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Category: Car

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Wings Over Illawarra 2021 Air Show

Paul Bennett in his Wolf Pitts

Wings Over Illawarra 2021

Delayed since 2020 due to Covid, Wings Over Illawarra was able to get into the air on the weekend of 27/28 November 2021. Held at Shellharbour Airport, south of Wollongong, the air show was well organised, with plenty of parking and helpful volunteers.

We stayed at a nearby hotel the previous night, because the show was a four-hour drive from home. Our previous visit here in 2018 convinced us that Gold Tickets would be a good idea and we were not disappointed. Not only did they give us great seats and excellent onsite parking, but we got early access to the site. This let us wander around the static displays before the crowds arrived, allowing us to take photos without too many people around.

Weather

Unfortunately, the weather on the day was overcast with showers, but the organizers did a great job getting as many flights happening as possible. Some of the warbirds did not fly, as the risk was too great, but we were able to see them close up because they were parked in front of the Gold Ticket area.

Static Displays

After getting a coffee, we went for a walk through the aircraft on static display. The RAAF had a Lockheed Hercules C-130J on display, which we were able to walk through. The air force also had an F/A-18 Hornet, but it was on the flight line ready for a display.

The Royal Australian Navy and Army contributed helicopters, with the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk demonstrating its flying abilities later in the day.

HARS (previously Historic Aircraft Restoration Society) is based at the airport and had their collection on display. They have an excellent collection, with the MiG-21 being a new addition since our last visit.

Lockheed C-130J Hercules Wings Over Illawarra 2021
Lockheed C-130J Hercules
Eurocopter MRH-90 Taipan Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
Eurocopter MRH-90 Taipan
De Havilland Canada Caribou Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
De Havilland Canada Caribou
Douglas C-47 Dakota A65-95
Douglas C-47 Dakota A65-95
CAC Sabre A94-901 Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
CAC Sabre A94-901
MiG 21U in Indian Air Force colours Wings Over Illawarra Air Show 2021
MiG 21U in Indian Air Force colours
Dassault Mirage IIIO
Dassault Mirage IIIO

War Birds

The highlight of many air shows are the war birds giving flying demonstrations. The Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk, Lockheed Neptune and CAC Wirraway put on a great display Despite the weather. Unfortunately, the Avenger, Corsair and P-51 didn’t fly on the day, but were still displayed for people to see.

Vought Corsair with folded wings Wings Over Illawarra 2021
Vought Corsair with folded wings
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk

Flying Displays

Apart from the war birds, flying displays were put on by the RAAF with their F/A-18, the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk and the Sky Aces aerobatic team. These were great to see and our seats in the grandstand gave us an excellent view.

Lockheed P-2H Neptune A89-273
Lockheed P-2H Neptune A89-273
F/A-18A Hornet A21-8
F/A-18A Hornet A21-8
Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk
Paul Bennett in his Wolf Pitts
Paul Bennet in his Wolf Pitts

Vehicle Displays

On the far side of the airfield was a small static display of vintage vehicles and current Australian Army vehicles. This was a fun and interesting area to walk around, as it offered something different to see.

1939 Chevrolet
1939 Chevrolet
Bushmaster
Bushmaster

What Did We Think of Wings Over Illawarra 2021?

We had a great day here watching the flying and walking around the displays, despite the gloomy weather. The following day had much improved weather, so the full flying agenda took place. Displays by HARS and access to their museum was a great part to the show.

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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 Cement Wagon
    Cement Wagon
  • Old Rail Wagons
    Old Rail Wagons
  • Kandos Town Sign
    Kandos Town Sign
  • Kandos Railway Station
    The Railway Station
  • Train Sculpture at a Kandos Railway Station
    Train Sculpture at a the Railway Station
  • Sculpture at a Kandos Railway Station
    Sculpture at the Railway Station
  • St Laurence’s Anglican Church
  • Railway Hotel
    Railway Hotel
  • Underground Loader
    Underground Loader

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 Museum
Kandos Museum

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.

  • Kandos Cement Works 1930 Nash Ambulance
    Kandos Cement Works 1930 Nash Ambulance
  • The Mine's Old Safety Sign
    The Old Safety Sign
  • Gauges From the Cement Factory
    Gauges From the Cement Factory
  • The Many Used for an Old Cement Bag
    The Many Used for an Old Cement Bag

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
    Local Towns and Villages Sign at the Museum
  • Gas Powered Fridge
    Gas Powered Fridge
  • Gramophone Collection
    Gramophone Collection
  • Gas Light
    Gas Light
  • Old Telephones and Cinema Sign
    Old Telephones and Cinema Sign
  • Kandos Museum
    Main Museum Display Room
  • Old Farm Tools
    Old Farm Tools

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.

  • Old Equipment at the Museum
    Old Equipment at the Museum
  • Mill From the Kandos Cement Factory
    Mill From the Cement Factory
  • Overhead Skip
    Aerial Ropeway Skip

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.

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Bathurst

1984 Holden Commodore VK National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales

Bathurst New South Wales

We drove to Bathurst New South Wales from Lithgow, after visiting the Abercrombie Caves The main reason for our visit was to see the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama. While in the town, we took the opportunity to look around and experience what the town had to offer.

