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Tag: travel

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Australian Museum Sydney

Muttaburrasaurus

Australian Museum

Located near Hyde Park in the centre of Sydney, the Australian Museum is a wonderful place to spend a few hours wandering around the amazing displays. Designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis, the current building opening in 1857, although the museum’s collection dates back to 1827.

An extensive refurbishment in 2021 has resulted in updated and refreshed exhibits, bringing the museum into the 21st century.

Getting There

The Domain carpark is the closest secure parking spot to the museum, being only a ten-minute walk away.

Using Sydney’s public transport system is easy, with the Museum, St James and Town Hall train stations all within a ten-minute walk of the museum. Bus stops along Elizabeth Street, next to Hyde Park are another great option to get there.

What to See

Ground Level

200 Treasures

Located on the ground floor the 200 Treasures represent people and objects, that tell stories about Australia and the world.

The displays range from Zulu shields and Pacific Island sculptures, to a skeleton man on a skeleton horse.

  • Skeleton Man on a Horse Australian Museum Sydney
    Skeleton Man on a Horse
  • Zulu Shields in Treasures of the Museum Australian Museum Sydney
    Zulu Shields in Treasures of the Museum
  • Australian Museum Sydney
    Australian Museum Sydney
First Nations

The First Nations display is part of the recent Museum refurbishment, giving an excellent overview of indigenous Australians before colonisation.

We loved the range of boomerangs, shields and spears on display, along with their descriptions on information panels.

  • Australian Museum Sydney
  • Australian Museum Sydney
  • Australian Museum Sydney
Wild Planet

In Wild Planet, animals from Australia and around the world are on display. Two huge elephant skeletons show the size of these animals. Overhead, an even bigger sperm whale skeleton looks down from the ceiling.

Over 400 animals are displayed here, including extinct and endangered species. This was a great place to learn about the animals and their habitats. Not only do the displays details the animals, but also explain how they are impacted by human activity.

  • Cassowary
    Cassowary
  • Giraffe and Zebra
    Giraffe and Zebra
  • Giraffe
    Giraffe
  • Adult and Juvenile Elephant Skeletons
    Adult and Juvenile Elephant Skeletons

Level 2

Birds of Australia

Australian birds have a whole section to themselves because of their vast numbers and beauty. The displays vary from the giant emu and Cassowary to seabirds and colourful parrots. The parrot display shows the huge range of colours to be found in these birds.

These displays are a great opportunity for people who don’t leave the city to see the colour of the outback.

  • King Parrot
    King Parrot
Surviving Australia

Specialising in the creatures of Australia, this section takes you from ancient megafauna to modern spiders and snakes.

A model of an ancient diprotodon let you see how massive these giant wombat-like creatures were. Nearby the extinct Thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger exhibit explains how the mammal went extinct on mainland Australia. The introduction of the dingo outcompeted them for food, driving them to extinction. Surviving until the 1930s in Tasmania, hunting by farmers caused them to die out there too.

An excellent stop for tourists or locals who want to see some of Australia’s more dangerous animals. Displays of dangerous snakes, spiders and saltwater crocodile allow you to see them up close, but in complete safety.

  • Diprotodon
    Diprotodon
  • Thylacine or Tasmanian Tiger
    Thylacine or Tasmanian Tiger
Pacific Spirit

Pacific Spirit celebrates the culture of the Pacific Islands. Wonderful exhibits showcase the unique culture of these people, with masks, headgear, ceremonial poles and jewellery.

Dinosaurs

Having loved dinosaurs since being a kid this was one of my favourite exhibits. From T-Rex and velociraptors, there are many dinosaurs on display. One of Australia’s first discovered specimens is on display, muttaburrasaurus. Prior to its discovery in Queensland (near the town of Muttaburra!), very few dinosaur traces were found in Australia.

  • Muttaburrasaurus
    Muttaburrasaurus
  • Muttaburrasaurus Skeleton
    Muttaburrasaurus Skeleton

The Hobbit Homo Floresiencis

The discovery of homo floresiencis on the Indonesian Island of Flores caused a huge stir in the world of archaeology, because of its diminutive stature. Controversy about its place in the human family tree still rages in the scientific community. The museum has a small case displaying the hobbit as it has been called. This is not an easy display to find, because it is hidden away under a staircase, going up from the Wild Planet gallery.

