On display at the Newcastle Lock-Up until 5 February 2023, “Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt” by Alex Seton was specifically made for the cells of the Lock-Up. The title of the show refers to Kurt Vonnegut’s anti-war novel “Slaughterhouse-Five” about the fire bombing of Dresden that dislocates linear time.
These beautiful artworks are worth the visit and with free entry it’s even better. We had a great time here, slowly walking around the exhibits.
Our previous visit to the Lock-Up can be found here. It details the building’s history and shows the rooms and cells with no artwork installed.
Old Gaol Cellsby Alex SetonEverything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Alex SetonThe Amber of this Moment by Alex Setonby Alex SetonStill Very Much Alive in the Past by Alex SetonStill Very Much Alive in the Past by Alex SetonPillar of Salt by Alex Seton
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
The first European to visit the area was Governor Arthur Phillip, who explored the lower river by small boat in March 1788 within weeks of the First Fleet’s arrival. He named it Mullet Island, for the abundance of fish in the local Hawkesbury River. The island was purchased in 1864 and renamed by Henry Cary Dangar, the son of Henry Dangar, a surveyor, pastoralist and parliamentarian.
Subdivided into residential plots in the 1920s while it still retains some areas for recreational use. Around 330 permanent residents call the island home.
Getting There
Dangar Island can only be accessed by water, either by ferry, private boat or water taxi. We used the ferry, which operates seven days per week. The ferry “Sun” is itself a historic boat, making the trip that little bit more interesting.
The ferry leaves from Brooklyn north of Sydney, where parking is available near the wharf. The Brooklyn train station is only a short walk from the wharf, making this a great option if you don’t want to drive. The ferry arrival and departure times coincide with the train’s timetable.
On the Island
The only vehicles on the island are the fire truck and council ute, with all other vehicles banned. Residents use wheel barrows to haul items from the wharf to their homes. As you leave the ferry, you will see a line up of wheel barrows on the side of the path. On the opposite side is a metal sculpture of a Stegosaurus.
Our first stop was the coffee shop next to the wharf. This also serves as the island’s only shop, because of the small population. Sitting outside was very relaxing, and a great way to start our visit before setting off to explore.
Walking Around
With only around 3km of roads, walking around the island does not take too long. You can download a map, to show various things to see on the island. However, we spent a lot of time at the beach, which had driftwood from recent storms washed up. Also near the beach the rocks are covered in oysters, although most have been removed by fishermen.
One small relic here dates from the Second World War when the Australian Army garrisoned the island and manned a cable boom across the river to protect the railway bridge. A small section of rusted steel embedded in the rocks is all that remains.
We visited at low tide and much of the beach was exposed. The exposed sand was covered in small mounds of sand from crabs that had burrowed down until the tide returned. From the amount of burrows, there must be a huge crab population here.
From the upper road, you get great views of the Hawkesbury and the railway bridge. A rock shelter previously used the local Guringai people before European settlement sits just off the upper road.
Returning to Brooklyn
After around three hours, we returned to the wharf where we had a cold drink while we waited for the ferry. Make sure you don’t miss the last ferry, or you will need to call the water taxi, which is much more expensive.
This was a fun relaxing morning out to somewhere that’s a little different. The locals and the atmosphere of the island is great and we had a great time, well worth a visit.
Historic Ferry the SunFishing boats tied up at BrooklynHouses and private jetties on Dangar IslandBikes left at the ferry wharfMetal stegosaurustypical Dangar Island roadThe Pavilion and Beware of the Rabbit signFence made of old surf boardsdriftwood on a beachOne of Dangar Island’s beachesPrivate jetties at low tideRusting remains of the barrage from World War TwoCrab metropolis. The piles of sand are from crab burrowsRocks and trees on a beachThe CaveHawkesbury River Railway BridgeCold Bundaberg Ginger Beer
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Located in the centre of the Sydney CBD and running from Pitt to George Street, the Strand Arcade is one of Sydney’s premier shopping destinations. Opened in 1892, The Strand is the only remaining arcade of its type in Sydney. With three levels, to explore and many cafes and restaurants, there’s plenty to see.
A Brief History of The Strand
Over time the arcade became neglected and run-down. However, in 1976, as restoration works were being undertaken a fire broke out causing extensive damage. Fortunately, instead of demolishing the building, the owner decided on an authentic restoration. As a result, the floor, staircases and shopfronts look exactly as they were when first built. Even the hydraulic lifts were restored.
What to Find on the Different Levels
Walking through the arcade, the cedar shopfront, balustrades and tiled floors all remind you of the 18th century. The stairs even have a lead covering to protect the cedar wood. There is three levels to the Strand. The top has high-end shops where you can find wedding dress makers, shoemakers, and old time barbers. Many of these shops have displays of the original tools used in their businesses as well as viewing into their workshops. Also from this level, you get a good view of the Strand Clock, installed by one of the original tenants that came from Germany and had a nut shop. When they decided to close they left this little bit of history for all to see.
The middle level has department brands that we all know and is relatively busy, while the bottom contains eateries, and a variety of everyday shop that we would visit regularly.
The original building had leadlight windows. Unfortunately, adjacent development has covered one from the outside. This has resulted in no light to show off its colours, but another nearby still has natural light to show off its design.
The Strand is very easy to find in the centre of Sydney and is a great place to visit, even if it’s only to browse the shops or have a coffee while admiring the architecture.
Strand Arcade SignGround FloorMiddle FloorView from the Top FloorStain Glass WindowStained Glass WindowsOriginal ElevatorThe Strand Arcade’s Clock
