Located on the Tomaree Peninsula, Gan Gan Lookout gives amazing views over Nelson Bay, Tomaree National Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes. There are also great views over the Katich River and out to both Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands.
Getting there is only a five- minute drive from Nelson Bay where a narrow track takes you to the lookout. At the top of the track, is a small car park. To the right of the car park, a small viewing platform gives views towards Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are visible in the distance surrounded by Australian coastal forest.
To the left of the car park, a track leads to the main viewing area with excellent views over the surrounding area. Binoculars mounted at both platforms (which need to be paid for to use), let you get a better view of distant objects.
Because of its elevation, several large communication towers are also here. Although not most people’s idea of an attraction, there are still interesting because of the numerous transmitters and receivers covering them.
Looking towards Tomaree and Yacaaba HeadlandsView towards the Stockton Sand DunesView towards the Stockton Sand DunesTelecommunications Tower on Gan Gan Lookout
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Overlooking the Georges River, Oatley Park is a sprawling 112-acre reserve offering activities from swimming and walking to picnics and a children’s playground.
Dating back to the early European settlement of Australia the land was granted to Thomas Oatley in 1831, who established an extensive vineyard and orchard. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that the area was dedicated for public recreation, and transformed into a park.
The Great Depression, from 1929 to 1939, left a significant mark on Oatley Park. To provide relief and employment during this challenging period, the NSW Government undertook several projects, including the construction of the sandstone kiosk and lookout now known as the “Castle.” This iconic landmark, with its crenellations and towers, has become a defining feature of the park and a symbol of resilience.
Getting There
Located throughout the park, dedicated parking bays make it easy to access the reserve. We were interested in the kiosk “castle”, so parked near it. Be careful when driving through the park as most roadways are shared with pedestrians.
The Castle
Built during the Great Depression, the Castle kiosk is an interesting structure, with crenellations making it look like a real castle. It not only provides great views over the river, but provides shelter from the weather with a barbeque area and seating underneath.
Swimming Baths
Not far from the castle is a small sandy beach on the river bank. this is one of the few suspended netted baths in Sydney. The 320m net keeps the sharks out and the swimmers safe. Changeroom and showers are conveniently located next to the baths.
Picnic and Barbeque Areas
Scattered throughout the park, barbecue and picnic areas offered great places to relax. The area we saw near the castle looked like a great place to relax near the river.
Oatley CastleRoof of the CastleView from the top of Oatley Castle over Jew Fish BayView over Jew Fish Bay from the beachLooking over Jew Fish Bay
Located in the Capertee Valley the Glen Davis Oil Shale Ruins were once a thriving industrial complex. Established in 1940, the Glen Davis Shale Oil Works were a strategic investment that produced petrol for New South Wales while at the same time providing work for unemployed miners. The process involved mining shale using the underground bord and pillar method. This shale then underwent treatment at the adjoining plant to extract the oil. Refining the oil produced petrol which at the time was important for the war effort.
Dwindling shale reserves, old machinery, and poor productivity led to the facility closing in 1952. All removable items were sold leaving only the buildings which are now ruins.
Getting There
Located in the Capertee Valley, the ruins are on private property, with access by guided tour only. We drove from Kandos, through the beautiful Capertee Valley and met our guide at the gates to the property. Payment is either by bank transfer prior to the tour, or cash on the day. Electronic payments can’t be processed because there is no phone reception.
On arrival, wait at the gates to “The Poplars” in your car until the guide arrives. They will let you through the gates and run through a safety briefing before starting the tour. While we waited we took the chance to look at the amazing valley walls that make up the Capertee Valley. Covered in gum trees, with the setting sun giving the rocks a red glow was a bonus to the trip.
Remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen because it can get very hot.
The Capertee Valley walls
The Glen Davis Oil Shale RuinsTour
Running around two hours, the tour takes you through the remaining structures on site. The guide was very informative and covered everything from the area’s history, how the plant worked and why it closed. For many of the buildings, he had photos of how it used to look.
The site has been used for TV show such as SAS Australia, so the guide pointed out where it took place.
The tour takes a loop through the site, so you are always seeing new sites, rather than back-tracking through places you have already see. This is great because it means the whole two hours was full with no repetition.
Unfortunately the ruins are not heritage listed, so have no protection. Also, the current owner is selling the property (as of November 2023), so a new owner is not obliged to provide tours, or even keep the buildings as they are.
Entrance to the Poplars and surrounding Capertee Valley wallsBrick building in ruinsTrees growing in and around the ruinsRuins with the valley wall as a backdropRemains of the processing plantTrees growing in and around the ruinsRusty bus