Homo Floresiensis Australian Museum Sydney
Homo Floresiensis

Mineralogy

The mineralogy collection is the oldest rock and mineral collection in Australia, and the mineral component is the largest of any Australian collection. The meteorite collection is the oldest and second largest in the country. With nearly 80,000 specimens, only a few can be on display, however, these are some of the best available.

Mineral Collection Australian Museum Sydney
Australian Christmas Beetles Australian Museum Sydney
Australian Christmas Beetles
Circle Stone Money Australian Museum Sydney
Circle Stone Money

Refreshments

Two eating areas provide a chance to re-fuel while at the museum. A family friendly kiosk on level 2 is great for a quick snack or light meal. The roof-top restaurant has views over Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour while you dine.

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

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Gunnedah New South Wales

View of Gunnedah From Pensioners' Hill

Gunnedah New South Wales

Town History

Located on the north west slopes of New South Wales, Gunnedah has a long history of habitation by the Kamilaroi people. The town’s name means Place of White Stones in the Kamilaroi language. Within 45 years

Colonial settlers arrived in the area in 1833, taking advantage of the Patrick Plain fertile soil to farm sheep.

Getting There

Gunnedah was our second overnight stop on our road trip. Only a 90 minute drive from Dubbo, the road was in good condition the whole way. Direct from Sydney, it’s a five hour drive, but there are plenty of interesting stops along the way, the most notable of which is Coonabarabran.

Attractions

Gunnedah Town Centre

The Gunnedah town centre is full of old historic buildings, making a walk though town interesting. While there, look at the buildings’ facades as they are often nicely decorated and show the year the building was built. Over time many buildings have changed owners but the original builder is often still displayed on the facade.

Old Bank Chambers
Old Bank Chambers
Old Shop Fronts Kamilaroi Highway
Old Shop Fronts Kamilaroi Highway
Gunnedah Town Hall
Gunnedah Town Hall
Old Acropolis Café Building Kamilaroi Highway
Old Acropolis Café Building Kamilaroi Highway

Miners’ Memorial

In the centre of town near Wolseley Park a statue pays tribute to the coal miners who brought wealth to the town. Many miners failed to return home because of the dangerous work and this is a memorial to them.

Miners' Memorial Wolseley Park Gunnedah
Miners’ Memorial Wolseley Park

Red Chief Memorial

Located in the town centre, adjacent to the NSW Government Offices building in Abbott Street this is first memorial erected in honour of an Aboriginal historical identity.

Buried probably in late 1700`s. Cumbo Gunnerah was the legendary warrior and wise leader of the Gunn-e-darr people of the Kamilaroi tribe. He was buried, it is thought, in the late 1700’s in a manner befitting an Aboriginal man of great importance, that is in a sitting position, backed by a tree carved with totemic designs in his honour.

Red Chief Memorial Gunnedah
Red Chief Memorial

Silo Art

A beautiful piece of silo art now brightens one of Gunnedah’s old silos. Featuring Dorothea Mackellar and lines from My Country, it adds to the Mackellar presence in town. For our blog on the silo, click here.

Gunnedah Maize Mill Silo Depicting Dorothea Mackellar and Lines From My Country
Gunnedah Maize Mill Silo Depicting Dorothea Mackellar and Lines From My Country

Gunnedah Water Tank Museum

The Water Tank Museum contains artefacts from Gunnedah’s past, as well as an amazing mural on the outside, dedicated to the Vietnam War. To see our full blog and more photos click here.

Gunnedah Water Tower mural
Water Tower mural: Soldiers of 7RAR waiting to be picked up by Huey Helicopters by Jenny McCracken

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue

In addition to the Silo art honouring Dorothea Mackellar, a statue of the poet riding a horse can be found near the Water Tower Museum. Our full blog and photos can be found here.

Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue
Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Statue

Pensioners Hill Lookout and Sculptures

This beautiful sculpture-filled park has great views over town, making it a must visit when you visit. An easy walk from the car park past the sculptures rewards you with magnificent views. Our blog and photos of all the sculptures is here.

