#adelaide gaol

[bizarrepotpourri]

So I'm thinking about retconning the Barghest Moor prison in my Officer 432 series and I got the idea to use elements of the Adelaide Gaol in it.

The original idea put the staff facilities in the gatehouse, and I'm not changing that, but now I have an idea to put the cell blocks fanning out towards the towers, with a narrow hallway connecting the death row and the hanging tower, with the execution chamber being two stories tall with windows above the beam, and the battlements also being two stories tall, with the rest of the tower used for other purposes, like a guard post for example.

There won't be an underground panopticon, though.

[booksandwords]

100 Tales from Australia’s Most Haunted Places by Ben Pobjie

Read time: 4 Days Rating: 5/5 Stars

The quote: For as long as human beings have been dying, they have been turning into ghosts. Or maybe they haven't. That's the great thing about ghosts: nobody knows if they're real, so they are endlessly entertaining, like Bigfoot or Elon Musk. — Introduction

Warnings: We are talking ghosts here and it often takes bad stuff to create a ghost. So some warnings: death, murder, suicide, torture, racism, classism and ableism. Among possibly other things.

Okay, I should probably start with where I stand on ghosts real or not. My stance on ghosts basically comes down to a quote from a book "I'm not sure whether I believe in ghosts, but two centuries worth of suffering has to leave a mark." (Billy, The Little Wartime Library). In Australia's case, it's not two centuries our Anglo-Saxon history doesn't go back that far but the point stands. Essentially I'm not above believing in ghosts because of human suffering.

I'm very glad I read this. Ben Pobjie has a fantastic sense of humour (he is a comedian, so massive shock that), and that sense of humour lands in all the right places to keep the mood where it should be. Some of these tales are truly dark, the humour is necessary to lighten to mood. Though I did find myself wondering what was with the (joking) hate on Tassie, and to a lesser degree South Australia. Don't get me wrong I laughed but I found myself curious. I found this to be quite informative in its own way. I have an interest in anthropology and this scratches that itch. It tells stories of everyday people and even ghosts are a part of that field. Some warnings for content death and murder are possibly to be expected in a book about ghosts, it takes death to create a ghost and suicide and torture are others that may be unsurprising. Other warnings that might be less obvious include racism (because you know Australia), classism (because British Empire) and ableism (because 19th century everything). Ben Pobjie is not an author I'd read before, though I do want to read more.

I appreciate the introduction it sets the tone and engages the reader. Pobjie gives his potential reasons for the belief in ghosts. They're pretty on point. The first entry is important, it is the one that grabs the reader and sets the tone. Nurse Kerry, about Aradale Lunatic Asylum, is the right choice. She is perfectly distressing. Not that her patients are sunshine and rainbows. The Bushranger Hotel feels like an odd choice to end on. But it does reference something Australia is known for, Bushrangers (in specific Ben Hall and Jack Dunn) and leaves the reader with a friendly and helpful ghost in the Quirks. The two of them are the right kind of entries to bookend the book. They balance well asylums and pubs are both common in the book, even more so when you look at them as a place of incarceration vs a place of rest and relaxation. I did find it to be quite well organised. The places that had multiple entries were spread out, the types of ghosts are varied and not repetitive in their order. Each chapter is two or three pages long with a relevant title, either the ghosts name, the location or a joke, under that is the geographic location by town and state. If the location isn't in the title it is usually in one of the first two paragraphs. It all just works so well.

Some quotes and comments. It's not for all of them but there are quite a few.

• Frederick Carr was hanged in 1929 at Adelaide Gaol. He's an oddly jovial ghost despite the injustices against him. He was hanged for the murder of his wife Maud. He's presentation has changed over time. Going from faceless to having a face and no one knows why. I just like that he's not angry.

• There is an intriguing dichotomy to the young ladies of Young & Jackson's the nameless ghost and Chloé. One is highly celebrated and prized while the other is nameless, lost and alone.

• The former denizens of the old convict settlement close in around you, insistent and suffocating, as soon as you arrive. If you can't hear them, you can feel them: the souls of thousands of the tortured, the abused and the murdered. The very air is weighted and perfumed with the pain and anger and sadness of a place built specifically to inflict those things. — I love this quote okay it's just so visceral. I like the way Port Arthur is managed. There are only a couple of brief examples. It feels like a yeah of course there are bloody ghosts here. It was a place of death and misery. (p.11, Ghosts of Port Arthur). Much the same thing is done with The North Head Quarantine Station, though there the story of the Gravedigger's cottage.