We stayed at the Quality Hotel Bathurst, which was clean and comfortable, with friendly staff.  Breakfast was including with our stay and was delicious and filling. For dinner, we went to the Bathurst RSL, where we had a great meal at a good price.

Abercrombie House

Abercrombie House located on the outskirts of Bathurst gives the visitor an insight into the life of the rich. Open to the public, to help fund its upkeep, cost of the interior is accessible. Ample parking is available on the grounds in front of the house.

The father of the current owner spent time in China and the decorations reflect this. We were fortunate that the owner was there during our visit, and he spoke about the origin of some of the decorations and furniture on display.

You are free to wander around the house, but are asked not to enter closed doors or pass through roped off areas.

The exterior of the house and surrounding garden make an interesting addition to the building A  collection of old cars rusting in one field and an old blacksmith’s barn being worth seeing.  Went beyond our expectations.

  • Abercrombie House Bathurst NSW Australia
    Abercrombie House

Chifley Home

This house was the residence of Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth from 1914 until his death in 1951 and hers in 1962. The house has been maintained as a museum since 1973 as a memorial to the late Prime Minister and his family.

Interesting from an historical point of view, we only looked at the outside, but guided tours are available at limited days and times if you are interested.

  • Chifley Home Bathurst NSW Australia
    Chifley Home

Court House

This heritage listed court house on Russel Street is a very impressive building designed by James Barnet. Opened in 1880, and still in use it can be best viewed from across Russel Street in Kings Parade where the whole facade can be seen. Next door is the Conservatory of Music, so we heard classical music while we looked at the court house!

  • Bathurst Court House NSW Australia
    Bathurst Court House

George Evans Expedition Statue

Located at the George Street end of Kings Parade, this large monument commemorates George Evans, the first European to survey the area. In addition, the local aboriginal people who assisted him in his journey are also commemorated.

This is a large and impressive monument and celebrates the founding of Australia’s first large inland town.

  • George Evans Expedition Statue Bathurst NSW Australia
    George Evans Expedition Statue

Machattie Park

We parked here for a walk through the city centre and relaxed under the shady trees while we had lunch. There are some lovely trees and plenty of places to sit in the shade and relax. Very popular with both tourists and locals.  Great place to visit and relax.

  • Fountain in Machattie Park Bathurst NSW Australia
    Fountain in Machattie Park

National Motor Racing Museum

The National Motor Racing Museum is probably the largest draw card for Bathurst, outside of the main race held there annually. The collection of racing cars and bikes is impressive and any motor sports fan could spend hours here.

The range of racing cars is extensive and includes utes, touring cars, F1, rally and even a solar powered car. The Bathurst 1000 has a section to itself, with Ford on one side and Holden on the other.  The other makes are also present, with Jaguar and others represented.

There is a small section with the busts of famous winners and a history of the race.

There is also an impressive collection of motorbikes and rally cars and a good selection of old open wheel racers.

Many of the exhibits are loan and rotated regularly, so it’s worth checking if there is a particular vehicle you want to see. 

  • Peter Brock Memorial National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Peter Brock Memorial
  • Holden VU/VY Commodore National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Holden VU/VY Commodore
  • Commodore VR National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Commodore VR
  • Holden VY Commodore National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Holden VY Commodore
  • 1984 Holden Commodore VK National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    1984 Holden Commodore VK
  • Jaguar XJ-S National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Jaguar XJ-S
  • 1951 George Reed Special National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    1951 George Reed Special
  • 1963 Ford Cortina GT National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    1963 Ford Cortina GT
  • Motor Bike Collection 1984 Holden Commodore VK National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Motor Bike Collection
  • National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    National Motor Racing Museum
  • Rally Car 1984 Holden Commodore VK National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    Rally Car
  • 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500 National Motor Racing Museum Bathurst New South Wales
    1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500

Railway Station

The railway station is a beautiful old building not far from the Chifley Home. Parking is easy because it has its own huge car park. Outside the station building is a preserved steam train, locomotive 5112.  Nice to be able to get up close and have a really good lock at this huge train.

  • Locomotive 5112 Bathurst Railway Station Bathurst NSW Australai
    Locomotive 5112

South African War Memorial

The Boer War memorial stands at the southern end of Kings Parade, not far from the Carillon.

  • Boer War Memorial Bathurst NSW Australia
    Boer War Memorial

St Stanislavsky College

The towers of this college are visible from many places in Bathurst, so we drove over to see it close up. An interesting building to look at, but we simply took a photo and moved on.

  • St Stanislavsky College Bathurst NSW Australia
    St Stanislavsky College

Uniting Church

We saw this old church from Machattie Park, so spent a few minutes checking it out and took a picture.

  • Bathurst Uniting Church NSW Australia
    Bathurst Uniting Church

War Memorial Carillon

The Bathurst War Memorial Carillon is a 30.5 metre tall tower structure located in the centre of Kings Parade, in the centre of Bathurst’s CBD. A memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars, the 35 cast bronze bells are rung daily at lunchtime. The picture really does not do it justice, it does look great, and you can have a close look from the outside to the inside.  Definitely worth a look. 

  • Corellen Bathurst NSW Australla
    Corellen

What Did We Think of Bathurst?

So, if you are visiting Bathurst New South Wales for a race meeting, or the National Motor Racing Museum, spend some time in town. There is a lot to see and do.

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