former Maitland Synagogue — Former Synagogue

Heritage Mall

Constructed as a Bicentennial Project in 1988 The Heritage Mall in the main commercial centre of Maitland contains many building styles. Best viewed by walking down the centre of the Mall, the history of many buildings can be viewed on their upper floors above the awnings

Johnston's Boot Store Facade — Johnston’s Boot Store Facade

Courthouse

Designed during the transition of Victorian and Federation periods, the Maitland Courthouse is an outstanding building. Designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1895-96, it is Federation Free Classical in style and detailing, using typical Federation materials such as face red brick with contrasting sandstone trim.

Steamfest

Established in 1986, Steamfest pays homage to an industrial steam era and the men and women involved in its operation.

The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains. While there you can take a ride on one of the many unique train trips visiting various Hunter destinations or simply wander around and enjoy the displays.

Read our full story and see our pictures of Steamfest here.

Traction Engines Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland — Traction Engines

Locomotive 6029 The Garrett — Traction Engines

Our photos are available for purchase on

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

2 February 202029 March 2022

Nowra New South Wales Australia

How to Get There

Only two and a half hours drive south of Sydney, Nowra is a great place to explore the nearby Kangaroo Valley and Shoalhaven District. Public transport by train and bus goes to Nowra, but you will then need to organise personal transport to explore outside of the town.

Where Did We Stay

While in Nowra, we stayed at Springs Shoalhaven, because it was in a quiet location and had an on-site restaurant at the adjoining club. The clean rooms and great views over the golf course we a nice place to relax before going out for dinner. The meals at the club were great and the staff friendly.

Nowra’s Buildings

Wandering through Nowra’s business district, we found several nice old buildings, which were worth stopping to look at.

Mechanics' Institute and School of Arts — Roxy Theatre

Nowra Street Art

Walking through the central shopping district of Nowra, you will come across many pieces of excellent street art decorated buildings. Mostly located around the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, others can be found in side streets, which makes them fun to track down while exploring.

Aboriginal Child - Street Art Nowra — Aboriginal Child – Street Art Nowra

Quest Street Art in Nowra — Aboriginal Child – Street Art Nowra

Ben’s Walk

The walk loops around the Shoalhaven River, through its gorges and forests. The walk begins at the Nowra Showground, where you can enjoy a barbecue, and superb views of the river and mountains from Hanging Rock. The complete track provides a return walk of about 5.5 kilometres taking around two hours. A short return walk from the footbridge to the Showground and Hanging Rock takes around 10 minutes. A suspension bridge provides a fun crossing of the river.

Shoalhaven River From Hanging Rock Lookout — Hanging Rock

Soldiers’ Monument

Opened in 1931, this memorial commemorates all those who served in conflicts that involved Australia. The bronze statue represents an Australian soldier, his helmet and rifle discarded now that has won and returned home, but remains forever vigil.

Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum

The museum has an almost complete collection of the aircraft operated by the RAN. This ranges from the early 1950s when HMAS Sydney and Melbourne were acquired to a recently retired Seahawk helicopter. A purpose-built air-conditioned building houses all the displays. Inside a raised mezzanine floor provides an excellent overhead perspective of the displays. This is something that many aviation museums are lacking. There is also plenty of space between each display so that they can be seen easily without the crowding that some museums use.

To read the full story of our visit there, follow the link.

RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com — RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5

What Did We Think of Nowra?

A great place to stay with a range of activities to do and things to see. We used it as a base for exploring Kangaroo Valley and further afield to Kiama and the Illawarra.

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.

29 December 201923 March 2021

Newcastle Street Art

There are several places to find street art in Newcastle, although it is not as widespread as in other cities. In the city centre there is a collection in Morgan and Newcomen streets.

Civic Lane near the old Civic Railway Station also has some interesting art works on the backs of some buildings.

Further afield, you can find some great pieces at Hamilton and Wallsend.

In addition to the street art, Newcastle has some amazing sculptures scattered around the city, so keep an eye out for them.

New Street Art March 2021

Street Art on Steel St — Street Art in Darby Street

City Centre Street Art

Street Art Morgan St Newcastle — Street Art Morgan St

Motorbike Street Art 3 Morgan St Newcastle — Street Art Morgan St

Street Art 14 Thorn St Newcastle — 14 Thorn St Newcastle

Old Masonic Lodge 14 Thorn St Newcastle — 14 Thorn St Newcastle

Street Art Laing Street Newcastle — *Mosaic* Laing Street Newcastle

The Painter Street Art Union Lane Newcastle

The Cleaner Street Art Union Lane Newcastle — The Painter Street Art Union Lane Newcastle

Old Post Office Sculpture Cnr Hunter and Bolton Streets Newcastle

Street Art — Old Post Office Sculpture Cnr Hunter and Bolton Streets Newcastle

Newcastle’s Pillar People

One of Newcastle’s initiatives to brighten up the city centre, is the Pillar People. These telecommunications pillars have been cleverly painted to represent local identities, or reflect the businesses they are located near.

There are over a dozen of them, see if you can find them all.

Pillar People Judge — Pillar People Postman

Painted Power Boxes

In a similar initiative to the Pillar People, electrical boxes around the city have been decorated with nautical themes. They brighten up an otherwise dull box. Look for the amusing mice, painted on some.

Newcastle Sculptures

Climbers Sculptures 434 King St Newcastle

Sculpture Evolution 1 Scott St Newcastle — Climbers Sculptures 434 King St Newcastle

Destiny Monument

Located on Newcastle Harbour on Dyke Point, Carrington, the Destiny Monument is difficult to reach because of its location. Dyke Point is part of the Newcastle Port Authority’s operating area with no public access permitted. The closest viewpoint from land is the Honeysuckle Footpath at Honeysuckle, where you can look across the harbour to the statue.

This nine metre tall bronze statue commemorates the 200th anniversary of Newcastle Port operations and was inspired by the figureheads of early sailing ships.

Hamilton and Wallsend Street Art

Located further from the city centre, these art works a more difficult to get to, as you will need a car. If driving past them, they are worth a stop to admire, as they brighten up and add interest to otherwise dull buildings.

Elephant Street Art 8 Donald St, Hamilton

Donald St Hamilton Opposite the Veterinary Clinic — Elephant Street Art 8 Donald St, Hamilton

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

Our photos are available for purchase on

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Tag: Street Art

Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

Maitland

The Levee