Sense Hidden Edition

hidden places edition

"the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places" - roald dahl

2

C O N T E N T S

3 Welcome 4 Susan Gilmore Beach 10 Portafilter Cafe 16 Hide & Seeker 20 Scenic walking track 24 Lookout for the locals

Editors Letter A

dventure is inherent in many of us. Some of us more than others, but all of us are seeking some sort of adventure in one way or another. Some of us seek it through our careers, jobs, relationships, and others seek it though travel, meeting new people and trying new things.

Thank you to the local places that allowed us to take pictures and record our experiences in their venues. Geordie Malone, Newcastles very own leather worker from the store Hide & Seeker. Ethan from the secret whisky hideaway Coal & Cedar bar. Danny and his team Casey, Lucy, Marty & Ehren at the cafe Portafilter.

We hope you enjoy the magazine!

Meet the editors

Theresa Smith

Lucy Park

Luke Ylias

Claire Turner

Heather Veronique

3

As locals of Newcastle we are fortunate to have some of the most amazing places to explore, enriched in Australian culture and the relaxation rolling in off the waves.

This magazine will serve to you first and foremost a guide so you can get the inside word on these hidden places, but secondly it will illustrate the core beauty and hopefully inspire you all to visit this wonderful place we get to call home.

Since doing this magazine we have gained a new appreciation for our city. From the hills to the sand and all the places in between we are gratefully to be able to share what we got to experience with you.

Sense Magazine

LATE Afternoons AT SUSAN L

4

iving in the outskirts of Newcastle my entire life, possessing a passion for new adventures & discoveries, I thought I’d scoured every crevice, every overgrown trail. In my home town there’s no where I can glance and not have a familiar memory. ¬Then one day, everything changed. Out of the blue I begun hearing about a “Susan Gilmore Beach”. I began witnessing beautiful photographs on Instagram, people were continually talking about it. I was bewildered. Surely this notorious beach couldn’t be in Newcastle. I’d personally never heard of it. But oh it was. Thriving for adventure me and my companions set out to ‘re-discover’ this divine landscape.

“You must have to walk around from ‘Bar Beach’ on low tide.” We decided puzzled, after seeking assistance from a map. Then one evening whilst strolling up towards the newly erected Newcastle Memorial Walk (replacing what once was Newcastle’s most visited late-night look out) we detected this tiny worn trail disappearing down the side of the cliff face. A trail that had escaped our senses every day until this very moment. Eager and audacious we climbed over the arresting white guard rail and ventured down this enigmatic dirt track. To my sheer excitement we stumbled upon the ever-so hidden ‘Susan Gilmore Beach’.

An ancient Roman city is what this secluded pathway reminds me of. It commences as a thin steep trail, spiralling down the cliff face. Then unexpectedly the dust beneath your feet turns into a decrepit, cracked foot path, which has given way to the relentless overhang. Clearly once accessible to the public, this has since been enclosed by a fence, declaring it ‘hidden’ to a majority of the population.

“IN MY HOME TOWN THERE’S NO WHERE I CAN GLANCE AND NOT HAVE A FAMILIAR MEMORY.” ‘Skipping Peddles into the Horizon’ Susan Gilmore Beach.

Photos: Theresa Smith

5 Hidden Places Edition

Sense Magazine

Further down the pathway you must manoeuvre around a fallen gigantic rock, which what seems like years ago has broken off from the cliff above. The cement path cracked and slippery, allows the water to rush down from the cliff with its steep slant, forging a risky surface.

Ensure you slip on those trendy Nike’s because you’re going to need them! The path then abruptly concludes into make-shift evasive rock steps.. actually they’re more like spontaneous rocks that you have to climb down rather then stairs.

‘Afternoon Haze’ Susan Gilmore Beach.

