On the weekend we finally decided to make a trip to the old fort and take a tour through the underground tunnels. I'm not really one for history, and especially not war history, but the tunnel tour was fantastic. Norm escorted us through the gun chambers and the magazine rooms, as we slowly worked our way deeper into the hill. The site was the first coal mine in Australia, and actually fired at Japanese subs that were raining down ammunition on Newcastle. They missed, but that's not the point. We also learnt that Nobby's beach was made by convicts, to prevent sailing ships from currents as they entered the harbour! I can't believe I didn't know that!
After the tour Norm gave us a bit of an extra tour around the above-ground bit, sprouting useful bits of information all the while. I really recommend a tunnel tour of the Fort, and for only $12 each it's pretty cheap really. Entry to the above-ground part of the fort is free.
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| One of the guns that welcomes visitors to the fort |
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| Nobby's beach from the fort. The beach was made from the top of Nobby's Island |
Just down the road is the brand new ANZAC memorial walk with spectacular views of the coast line and the city.
Who would have thought the beach was made by convicts? Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI know! But I guess it makes sense, over time the ocean will erode it away unless it is built up regularly.
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