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Where are the bodies buried, five quirky cemeteries to visit in Sydney
Sydney Cemeteries Worth A Detour make for an interesting day exploring the history of Sydney while enjoying the benign neglect of Gore Hill, inhaling the heady scents of nineteenth century roses at Rookwood Cemetery, taking in the panoramic views from Waverley with the option of a Saturday morning tour or simply absorbing the stories of Irish orphan girls whose memorial wall at Hyde Park Barracks reminds visitors of the harsh life of many early settlers.
Serenity, the meditative beauty of eight historic churches in Sydney
Church architecture contains to draw visitors interested in the story behind the buildings, the personalities whose lives intersected with the church and the glorious windows that emblazon the interiors.
Hyde Park Barracks what to do and see
History buffs fall in love with a heritage site that is not boring, dull, stuffed with documents and insert objects in glass cases. Visitors are part of an immersive experience where you are visually part of someone’s life. Lights on, you are invited to stand by my bed while I talk to you. Walk around the corner onto the paths and footsteps that I took in the nineteenth century. Fabulous interpretative narratives definitely a must visit site for both locals, Australians and international visitors alike.
Where are the bones: Devonshire Street Cemetery a lost graveyard
Lost cemeteries and exhumed bodies. Sydney’s Grand Central Railway Station is built on the site of one of Sydney’s oldest burial grounds, the Devonshire Street Cemetery. Cemeteries sum up people’s lives in a few chiselled words. The gravestone markers of society’s attitudes to your life story. The tragic, the odd and very peculiar lie in orderly rows together while time wroughts havoc on the tombstones and cultivated areas.
Ten things to do in Hobart
Vibrant capital of Tasmania, once a brutal penal colony, has embraced its rich history and culture. The handsome convict-built architecture and fascinating museums and galleries are some of the city's top tourist attractions. Yet Hobart is another country, the Bass Strait conjures a sense of independence from mainland Australia. The pride in being an island state is very evident. Cross the Bass Strati, overseas travel has ever looked so inviting when it comes to Hobart, Tasmania. Australian in identity yet distinctly defined by geography and landscape. Hobart is a place that should be on your bucket list.
Top ten must visit unusual museums
Who would have thought an umbrella shop is now an instagram favourite. Then there is a museum dedicated to whales as an epitaph to the nineteenth century slaughter of whales. A family favourite destination will be the museum collection focused on surfing culture with an attached gift shop. Perhaps a mini surfboard for anyone as a key ring for a Christmas present.
Abandoned towns
Who needs a medieval castle to gawp at. The past is fascinating, even if it is a rusting engine parked on a dusty lot in the middle of nowhere. South Australia is a great place for locals and visitors alike to explore the byways of Australia’s past. The past that is invariably wrapped up in a bit of dust. History does not need to be ancient to be interesting, just visit heritage towns in South Australia. A historical journey is at our fingertips and you did not even have to get on a long distance plane. Architectural monuments and railway tracks, for non-existent trains encourage visitors to imagine the train roaring to a halt at the railway station. As a consequence the visitor's imagination becomes part of the adventure. It is a journey wrapped up in Australian dust, and a few flies.
Ten great heritage places to visit in Narrandera
Narranadera is a piece of Australian history. The town delivers in spades with fascinating glimpses into the past. Several days, a weekend Narrandera is a perfect short city getaway. Tree lined wide streets frame the heritage buildings of the town centre. Shops and cafes tempt visitors to stay awhile, there is plenty to do and see in Narrandera. And then there is a bounty of the Riverina to tempt the palate.
Quarantine stations Sydney
Have you heard of a quarantine station for infectious diseases? Australia has several heritage sites. It is an exploration of how society managed infectious diseases and the obvious fear of infection from patients. Isolated and alone these quarantine stations are a testament to the past and the present. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane historic quarantine facilities are open to visitors and everyone should go. A must visit bucket list place for heritage buffs and people wondering if 2020 covid19 is a new event.
Five awesome activities for your Tasmania trip
Tasmania, the pride in being an island state is very evident. Cross the Bass Strati, Tasmania has a lot to offer. Australian in identity yet distinctly defined by geography and landscape. Tasmania is a bucket list destination. Here are five activities to keep you busy.
Top ten things to do and see in the Margaret River
Margaret River top ten things to do and see: wine, beach walks, and heritage, plus some underground caves to explore make for a great list of things to do in the Margaret River region.
Melbourne street art: where to go
Laneway street art reflects Melbourne narrative. Multicultural with urban slick, busy crowded places. There are a number of guided tours, both by professional tour guides and/or artists as well as self guided tours.
I recommend an early morning self guided stroll before the office workers and tourist crowds appear. My Sunday morning at 8.00am was perfect, just a few people.