• There is something highly amusing about Pobjie not rant exactly but a paragraph that could have gone there about darkrooms being extremely spooky. I had never thought of it.

• Late one night, early in his residence, Bishop Trower awoke to find his bedroom awash with an unearthly light. The illumination emanated from a man who had, rather impolitely, entered his bedchamber without so much as a by-your-leave. — In the same chapter but a different point. There is something highly amusing about a pearl, The Rosinate Pearl, having vaguely homicidal tendencies. That (perhaps fictional) pearl has quite a high body count. (p.17, The Pearl Buyer of Broome)

• The Liftman is written in an interesting way. It's the only one written from a dual perspective and I like it.

• Under the laws of the time, suicide, or felo-de-se ('felon of himself' in Latin) was a crime equivalent to murder, — I knew this law existed but I never knew the Latin for it. What I found more interesting was that being found guilty of felo-de-se allowed the state to seize your assets. Francis Grote also has a pretty good ghost. (p.26, The Huntsman of Rostrevor)

• Catherine Spense broke my heart but she is exactly the kind of woman you aspire for your daughters to be.

• And to this day, every November, Campbelltown celebrates the Fisher's Ghost Festival, an event which brings together the whole town to celebrate community and ghosts. — This celebration is kinda weird to me, and I'm guessing a lot of others. Fisher has only had one appearance, unfinished business and all that. He's a bit different among this collection. (p.35, Fisher's Ghost)

• It could be that the sandhills themselves are simply replaying their own memory of the nightmare that descended upon them that chilly autumn night. — The feel of the unknown in the sandhills. It's different, and I like the imagery. (p.38, The Murdering Sandhills)

• I adore Albert Ogilvie so much as a ghost. He was a legend as a man too.

• Even in the olden days, when hanging people was more a fun family day out than a law-enforcement technique, slipping the noose around a female neck was something not done lightly. — This is about Martha Rendell and my response was essentially Jesus Christ you what? (p.43, The Stepmother from Hell)

• Marybank's protective ghosts are great. Allowing themselves to be heard but not seen by the occupants of the house, the descendants of the first family, the Fox's. But more than willing to reveal themselves to guests. It's a bit of a quirk among the entries.

• the Miracle House of Guildford in Western Sydney is fascinating. If you believe the story (and this one I am sceptical of) Mike Tannerous fulfilled his life goal to help people. I had to laugh when I read this entry though. Just days ago my mother and I were talking about canonisation in the Catholic church.

• The fact that Old Tailem Town was constructed Frankenstein-style, from historic buildings from elsewhere, means that it occupies a unique place among ghostly locations. Rather than being haunted by those who died on the spot, spirits have been trucked in from myriad other spots to rub shoulders on the pioneer village. — They are some pretty unique ghosts though. I do like the idea of a Frankenstein-style construction of a town. (p.75-6, Terror of Tailem Town)

• I am absolutely unsurprised that the Old Melbourne Goal is in here. The ghost of choice is Cell 17, a notorious and extremely physical ghost. I do quite appreciate Ned Kelly's silence on spectral matters.

• Quinn's Light is fascinating. But questions... I have questions.

• Indeed, as there are plenty of other spirits haunting the North Kapunda Hotel — hence its 'most haunted' appellation — the Man in Black likes to keep busy menacing them as well. It's a rare and particularly obnoxious ghost who devotes his time to spooking other spooks, but that's the Man in Black all over: a total jerk. — The North Kapunda Hotel is the place with the most entries. Dr Blood (no seriously his real name), The Man in Black, Sarah and Emily and her sister. They are all different and I like that are all here. The Man in Black is a total jerk and I kinda like it. (p.102, The Man in Black)

• But seriously: if you want to know how terrifying an old maternity hospital can be, just think about babies. Lots of babies. Crying. Screaming, sobbing, wailing. In the night. — Nope, nope, nope. How about nope. (p.104, The Evil Matron)

• I'd heard of George Grover, convict and all-round toss pot. But I didn't know he went ghost.

• Adelaide Arcade has more than a few ghosts, but us was the family case that got me.

• I'm honestly not surprised Mad Dan Morgan has a ghost and a nasty one at that. And that is two headless horsemen in Australia. What does surprise me is the lack of bushrangers with ghosts in general. It kinda gives a beaten by the better men or death wish to their life choices/ actions.

• George Ferguson Bowen had a well travelled and illustrious career. That his ghost settled in Brisbane makes me wonder... why?

• I appreciate the inclusion of the modern ghosts in The Road to Capalaba. I wish we knew their story. But in a way not having it is even better. Because they could be everyone.

