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Carrington Hydraulic Pump House

Carrington Hydraulic Pump House

Located in the Newcastle suburb of Carrington, the hydraulic pump house is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Fortunately, the front of the building has been completed, which means you are able to enjoy this historic building even as works are underway.

Parking is available in Bourke St, just past the entrance to the Newcastle Port Corporation entrance, which is very convenient.

Completed in 1878, the pump house provided hydraulic and later electrical power for cranes loading ships with coal. Decommissioned after the introduction of conveyor loading technology in the late 1960’s the building fell into disrepair. With its internal machinery removed and attendant cranes demolished, it lay abandoned until the current refurbishment.

Decorating the forecourt is a giant blueprint of the pumping systems originally installed here. A large section of concrete has been painted blue, with the design etched into it. This unique design added more interest to our visit because we were not expecting it.

Blueprint Design in the Forecourt of the Pump House
Blueprint Design in the Forecourt of the Pump House

This was a fun and easy place to visit and will be even better once the current work is finished.

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

Newcastle Hunter Valley New South Wales

Newcastle

Only 160 km north of Sydney is Newcastle, Australia’s seventh largest city. Located in the heart of the Hunter Region it i has beautiful beaches and a stunning coastline.

There are some amazing beaches within an hour’s drive of Newcastle and Port Stephens as well as some world-class wineries in the Hunter Valley.

A rail service links Newcastle to Sydney and the rest of New South Wales for easy travel. There is also a local airport with several daily flights. Driving from Sydney using the M1 Pacific Freeway is an easy drive in under two hours.

Nobby’s Headland

Nobbys Headland runs behind Nobbys beach and is a popular place to walk. From the carpark a path leads out to the headland and then along the breakwall. There is a shared track for walkers and bikes, so use care while walking.

At the start of the walk you will find the surf club and a kiosk selling a variety of food and drinks making it a good stop after the walk to the breakwater.

Nobby's Headland Newcastle
Nobby’s Headland Newcastle
Nobbys Headland
A Different View of Nobbys Headland

Nobby’s Lighthouse

Nobby’s Lighthouse is once again open to the public on weekends. If you are walking along the breakwall, this is a steep sidetrack to take to the top of the Headland. There are great views over the harbour and city.

While walking up to the lighthouse, there is a sculpture on the right hand side. This commemorates the Newcastle Lifeboat Service.

Sculpture Grounded

This sculpture marks the anniversary of the grounding of the ship ‘Pasha Bulker” in fierce storms on 8 June 2007. Grounded is an abstract representation of the ship’s bow. The shape and colour of the sculpture, and its physical placement at Nobbys, will be an important memory marker for the community and a powerful stand-alone work of art. Incorporated into the work is an original section of 22mm plate steel from the rudder of the Pasha Bulker.

The Sculpture Grounded at Nobbys Beach
The Sculpture Grounded at Nobbys Beach

Newcastle Railway Station

The Newcastle railway station is a heritage-listed railway station. Formerly the main railway station for services to the city, it closed in December 2014. In September 2018, the Newcastle station precinct was reopened as a multipurpose community space branded as The Station.

Newcastle Railway Station
Newcastle Railway Station

Earp Gillam Bond Store

Now refurbished as an office building, this heritage-listed former bond store at 16 Telford Street was built in 1888. It was the first warehouse of Newcastle merchant firm Earp Gillam & Co., founded in 1883, then-importers of groceries, flour, wine and timber. The warehouse was for the storage and handling of imported goods

Newcastle Post Office

Built from 1900 to 1903 and added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2000, the Newcastle Post Office is a heritage-listed former post office at 96 Hunter Street . The building has recently changed owners and will now be restored, but is currently disused and access inside is not possible.

Newcastle Post Office
Newcastle Post Office

Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)

Erected as a fountain in memory of those servicemen killed, or who died in service during World War One, this war memorial is Australia`s first memorial to World War One that incorporated a soldier-statue. Located outside the Old Post Office, it is easy to find. 

Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)
Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)

Newcastle Courthouse

Located at 90 Church Street this beautiful old Art Deco Building is worth visiting even though it no longer in use as a courthouse. The well-maintained facade adds to its architectural appeal. Certainly worth a look.

Newcastle Court House
Newcastle Court House

Former Wickham Infants’ Public School

Located at 64 Hannell Street, Wickham, NSW 2293, the former Wickham Infants School is a significant local landmark in close proximity to the western edge of the Newcastle Harbour. This historically significant building is in the Romanesque style with Gothic influences and was constructed in 1892 . Since the 1980s the building has been associated with the Awabakal community, who recently converted the building for use as office and administration.

Old Wickham Infants' Public School
Former Wickham Infants’ Public School

Wickham Public School

Built in 1904 and based on the Edwardian style of building Wickham Public School is located at 54 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293. The Public School closed following the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake. In response to the community’s determination to preserve the public school building and find a future purpose, in 1993 the Honeysuckle Development Corporation directed the restoration of the building, adapting its lofty rooms for studio and one bedroom apartments for University of Newcastle students. The grand building was re-occupied in 1995.