Aboriginal Man Sculpture Gunnedah
Aboriginal Man Sculpture

Gunnedah Rural Museum

This is a fantastic place to visit especially for those interested in rural life in Australia from the late 1800s to late 1900s. We particularly liked the tractor and car collection, as they were extensive and in good condition. The museum also has a model railway out the front for rail enthusiasts. We really enjoyed this laid back huge museum. The full blog of our visit is here.

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.

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Morpeth on the Hunter River

The Old Post Office

Morpeth on the Hunter River

Morpeth

Initially created through by Edward Charles Close, who selected a property of 1,000 hectares Morpeth developed as a river port from 1831-1841.

The river port grew steadily throughout the 1830s, but the construction of the Great Northern Railway in 1857, bypassed Morpeth. This resulted in Newcastle developing as the regional port. Morpeth became less significant commercially, but still survived as a township with its own history and heritage.

The town is now popular with tourists because of its historic buildings and riverside setting.

Getting There

Sitting a 10 minute drive from Maitland, the historic town of Morpeth is one of the Hunter Valley’s major attractions. On the drive from Maitland look out for the brightly painted shed advertising “Dr Morse’s Indian Root Pills”, as it’s a well known site by the Hunter River. Originally from North America, these pills are still manufactured and sold in Australia.

Parking in Morpeth can be at a premium on busy days, particularly in front of shops on the main road (Swan Street). There are more spots a available further down the road opposite the museum and old Post Office (now a vets).

  • Painted Shed
    Painted Shed Indian Root Pills on the Way to Morpeth

Swan Street

Most of the shops and restaurants face onto Swan Street, which makes them easy to find, because you are not wandering around back streets.

  • Row of Buildings in Swan Street Morpeth
    Row of Buildings in Swan Street Morpeth
  • Old Stone Walkway Morpeth
    Old Stone Walkway
  • Telephone Box in Morpeth
    Telephone Box

Morpeth Bridge

Opened on 15 June 1898, the Morpeth Bridge is a timber trestle bridge employing Allan trusses. It has two central iron cylinder span supports fabricated by Mort’s Dock. Spanning the Hunter River at Morpeth, the bridge is listed on the state heritage register because of its technical and historical characteristics. 

  • Hunter River Bridge
    Hunter River Bridge
  • Hunter River Bridge
    Hunter River Bridge
  • The Morpeth Bridge
    The Morpeth Bridge

Historic Buildings

Located on Swan Street, most of the historical buildings are in excellent condition and look beautiful. Many are now used for different purposes than what they were built for, so have small plaques in the footpath showing their original use.

  • The Old Post Office
    The Old Post Office
  • CBC Bank
    CBC Bank
  • St James Anglican Church
    St James Anglican Church
  • Derelict Trading Post
    Derelict Trading Post
  • Courthouse Plaque
    Courthouse Plaque
  • Commercial Hotel Plaque
    Commercial Hotel Plaque

Campbell’s Store

Located on the corner of Swan and Tank Streets, Campbell’s store is a collection of small businesses in one large building. From second-hand dealers, clothes and food, there is a lot to see and explore here. At the back of the building is a café and the Morpeth art gallery, which sells art and often has exhibitions on the second floor.

  • Ally Next to Campbell's Store
    Ally Next to Campbell’s Store
  • Post Box
    Post Box Outside Campbell’s Store
  • Rear of Campbell's Store
    Rear of Campbell’s Store
  • Old Railway Carriage
    Old Railway Carriage

Other Interesting Things to See

Walking around, you will find several interesting sights, including painted lane ways, sweet shops, and old telephone box, and a mannequin inviting you for free ginger beer tasting.

  • Free Ginger Beer Morpeth
    Free Ginger Beer Tasting
  • Painted Murals on Berkley Street Morpeth
    Painted Murals on Berkley Street
  • Painted Murals on Green Street Morpeth
    Painted Murals on Green Street

What Did We Think?

Morpeth is a great place to spend a day out exploring, because it has so much to offer. From historic buildings, antique shops, or a relaxing meal overlooking the Hunter River, it’s a great place to visit.

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