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Tag: Town

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Terrigal on the Central Coast

View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon

Terrigal

Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Terrigal is a coastal town situated halfway between Sydney and Newcastle (90 minutes from both). Public transport connects via the train to Gosford and a connecting bus to Terrigal.

We parked near the skillion, because it allowed easy access to the places we wanted to see.

The Skillion

Overlooking Terrigal and the surrounding coastline, the Skillion provides amazing views of the surrounding coastline and town. A walkway runs up the left side, making access easy, or you can walk on the grassed surface. At the top, a fenced lookout provides a safe place for viewing, because the nearby cliff is very high.

At the base of the Skillion is a rock platform where the waves constantly splash and look amazing. Signs warn of the danger of walking in the area, not only from the waves, but from rocks falling off the cliff. A great way to see the rock platform is from Kurrawyba Lookout, which is safe and also gives a good view.

  • The Grassed Surface of the Skillion Terrigal
    The Grassed Surface of the Skillion
  • Looking Down From the Skillion Towards Terrigal
    Looking Down From the Skillion Towards Terrigal
  • View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon
    View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon
  • View From the Skillion Over Kurrawyba
    View From the Skillion Over Kurrawyba
  • View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
    Looking Towards Avoca From the Skillion
  • View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
    View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
  • Rocks at the Base of the Skillion
    Rocks at the Base of the Skillion
  • Rocks at the Base of The Skillion
    Rocks at the Base of The Skillion
  • Waves Crashing Over Rocks on the Rock Platform
    Waves Crashing Over Rocks on the Rock Platform

Kurrawyba Lookout

Situated on the headland opposite the Skillion, Kurrawyba Lookout is an easy five minute walk from the car park. This is the best place to get a safe view of the Skillion and the rock platform, because the platform itself is subject to falling rocks.

  • The Skillion and Rock Platform
    , The Skillion and Rock Platform
  • The Skillion and Rock Platform
    The Skillion and Rock Platform

Terrigal Boat Harbour

We bought a coffee at the Cove Cafe and sat on a bench in the park next door, watching the boats in the harbour and a group of swimmers while we drank it. It was very relaxing, as everyone else there was relaxing and enjoying the morning as well.

On our walk around the area, we noticed a lot of pelicans, including some on the powerpoles, watching everyone else.

  • The Harbour at Terrigal
    The Harbour
  • Pelicans
    Pelicans

Terrigal Lagoon and Beach

The Terrigal Lagoon, is a safe place where families can enjoy the day near the water. Protected from the surf, this tidal area had people paddle boarding, swimming, or just relaxing.

At the end of the lagoon, was an interesting sculpture, adding to the interest in the area.

Past the lagoon is the magnificent sandy Terrigal Beach. The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break, but remember to swim between the flags.

  • Terrigal Lagoon
    Terrigal Lagoon
  • Sculpture in Terrigal Lagoon
    Sculpture in the Lagoon
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Historical Maitland in the Hunter Valley

Maitland Sign

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.

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

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.

Railway Station
Railway Station

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.

  • Maitland Post Office
    Maitland Post Office
  • Maitland Post Office
    Clock Tower at the Maitland Post Office
  • Maitland Post Office
    Maitland Post Office

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.

Old ANZ Bank Building
Old ANZ Bank Building

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
Old Building Facades
Old Building Facades

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.

Maitland Courthouse
Maitland Courthouse
Street by the Court House
Street by the Court House

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
    Locomotive 6029 The Garrett

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.