Old Wickham Public School
Old Wickham Public School

Street Art

There are several places to find street art and sculptures in Newcastle. The full story along with photographs can be found here.

Christ Church Cathedral

One of the great landmarks in Newcastle, the full story of our visit to the Cathedral can be read here.

Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle
Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

Newcastle Beaches

Great beaches surround Newcastle, from Stockton Beach in the north to Redhead in the south and even the great beaches of the central coast a little further afield. Several of the beaches have ocean baths or pools for a safer swimming experience. Our impressions of the beaches can be found here.

Merewether Beach

Darby Street

Newcastle’s premier eating district, Darby Street offers a large range of coffee shops and eateries from fast food to full table service. This is a very popular area giving variety for everyone. The parking, however, can be a problem in busy times so plan to walk from your parking spot.

Memorial Walk

Located near Bar Beach, Memorial Walk is a tribute to Newcastle’s service personnel. Raised above the cliffs, the walkway gives great views over the coastline.

Placed along the walk are silhouettes of service personnel with the names of the fallen engraved on them. This is a popular walk, there is also wheelchair access at the northern end.

Newcastle Memorial Walk
Newcastle Memorial Walk

Civic Park

Situated in the centre of the Newcastle CBD, Civic Park is bordered by council and university buildings on one side and the art gallery and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on the other.

Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park
Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park

Captain Cook Memorial Fountain

Located as the centrepiece of Civic Park is the James Cook Memorial Fountain, built for the bicentenary of Cook’s voyage to the east coast of Australia. This large water feature is a great place in summer, with seats located around it, and impressive at night when illuminated.

Captain Cook Memorial Fountain Civic Park Newcastle
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain

War Memorial

The war memorial was originally dedicated to World War Two service personnel, but has since been re-dedicated to all wars Australia has been involved in. Ceremonies are held here throughout the year on relevant anniversaries.

Newcastle War Memorial Civic Park
Newcastle War Memorial

Vietnam and National Service Memorial

The Vietnam and National Service Memorial commemorates the soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. A brass plaque on the memorial provides a brief description of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The rear section of the memorial has a separate memorial to Australia’s National Service and Combined Forces personnel.

Baptist Tabernacle

Located above Civic Park the Baptist Tabernacle is an interesting building but is only open to the public during services.

Baptist Tabernacle
Baptist Tabernacle

St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Situated across the road from the Baptist Tabernacle, St Andrews is not always open, so you may have to appreciate this building from the outside.

St Andrews Presbyterian Church
St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Shortland Centenary Fountain

Erected in 1897 by the Mayor David Miller and originally located at Newcastle Beach, this fountain commemorates the centenary (1797-1897) of the European discovery of the area by Lieutenant Shortland. Removed from its original location, it is now located at Christie Park.

Shortland Centenary Fountain
Shortland Centenary Fountain

Convict Lumber Yard

The old Convict Lumber Yard sits next to Customs House , which is not far from the old Newcastle Railway Station. Very little of the old site remains, but signs and displays demonstrate what used to happen here

Interesting from a historical perspective its worth a quick view if in the area.

Convict Lumber Yard
Convict Lumber Yard

Customs House

No longer in use by Australian Border Force, Customs House is now leased as a pub and restaurant. This is a very nice setting with a relaxed atmosphere not far from the CBD and beaches.

While there, admire the beautiful clock tower and the building’s exterior. The pub uses the rooms on the upper floors for events, so if you are lucky to have access you may be available to see inside the tower.

Customs House Newcastle
Customs House Newcastle

Foreshore Park

Foreshore Park is a nice grassed are to relax in near the harbour. Originally the site of a power station and train maintenance sheds, there is little to indicate that this now quiet place was once a bustling industrial area.

The power station is completely gone, its location marked by a plaque and while the train sheds still stand, they are used for family gatherings and picnics.

A small lake in the park is the location for the sculpture Resilience, a monument to mental health wellbeing. Not far from here is a small playground where the kids can have fun.

The Obelisk

Built in 1850 in King Edward Park, the obelisk was used as a marker for ships entering Newcastle Harbour. The area provides great views over the city, with plenty of parking nearby and is close to the Shepherds Hill Complex.

The Obelisk King Edward Park
The Obelisk King Edward Park

Shepherds Hill Complex

A relic from World War Two, when the threat of invasion was real, the Shepherd’s Hill Complex was built to defend Newcastle. Consisting of a radar station and gun emplacements, this was an important part of the defence of Australia’s east coast.

These concrete structures can be viewed from outside, but access to the interiors is blocked off with no access. It is an interesting part of the city’s history and worth visiting if you are in the area.