Photos: Theresa Smith

6

“THAT’S WHAT ‘SUSAN GILMORE BEACH’ IS, IT’S AN ESCAPE. JUST LIKE ALL ADVENTURES.” Y

‘Susan’ is ideal for the typical “Aussie”, stinking hot summer afternoon. The sun sets every evening to the West over the colossal cliff face immersing ‘Susan’s’ entirety in shade. ‘Susan’ provides a very cool midsummer scene, a place where you can escape the unforgiving sun. That’s what ‘Susan Gilmore Beach’ is, it’s an escape. Just like all adventures. An escape from our everyday life.

Just when you thought ‘Susan’ couldn’t get much better, she does! Not only can you head South along the beach, if you’re eager for a rocky scramble you can fully venture North too. Make sure you’ve still got those trendy Nikes on because you’re on a journey to the unlimited discovery now. There exists a rock platform the size of a football field that you can walk on! Scourer the several metres of rocks at the start and watch out for the green mossy stuff, that surface is real slippery (trust me I know). Walk the surface and you’ll discover a hidden remarkable sight. Tucked away beneath the popular Memorial Walk is the sheerest over-hang in Newcastle. A curved cliff face is revealed with a cove of infinite relentless waves. These waves everlastingly crash against the rocks that lie underneath your very feet. They are jagged to perfection, for thousands of years they have been retreating from the waves, corroding with each passing moment. Mixed with the colours of a summer sunset this place is inevitably the most beautiful unknown place in Newcastle. Sometimes discovery is in the most un-likely of places, you’ve just got to take a closer look.

Hidden Places Edition

7

ou will now stumble across something that I have never witnessed in a Newcastle beach, rocks.. all over the beach that in high tide are immersed in water.

The waves crashing against the rocks for me revives memories of ‘Lake Tekapo, New Zealand’. Whether you absolutely despise sand or can’t live without it, ‘Susan’ accommodates (gosh she’s good)! You can seek the safety of the shore rocks, but in low tide you can choose to venture out onto the sand, feeling the grains massage the crevices in between your toes. It’s a captivating beach walk if you were to stroll the entire length, alongside the ravishing cliff face. During low-tide you’re able to circuit around the headland to emerge at the infamous ‘Bar Beach’. I often witness many surfers learning to surf in these parts, coastal kids that are looking for a secluded place to frequent that isn’t filled with tourists or typical beach goers. You’ll also find local dog walkers choosing ‘Susan’ to take their dogs instead of the often overly crowded ‘Horse Shoe beach’.

Sense Magazine

“SOMETIMES DISCOVERY IS IN THE MOST UNLIKELY OF Places.”

8

9 ‘The Pursuit’ Susan Gilmore Beach.

Photos: Theresa Smith

Hidden Places Edition

Sense Magazine

PORTAFILTER

DAMN GOOD COFFEE For Danny and his team at Portafilter great coffee and great service is good business.

By Luke Ylias

10

WHAT GOO D

F

or some, coffee is a crucial part of our morning routine. No matter where you get yours from, whether it be a franchise or the small coffee cart down the street, there’s something polarizing about finding that perfect coffee that keeps you coming back for more.

If you come for the coffee you can get a short or long version of your favourite ink, including ristretto, espresso, macchiato, flat-white, latte, cappuccino etc., as well as cold brew and a few signature house coffees, like the black fizz (piccolo iced long black with sparkling water) or the bastard (flat white in espresso cup).

In Mayfield, Newcastle you will find such a place. A little corner café owned by Danny is where himself and his team create magic. Not only will you find some of the strongest coffee in Newcastle, you will also be treated to a wide variety of healthy meals and an unbeatable friendly service that will turn you from a one timer into a regular customer.

If you prefer to refrain from dairy there’s a range of milk alternatives, such as soy, nut milks, and coconut milk to enjoy with your favourite style of coffee. Portafilter serve more than just java; hot chocolate, spiced chai, traditional and herbal tea, frappes, and a range of cold press juices, organic soft drinks, and sparkling water will revitalise the non-coffee lovers.

Porterfilters owner Danny Is a barista that use to work out of a small coffee van in Sydney, working on his craft and treating the locals to some great coffee.

