PROJECT 52 - HUNTER RIVER, HONEYSUCKLE & HEXHAM

The task for the weekend was 'H', and a work colleague in Melbourne looked up 'H' and Honeysuckle was the suggestion; so I said "why not"!!

Initial planning I noted that Nobbys Head Lighthouse was very close, as was the Hunter River... So it was a 3am alarm, and on the road 3.45am for the 2two and a bit hours drive north to Newcastle with an image in mind of the Lighthouse wat sunrise. However, on approach, first light was starting and I thought I was going to miss it!! Photo above had me going crazy on the back of the screen!!

After some breakfast of a Bacon & Egg Roll with a coffee, I went up again, and there was a ferry nearby at the Queens Warf for the shuttle service accross to Stockton, aptly named 'HUNTER'!!!

And further up the Hunter River, was many ships and tugs at idle...

As it was now pushing to time to meet some of my team for lunch, I started the drive, and passed through, another 'H' - Hexham!!!

This is a well known 'pinch-point' on the Pacific Highway for those of us that drive between Sydney and anywhere North; Brisbane! Back when I worked at the Botanic Gardens, I was on a Committee where there was, at the time, discussion about this bypass, and how some of the land at the Hunter Region Botanic Garden will be acquired, I guess finally after 12 odd years it has happened! Below are some of the pics of the bypass progression!!!

And then - it was lunch at the 'Harrigans Hotel', an unexpected venue considering I was doing 'H' this weekend! From the moment you enter into the Grand Entrance' it is like no other I've been to!!! Below, which is a 12 image, stitched panorama of the entrance...

Next weekend, is 'I', and I am struggling as to where to go to, stay tuned...

Hoo roo for now...

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Bernie

PROJECT 52 - GOULBURN, GUNNING & GRABBEN GULLAN

This weeks 'Project 52' was 'G', and as all three were very close, Goulburn, Gunning and Grabben Gullen it was!!!

Goulburn

As Australia’s first inland city, Goulburn is a proud historic town, combining grand heritage and country charm with contemporary museums, festivals, restaurants, and galleries. There’s also plenty of epic outdoor adventures to be had in the surrounding region, from rock climbing and abseiling to motorsports and skydiving.

Standing on Goulburn’s fringe is the Big Merino – one of Australia’s iconic ‘big things’ and symbolic of the city known as the fine wool capital of the world.

Gunning

Passing through some wonderful rolling hills with plenty of livestock, we came across several wind-turbine masts, both between Goulburne and Gunning and then Gunning and Grabben Gullen!

One of Australia’s most significant colonial explorations began here in 1824. Explorers Hume and Hovell led a groundbreaking expedition from Gunning to Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne in search of new grazing land. Explore this history and more on the Gunning Town Tour.

On the main street is the fascinating Pye Cottage Museum. The historic slab hut cottage is furnished with household items, intriguing photographs and agricultural tools and artefacts from the area’s rich wool heritage. Originally built in Dalton in 1860, the settlers’ cottage is one of the last of its kind in the area.

Grabben Gullen

The Albion Hotel, situated just 10 minutes from the township of Crookwell and 20 minutes from Goulburn, offers a cosy bar with indoor and outdoor dining areas.

For the enthusiast and the curious there is Memorabilia and a Motorcycle Museum, the collection representing owner and chef Ray' other lifetime passion.

Affectionately known as the Grabby Pub you will find a good bistro and an eclectic mix of decor around the bar. In addition, there is an undercover BBQ area which is great for functions and entertainment. The Albion Hotel specialises in seafood!

Hoo roo for now...

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Bernie

FITZROY FALLS - PROJECT 52

Sunrise on Saturday morning near Robertson, lasted all of about 5 seconds I think, before the overcast conditions came.... Oh well, worked with what I had....

'Fitzroy Falls' as a suburb (barely makes a village really) really doesn't have much to offer, a splattering of residential homesteads, very nice some of them, 'Grandpas Old Wares & Collectables', and thats about it...

And yes, there is a waterfall, but to be blunt and honest, I could've go somewhere better and have seen better waterfalls as well!

There is also a resivoir 'Fitzroy Falls Resivoir', which also caters for some boating activities with what looks like a 'Regatta' of catamarans etc on the shore...

An easy drive away across towards Robertson, theres a much better waterfall, 'Belmore Falls'...

Hoo roo for now...

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Bernie

HISTORIC EBENEZER CHURCH - PROJECT 52

Ebenezer is a historic town about 45 minutes from home, and nestled in the City of Hawkesbury, and sits on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. I found not a great deal is in, or to do in Ebenezer, apart from visiting the historic, Ebenezer Church.

What I found after becoming airborne, and not at all noticeable whilst within the grounds, was the large cross that formed the turning circle of the driveway!! This looked really cool indeed!

Built in 1809 Ebenezer Church is the oldest existing church in Australia and became the first Presbyterian Church in Australia in 1824. It pioneered education in the colony, beginning a school in 1810.

The church is the oldest existing school building, constructed in 1817 as a residence for the teacher. The first burial was in 1812; the cemetery is one of the most important in Australia with six generations buried in its grounds, including some of the first free settlers in the colony.

Hoo roo for now...

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Bernie