Shepherds Hill Complex
Shepherds Hill Complex

Leading Light Tower

Located on the corner of Brown and Terrell Streets, the lead light was designed to assist shipping navigating Newcastle Harbour. Unfortunately, as the city grew it became obscured from view and has been replaced by new navigation markers.

Designed to look like a medieval tower with battlements it is an interesting and unusual sight not far from Christchurch Cathedral.

Lead Light Tower Newcastle
Lead Light Tower 34 Brown St.

Stockton Ferry

The Stockton Ferry runs from Queens Wharf in the Newcastle CBD across the harbour to the Stockton Wharf. Running hourly, this ferry service only takes five minutes and is an easy way to travel and quicker than driving. From either side it is easy to see either the inner city and Newcastle beaches or at Stockton the township or breakwater.

Stockton Ferry Hunter
Stockton Ferry Hunter

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

Muswellbrook New South Wales

School of Arts Muswellbrook NSW Australia

Muswellbrook

Located in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, Muswellbrook is known for coal mining, horse breeding and a developing reputation for gourmet food and wine production.

St James Catholic Church

Our walk around Muswellbrook town centre started at St James Catholic Church. There is a car park nearby or in the street. This is a beautiful old church with a huge spire. 

St James Catholic Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
St James Catholic Church

St Alban’s Anglican Church

St Alban’s Anglican Church is located on the opposite side of the rail line that runs through town. Only a short walk off Bridge Street, if you walk around the back you will find the old wooden spire preserved on the ground.

St Alban's Anglican Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
St Alban’s Anglican Church

Buildings on Bridge Street

As you walk down Bridge street from Brooke St towards the railway bridge, you will find some old and interesting buildings.

Masonic Lodge Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Masonic Lodge
Uniting Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Uniting Church
War Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
War Memorial
School of Arts Muswellbrook NSW Australia
School of Arts

Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Presbyterian Church

Street Art and Sculptures

Street Art

There are several pieces of street art on or near Bridge Street. The JTS Real Estate building has a mural on one side of the building and the barbecue in Simpsons Park has the sides covered in mosaics.

Light Horseman Statue

This bronze statue commemorates the men and horses of the light horse in World War One. You will find it at the intersection of Bridge and Brooke Streets. There are verses from the poem of the light horse etched into the concrete under the statue, which adds a huge amount to the understanding of these brave men.

Light Horseman Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Light Horseman Memorial

Small Cattle Dog Statue

Also, on Bridge street is this small statue of a cattle dog. A cute little statue worth having a quick look at.

Small Cattle Dog Statue Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Small Cattle Dog Statue

The Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue

Sitting on a plinth 2 m tall, this huge statue commemorates the contribution of the blue heeler to Australian rural life. Located on the main road at the intersection with Hill Street he’s hard to miss.

Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Blue Heeler Cattle Dog Statue

Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail

The Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail runs from Muswellbrook to Denman and onto Sandy Hollow.

In Muswellbrook, it starts outside of the Regional Arts Centre, where you will find a map of the trail and the first sculpture, the ANZAC Centenary Stone. From here you drive to Two Rivers Wines outside of Denman, before heading to David Mahoney’s Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at Sandy Hollow. If you are interested in the Sculpture Trail, read our post here.

Hunter Belle

If you are in the mood for a taste of the local produce, Hunter Belle is a great spot to stop. Situated on the northern outskirts of the town on The New England Highway. Here you will find local cheeses and other produce that you can relax and eat with a nice cup of tea or coffee.

Memorial Park

Located north of Muswellbrook, Memorial Park contains memorials to both world wars, Vietnam and other conflicts. Adjacent to a rest area is the Vietnam Memorial, consisting of a 105 mm field gun and a roll of honour. 

Located further north is the World War One memorial which has a 7.7 cm German field gun and 250 mm mortar.

Nearest to town is a memorial to the National Servicemen.

105mm Field Gun in Memorial Park Muswellbrook NSW Australia
105mm Field Gun in Memorial Park
Vietnam War Memorial Muswellbrook NSW Australia
Vietnam War Memorial
M577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ARN
M577A1 Armoured Command Vehicle ARN

St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days

St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days is an annual event held just outside Muswellbrook. Held over a weekend it’s a great way to get up close to these amazing animals.

The events run continually throughout the day so you are able to see all of the heavy horse breeds. We found the owners to be very friendly and happy for you to take photos of their horses.

It was great to sit in the sun watching the competition or wandering around the stalls that were set up.

A blacksmith had his forge there and put on a demonstration which was very interesting. Nearby was a woodcarver using a chainsaw to make sculptures. There were many stalls selling leather belts, saddles and lots of horse gear for sale. It was only $5 each to get in and there was lots of seating and a huge paddock for car parking.

Shire Horse at St Heliers Heavy Horse Field Days
Blackmore Da Vinci a Shire Horse
St Heliers Heavy horse Field Days
St Heliers Heavy horse Field Days

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.

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