My personal experience with Porterfilter has been nothing short from great, it’s such a great feeling to have a place you feel a part of, more than just some café.

After some years Danny and wife Ofa relocated to Newcastle where they returned to the suburb of Mayfield, where Ofa grew up. When the Hanbury street space became available he decided it was time to leave the van and jump into his very own café.

Creating whats known as Porterfilter. Porterfilter is a combination specialty coffee, food to compliment and unbeatable customer service.

As soon as you walk into Portfilter you’re instantly greeted by someone making coffees, and in the back, you will often see Danny and Casey cooking up a storm.

One thing you will notice is they aren’t hidden away in some kitchenette out the back, out of sight. The café is nice, open and inviting which makes it feel more like you’re over at a mate’s house, rather than a cafe.

I first came across Portfilter on my way to the train station to get my morning coffee fix, I get a mocha if anyone is curious, I love chocolate and coffee what can I say?

Top view Mocha & Bowie Left view Moring coffee brew Photos: Luke Ylias Hidden Places Edition

11

COFFEE MEANS

Sense Magazine

FRESH FOOD&

AND G R EA T SERVICE C

urious and hungry I had to find out what food they had to offer, one read of the menu will excite anyone’s taste buds.

I was genuinely surprised with the wide variety of beverages and meals you can get, for a café the selection is truly what makes Porterfilter unique.

12

Looking to take your girlfriend, to that thing they call brunch? Try the Roast Sweet Potato & Cherry Tomato Salad. Need food to battle that hangover? Grab the Black Benny Breakfast Burger. How about a nice cold beverage? Try the iced coffees! They’re ridiculously good. Whatever it be breakfast or lunch, you will find something you enjoy at Porterfilter.

The food menu features a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Choose from a bowl of nourishing cereal (puffed grains, coconut, nuts) with (or without) milk, yoghurt, or coyo (coconut yoghurt), overnight rolled spelt (spelt grains soaked overnight in liquid, like milk, yoghurt, etc) with apple, stewed berries, nuts.

There’s also toast loaded with fresh ingredients, like avocado, cherry tomatoes and Danish feta, or, peanut butter, banana, sultanas, and maple syrup, which you can add a couple of slices of crispy bacon to, if you want to... and I would want to.

It all looks and sounds delicious, and is a good excuse for repeat visits. The last time we visited was early and we ordered a plate of vegan pesto, cherry tomatoes, Danish feta and a serve of the slow cooked tomatoes and habanero chilli.

A single slice of toasted sourdough is spread with emerald green pesto and stacked high with feta and chopped cherry tomatoes. It’s crusty and crunchy, but also soft and creamy, courtesy of the fresh tomatoes and feta. It’s a little dry, but could be easily fixed with a splash of olive oil.

Danny warns us that the habanero chilli and tomato dish is very spicy, very hot, and he’s not wrong. Soft, yielding red tomatoes and kidney beans swim in a rich chilli sauce topped with pure white feta that comes with a couple of slices of toasted sourdough and a small pot of butter. The dish is full of spicy, herbaceous flavours, which isn’t at all compromised by the heat.

I was lucky enough to spend one morning with the team at portafilter, taking photos and enjoying the coffee and company. The team is really friendly and welcoming, and just great to be around. They’re passionate about their craft and it shows in the quality food and beverages you can get.

For my personal recommendation for a breakfast dish, try the overnight rolled spelt with apple, stewed berries, nuts & coyo. This thing was insane! Delicious and filling, nothing beats a big breakfast and this hit the spot. This meal was complimented by an iced coffee, which had such a refreshing taste.

If you’re a local resident or just a passing by, it’s worth your time to pop into Mayfield and pay a visit to Portfilter and say hello, get a coffee or a bite to eat.

I would personally like to thank Danny and his team for creating such an amazing place and I wish them all the best in the future.

13 Top view Overnight rolled spelt muesli Bottom view Coffee & Chocolate Photos: Luke Ylias

“FROM ITS RATHER HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, COFFEE HAS EVOLVED INTO A PRECIOUS, ALBEIT ADDICTIVE COMMODITY.”

