travel Archives - Page 42 of 47 - Destination's Journey

24 May 202117 July 2021

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Sitting on the waterfront at Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia provides a venue for international and local artists.

Getting There

In walking distance of Circular Quay, public transport is the easiest way to get here. Ferries, buses, trains and light rail all stop here, making it easy and convenient. Several carparks are located nearby if you want to drive.

The Museum

Near the entrance a metallic sculpture provides some great photo opportunities, because its design allowing unique views of the Opera House.

During our visit one gallery was dedicated to David Malangi Daymirringu’s aboriginal artwork. They follow important sites, ceremonies, and stories that encompass ancestral knowledge connected to the artist’s Manharrngu clan of central Arnhem Land. Some of the photos below show his amazing work.

As expected the remaining art on display ranged from weird and unique to strangely interesting. A fun place to walk around, especially if you want to see what current artist are producing.

A cafeteria on the roof gives great views of Sydney Harbour as well as Circular Quay. We sat here for a while enjoying morning tea and watching the ferries going in and out of the Quay.

What Did We Think?

This was an interesting visit. The highlight was the indigenous artwork on display, which looked amazing. It was nice to see that the museum takes great pride in its support of aboriginal and Torres Strait artists. Open everyday except Mondays.

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

24 May 20217 June 2021

Kandos The Town That Built Sydney

Train Sculpture at a Kandos Railway Station

Kandos The Town That Built Sydney

Established in the early 1900s for the NSW Cement, Lime and Coal Co Ltd, Kandos produced cement until the plant’s closure in 2011. Taken from the initials of the founding company directors: Campbell, Angus, Noyes, McDonald, Oakden and Stephen. The first letter was later changed to a K rather than a C at the insistence of the Postmaster General. He thought it was too close to Chandos in South Australia.

Cement produced here was used all over New South Wales, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the Central to St James underground railway, leading to the town branding itself “The Town That Built Sydney”.

Located 234 km north-west of Sydney, for a three and a quarter hour trip, or a 64 km, one-hour trip south-east of Mudgee, Kandos is a great place to visit. Not only does the town offer interesting things to do, but nearby is Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park.

On entering town, an old railway wagon proudly displays a load of Kandos Cement, making you aware of the town’s heritage.

Some interesting sights include the old railway station and nearby hotel, along with some interesting sculptures nearby. We also found an old underground loading unit sitting on the side of a road near the museum, which was an interesting discovery.

Kandos Museum

Specialising in Kandos and the surrounding towns, the museum has a wonderful collection of historical items. A large section is dedicated to the cement works and their impact on the town.

Outside displays provide access to several large displays of cement works equipment, including skips from the aerial ropeway that brought limestone from the quarry to the cement works.

The volunteer staff were exceptional, full of local knowledge and more than happy to answer our questions. They really made the visit even more enjoyable.

Kandos Cement Works

Walking inside the museum’s entrance, you are greeting by the immaculate 1930 Nash Ambulance. This vehicle is surrounded by cement works artefacts, detailing the workings of the factory that kept Kandos ticking for nearly 100 years.

The Mine's Old Safety Sign — Kandos Cement Works 1930 Nash Ambulance

Local History

The local history of Kandos and surrounding villages makes up a large display in a second room, detailing local life.

Local Towns and Villages Sign at the Museum

Gas Powered Fridge — Local Towns and Villages Sign at the Museum

Outside Displays

Large pieces of equipment displayed outside the museum include part of the aerial ropeway, steam engines and crushers provide a glimpse of the limestone quarry’s operation.

Mill From the Kandos Cement Factory — Old Equipment at the Museum

What Did We Think?

Kandos is a great town to visit, with a lot of history crammed into 100 years, as well as the wonderful Wollemi National Park to visit close by.

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

20 May 202120 May 2021

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Located in Darling Harbour next to Chinatown, the Chinese Garden of Friendship has been a place of relaxation in Sydney since 1988. Built as a symbol of friendship between Sydney, New South Wales and the city of Guangzhou in the province of Guangdong, China (sister cities of sister states), to mark Australia’s bicentennial in 1988, it is one of only a few public Chinese gardens outside mainland China.

Open daily, there is an entry fee which includes a guided tour if you don’t want to wander around and discover the gardens for yourself.

Getting There

We walked here from Chinatown, but the closest light rail stations are Paddy’s Market, Chinatown and Exhibition Centre, each a five-minute walk away. The closest ferry wharf is Barangaroo, although that is a 20-minute walk.

Gardens

Unlike most of the other gardens found in Sydney, there are no formally laid out flowerbeds or manicured lawns here. Instead, wild aspects of nature are recreated in landscapes that feature waterfalls, mountains, lakes and forests.

Following the Taoist principles of ‘Yin-Yang’, the opposing yet complementary and balanced forces, and ‘Wu-Xing’, the five elements or phases—wood, fire, earth, metal and water, the gardens are peaceful and relaxing.

Garden Walls

Two of the impressive walls within the garden are the Cloud and Dragon walls. Featuring two flying dragons, the Dragon Wall was a gift from Guangdong, with the brown dragon representing Guangdong, and the blue dragon New South Wales.

Chinese Garden of Friendship Circular Entrance — Cloud Wall

Pavilion

There are 17 pavilions in the Gardens, but one is larger than the others and overlooks the pond.

Chinese Garden of Friendship Temple — Temple

What Did We Think of the Chinese Garden of Friendship ?

A relaxing place to visit and get away from the city for a while and take in some Chinese culture.

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

Tag: travel

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Getting There

The Museum

What Did We Think?

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Kandos The Town That Built Sydney