Sense Magazine

14

15 Hidden Places Edition

Sense Magazine

need to make money from your craft in order to live. Positioning your business is very important, make sure it has the right context.

He tries to source the raw materials as locally and sustainable as possible. His main leather supplier is one of Australia’s For Danny and his team at Portafilter great coffee and great service is good business. last remaining Bespoke Leather work and vintage fashion hidden away in the wattle bark tanneries and the

By Luke Ylias evolving suburb of Islington. canvas he uses is bought from a canvas mill just 30 minutes drive from Newcastle. Not only do these eordie Malone and his wife perfect wallet and couldn’t find it, so two main suppliers offer beautiful Eartha have an amazing I thought I’d try making one myself. raw materials, Geordie says they collaboration where he makes I got a few tips from some friends are friendly, wonderful people to and she collects. Georgie makes who worked with leather and I was deal with. Supporting local handmade leather bags and off. It was also around this time that business and that sense of accessories and Eartha finds I started seeing Eartha. I wanted community only adds to his brand. amazing vintage clothes. They have to impress her by making her the The balance of shop and workshop set up a beautiful shop in Islington, ultimate dream bag so I thought, was also something he talked Newcastle, Australia. “why not have a crack at making that about. Working on his designs also”. From that point onwards, it and running the store at the same I heard Geordie speak at the local all kind of flowed from there. I’m time was becoming difficult, he Make It Made It design conference. constantly evolving what I create had 2 different spaces so this was The conference is organised by an and how I make it. I love producing also expensive. He solved this amazing local creative Brett Piva the range of goods for the shop and problem by putting the leather who runs Pocket Design, look ‘em I change it up quite often as new workshop in the shop so he can up! Geordie caught my attention ideas come to me. I also do a lot of make all day whilst interacting with at the conference with one phrase interesting custom work. The custom his customers. This makes for an ‘I’m a professional at sponging stuff can be time consuming so I’m unique experience for customer information’ I laughed. I love the not able to do as much as I would as they can see him working whilst idea of constantly learning from like to anymore but I still take on the they browse the vintage cloths those you meet. Whether it be a odd project here and there.” and handmade bags. Having bum, police officer or someone’s always been a maker from a very grandpa everyone has something to Geordies leather work aims to young age he says with conviction teach you. Geordie has a very learn make something that looks good, ‘If you can think of it, draw it then on the fly attitude and has said “yes is functional and will last 100+ you can make it, the only barriers to stuff I didn’t know how to do and years so you can be sure its a good are in your head’. After hearing learnt along the way.” This hands on investment. These bags are so Geordie speak at the conference approach is inspiring and you can beautiful and the styles are timeless about his many interesting projects see this reflected in his work. so that you could pass them down, I want to go and make everything I making it a family heirloom. can think of.

Geordie talked about how leather

Hide & Seeker G 16

work caught his interest. “The way I got into leather work was pretty simple. I’d been searching for the

Whilst being a dedicated maker he is also a family man and a proficient business man. He understands the

Hidden Places Edition

Sense Magazine

18

Left: Coal and Cedar b

Photos: Heather Vero

SPEAK Easy

Get in on a few secrets so you can find this hidden little gem on Newcastles bar scene.

bar

onique

y

n

Left Coal and Cedar bar Previous page (left to right) Hide and seeker work bench/counter, Geordie Malone, leatherwork for sale

O

k..… I’m walking down Hunter street with a rough idea where this bar is located but I know its going to be hard to find because there is no signage. I stop outside the barber called The Alibi Room knowing they are associated with Coal and Cedar. Peering into the window I notice a small sign that says Coal and Cedar with some instructions. I text the secret word on the sign to a mobile number and a man appears in the foyer beyond the doors. He opens the outer door and greets me warmly and then proceeds to open a door that I thought was wall… Welcome to Coal and Cedar the hidden speak easy and whisky bar.

The first thing that strikes you is the atmosphere, its dimly lit and moody. Exposed brick, dark wood, taxidermy and interesting art all add to the feel. With a long bar, small round tables in front of a piano or intimate booths for you to choose where to take a seat from.

Behind the bar bottles and bottles of liquor twinkle at you from the backlit shelves.

Once the door closes behind you it is possible to believe that you have been transported back to the prohibition days in Americas 1920’s.

The bar tenders outfits are all very professional, white button up shirts and aprons with little enamel pins as a subtle nod to all the things they love.

Inside there is a hens party seated in front of the small piano. All the ladies appear to be enjoying themselves and getting a little rowdy. Opposite end of the bar appears to be a cocktail class for a work function, everyone is all smiles and occasional bursts of loud happy laughter. Something that is worth noting is that organisers of these events both approach the bar and ask to speak to the specific people they were assigned. There is very personal service and attention to detail. The organisers want a word so they can say a big thank you for the hospitality and service they have been shown.

Two young men enter and have an interesting conversation with the bartender Flynn that I was able to overhear. Light banter and questions from the Flynn about what kind of flavours are preferred.

As opposed to having a set, pages long cocktail list these bartenders know their craft. They are dedicated to making sure you have the best time possible, so they’re happy to mix any elixir your heart desires.

Tell them whether you’d like sweet or sour, light or dark, fruity or spicy, and they’ll make your dream drink.

The whisky range is exceptional, so whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, there will be something to tempt your taste buds.

A few minutes after the hens party leaves another group of girls is graciously welcomed. Conversation and light laughter ensues and then the cocktails begin to be made.

I pester Flynn the bar tender assigned to answering my many questions, about what he’s making.

I wanted to get in his head about how he chooses what to make based off the things the patrons tell him. He tells me a group of girls quite usually likes fruity and sweet, so ingredients like apple and vodka will be his choice. Just as he’s finishing up making 6 of these drinks a late comer to the party is ushered in the door. Flynn promptly sets about making another one so that when the tray is taken to the table not 2 minutes after, there is a drink for the new girl. Its amazing this seamless dedication to details and the boys can read each other with a look.

A little later on more people start to stream into the bar, a group of older very professional looking people are seated at a booth behind me.

The jovial chatty Flynn becomes professional and courteous whilst interacting with the gentlemen but shifts back into his happy relaxed self whilst talking me through what he’s making. This ability to adjust to customer expectations brings the experience to a whole new level.

Flynn describes Coal & Cedar as a ‘rabbit hole’, where you can forget about the outside world for a short time. There’s a no phone calls policy inside, so just relax and enjoy the ambient atmosphere and company. Between the intimate capacity of only 60 people and the larger than life characters of the bar staff, be prepared to make some new friends too.

Hidden Places Edition

19

Photos: Heather Veronique

Sense Magazine

YUELARBAH Walking Track

20

THE SCEN IC

magine walking through the bush that ends up at a secluded beach. Yuelarbah walking track forms part of the Great North walk that stretches 250km from Newcastle to Sydney and is one of the highlights of Glenrock State Conservation Area. The area is rich in coal mining and Aboriginal cultural history, making it a perfect day out with friends and family. For those looking for an adventure, explore the tree canopy and breathtaking valley all in one walk.

This 500 hectare area between Dudley and Merewether is a wonderful nature escape so close to the city and offers opportunity for fishing, mountain biking and hiking. This great day walk extends for 5km that features a lookout with scenic views, waterfalls and picnic places.

THE TRACK This beautiful walking trail is located at Yuelarbah car park on Burwood Road in Kahibah. Commencing at the wheelchair accessible raised board walk, the scenic track leads you through wet gullies and coastal rainforest until you reach a solid wooden suspension bridge to cross Flaggy Creek. If that’s not enough, you’ll pass two waterfalls and eventually reach Leichhardt’s Lookout about halfway through the trail. It showcases an amazing view to Glenrock Lagoon and gives a first glimpse of the sand, ocean and beyond.

If you feel like continuing, keep going downhill on the path and you’ll eventually arrive at Glenrock Lagoon and Burwood Beach. Go for a swim or a sunbake or if it’s low tide, you can turn left at the beach and walk toward Merewether Beach and Surfhouse for food and drinks.

WALKING TRACK HISTORY It was named for ‘Glen’ meaning narrow valley and ‘rock’ because of the rocky nature of the valley. The site was first occupied by the local Aboriginals of the Awabakal Tribe, who were known to roam and hunt in the Glenrock Lagoon with evidence near the mouth of the lagoon. The Awabakal Tribe had a large sacred cave which was filled with paintings however, these paintings are no longer existent.

Glenrock was the site of the first coal deposits found in Australia. Deep in the valley, there are remnants of the early Burwood Colliery. Coal was mined at Glenrock for over 100 years and a good example of this is Smelters Beach, just north of the lagoon exit, which contains historic rail tracks in the cliff side. In 1932, the Scout Camp was established here with a 99 year lease which still continues to this day.

Leichhardt’s Lookout is named after Ludwig Leichhardt, a Prussian naturalist and explorer who described the view down into Glenrock Lagoon as well as other important geological sightings in the area in 1842.

This lookout is a timber platform, looking east across Glenrock Lagoon and out to the ocean. You can read all about the history of the area at the information board located at this lookout.

Take in the picturesque views and waterfalls while being surrounded in the beautiful wildlife and everything it has to offer. It is simply one of the prettiest walks that can be done all year round. Its natural seclusion is guaranteed to impress every time.

‘Adventure through Glenrock’s scenic walking track.’

Photo: Claire Turner

Hidden Places Edition

21

I

Sense Magazine

THE Bogey Hole T

he Bogey Hole is just one of Newcastle’s most stunning and well hidden secrets. It is a popular swimming spot located beneath a headland and provides a spectacular vantage point to the dynamic coastline. This simple, yet stunning icon is loved every day by locals and the visitors who are able to find its secret location. It is accessible from King Edward Park and reached by a pathway displaying impressive views.

22

The baths features historical elements of an average depth of 1.5 metres and the open side of the pool is fenced by rusted iron stanchions and chains, showcasing the heritage feel to visitors. At high tide, the ocean’s waves break into the pool’s crystal clear water. The waves crashing against the rocks displays magical sights to be enjoyed while swimming with them washing over you. During those hot summer days it is particularly popular with locals being energised by the sound of the crashing into the pool. It is currently managed by the New South Wales government who undertook a project in 2012 to restore safe access through the provision of a new platform and stairs.

It forms a picturesque and interesting feature in the coastal landscape of King Edward Park and is of considerable social significance to the people of Newcastle. It is simply unique and a spectacular location that is worthy being ticked off the summer bucket-list.

HISTORY Not many people know that The Bogey Hole was handhewn out of a wave cut rock platform by convicts for Major James Morisset, in 1819 for his personal use.

Whether this work represented the enlargement of a naturally occurring rock pool used by Aboriginal people

is not known. There is no record of how long it took to construct the pool but it was likely to have been finished by the time Morisset left Newcastle in November 1823. Though you will realise the convicts amazing achievement when you experience the waves crashing onto the rocks and into the pool.

As Morisset was the longest serving Commandant of Newcastle, the pool was originally referred to as the ‘Commandant’s Baths’. The name ‘Bogey Hole’ came into regular usage sometime after, and is said to come from the Aboriginal language meaning ‘to bathe’.

The Bogey Hole is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in recognition of its importance in the course of NSW’s history. The place has both state and national significance.

The swimming hole is situated at the foot of Shepherds Hill, or as it was known in the 1820’s “sheep pasturage hill”. Geologically, the rock in the area is sandstone/ conglomerate typical of the coastal areas of the Hawkesbury Sandstone deposit on which Newcastle was built. The rock is considered reasonably hard, although rock falls from the cliffs have damaged the baths and its surrounds on several occasions.

In 1863, control of the bath passed to the Newcastle Borough Council and was subsequently opened for public use. It was then enlarged by Council and catered mainly for male swimmers, with women being permitted only at set times. Since 1863, a collection of changing sheds and other facilities have come and gone. The pool was substantially enlarged in 1884 to its present size.

‘Take a dip in Newcastle’s most stunning secrets.’

Photos: Claire Turner

23

“THE BOGEY HOLE IS THE FIRST RECORDED EUROPEAN PURPOSE BUILT OCEAN POOL ON THE NSW COAST.”

Hidden Places Edition

“IT LOOKS OUT OVER BURWOOD BEACH, ALL THE WAY TO GLENROCK AND BACK TO THE EDGE OF MEREWETHER BATHS.”

24

Hickson Street Lookout Photo: Lucy Park

LOOKOUT FOR THE Locals H

The spot looks out over Burwood beach, all the way out to Glenrock and back around to the edge of Merewether baths.

The grassy lookout stands one hundred metres above sea level and is hidden down a long gravel pathway through the bush. Once you are reaching the end of the path it looks as though you are about to step off the edge of the cliff and into the ocean but it then begins to angle down and opens onto a wide open space.

The open grassy area sits on the top of the Merewether cliffs and has a steady slop down to the dog friendly Burwood Beach.

The spot is perfect and very popular for picnics, hikes and even weddings. The lookout is part of many different walking tracks one being the Great North Walk which stretches from Newcastle to Sydney.

Since this spot is also a popular paragliding and hang gliding spot you can often sit and watch as they jump and glide through the air or even participate yourself.

The place is a quiet area closed off area known for its 180 degree views that make it the perfect backdrop for models being photographed. The area is a closed off private area because it is surrounded by bush on all sides and is the perfect place to spend morning, afternoons or evenings sitting enjoying the sea breeze.

Hidden Places Edition

25

ickson street look out is found at the peak of Hickson street in Merewether and is a part of the Glenrock state conservation area.

“SLOWLY OVER TIME THEIR AGE HAS STARTED TO SHOW.”

Left Scenic Shack Right Variety Playground Slide Photos: Lucy Park

26

S

cenic drive spans from City Road winding all the way down to Merewether Beach and sitting on the side of the road is an old decaying house, its garage with one remaining car and a large shed. They have been left abandoned for many years and slowly over time their age has started to show. Sitting alone on the side of the road the houses are surrounded by kilometers of Glenrock bush land.

You’re able to walk right up to the car and into the garage itself if you are willing to fight to spiders and other creatures that call this place home now. But the house and the large shed are boarded up and closed off so your only hope of being able to see inside is to peep through any small holes that you might be able to find.

The house seems very out of place in the beachy suburb and it has drawn major crowds over its time.

The main house or shack as it is know is made from wooden planks and corrugated iron. It features a verandah along the front of the house and has two board up square windows. Its green door stands out from the rest of the house and gives the place an inviting feel even though its has been left to fend for itself. The garage has started to fall into itself and once held two old cars but only one remains now.

It has also become a very popular photography spot and you can often see all different types of people having their photograph taken in front of these iconic houses such as school formals, weddings, and family photo shoots. Once you visit you’ll be able to spend all afternoon capturing all different aspects of the buildings or just exploring the past that they hold.

27

“...JUST UNDER TWO HECTARES AND FEATURES A 9 METRE SPIRAL SLIDE.”

S

peers Point Park is found on Park Street on the shores of Lake Macquarie running along the edge of Cockle Creek. The park is fun for children of all ages and caters for all abilities since its creation in 2013.

As a whole Speers Point Park is just under two hectares making it the largest playground in Australia. It features a nine metre spiral slide, twelve metre high climbing structures, a flying fox, spinning equipment, a maze, swings, a bike track, musical elements, water play, a quiet zone, BBQ facilities, soccer fields, a dog park and a café. You can spend hours exploring Speers Point Park and its surrounding area using all of the equipment offered.

Sense Magazine

28

“

29

We will not cease from our exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.

T

- T.S. ELLIOT

Hidden Places Edition

Sense Magazine

30