• There are three chapters on The spooks of Monte Christo, with Monte Christo being a Homestead in Junee, New South Wales. They are all very different ghosts. The maid that found herself in a delicate condition was completely unsurprising fukn men in power. But it is Harold, Harold that broke me. Instead, going by the most cutting-edge medical and psychological advice available at the time, they decided to help Harold to live a rich and fulfilling life by chaining him to a wall. (p.140, ) Hahaha... NO. He was chained to a wall for 40 years. 🤬 No wonder he became a ghost. It was horrifying. The only shock is that he's a friendly ghost. As in he just was to make friends 😢.

• Melbourne's Princess Theatre opened in December 1886 and has been haunted since March 1888. That's impressive. I didn't know about the vacant seat tradition. Though it is hardly the only theatre with that kind of tradition.

• How have I never heard Elizabeth Scott's story before now (Poor Elizabeth Scott)? Hanged at the Old Melbourne Goal in 1863 for conspiring to kill her husband. She was married off to her husband at 13 (a little young even for the time) and of course, he was an abusive pos. The shotgun blast to his head fixed that malady (good). And because I can't resist.

• But there's something sweet and hopeful about the sight of Blanche and Dave wandering St Mark's together, because that's exactly what they are: together. Being a ghost seems like a lonely lifestyle, and all the moreso for a child. If these two youngsters, talked by tragedy and separated by six decades, have in afterlife found each other, their friendship might b cause for uplift in that grim and sombre place. —(p.178, The Cemetery Children)

• Sometimes the presentation of the ghost feels like true indication of the rest of their story. Like the milliner mourning her own death in the fashions of the day and in the art (trade if you must) that was her life.

• All countries have ghost stories, but only one turned a ghost story into its most popular patriotic song. Of course, 'Waltzing Matilda' isn't just a ghost story: it's also a cheerful tale of suicide and depending on your point of view an account of either justice or injustice done. —I really like all the falsehoods in the song but that original story should not be forgotten. (p188, And His Ghost My Be Heard...)

• I'm pleased there are ghost animals in here. Animals may be more disconcerting than humans.

• The hangings at the Old Windmill (Brisbane) in July 1841 were horrifying. If you want to hang someone hang them, not whatever that was.

• The current proprietors of the Albany Convict Gaol have, in the interests of giving their customers value for money in the frights department, adorned the rooms of the old building with a variety of dummies of frankly nightmarish aspect. They set them in chairs to stare at you so that when you turn to go into a room, you jump out of your skin and let out an embarrassingly high-pitched nose because there's some kind of deformed evil gypsy watching you with one bulging eye. —The book actually contains an image of one of the mannequins and they scare me more than any ghost in that place could I think. (p.242, The Black Hole) There are baby cries... baby cries in a convict gaol? I think not thank you. It's just so very wrong. The title The Black Hole is a sensory deprivation cell. Again no thank you. And I'm pretty sure they are still used.

• Oh man, the ghosts in Steiglitz outnumber the people... by quite a way.

• I did not know that Australia even had a monastic town, let alone that it had its own guardian ghost. New Norcia in W.A. was settled by Spanish Benedictine Monks in 1847. The ghost, known as The Blue Nun, is that of Sister Maria Harispe.

• The best known and most seen of Gaiety's cast of spirits is Ava, the theatre's proud addition to the pantheon of little-girl ghosts. — Honestly Ava sounds kinda adorable. She just kinda ignores people and goes about her business. (p.261, Ghosts of the Gaiety) There really in a pantheon little-girl ghosts. I'm just going to put a couple of them here. The little girl at Larundel Asylum is so heartbreaking, her music box would be disturbing though. The young girls at Spook Cemetery are horrifying. As much as more of these places would be great to visit not his one. You need nice hands. The last little-girl ghost we meet is at the Coach & Horses, she just wants friends, appearing mostly to children.

• Determinig whether the Royal Derwent Hospital, popularly known as Willow Court is haunted is a relatively simple process. Just ask the question, 'Is Willow Court Australia's oldest mental health facility?' If the answer is 'yes,' then OF COURSE, IT'S HAUNTED, YOU IDIOT. I mean, surely we know by know: if it's old and it once housed the mentally ill, there will be ghosts fizzing about inside it. — There is so much going on at this place nearly all of it bad. 'Asylum's abortion chair' is just three words that do not belong together here, unsurprisingly that chair has its own ghost. (p.263, Winston of Ward 5)

• It's interesting The Poinciana Woman echoes a few female folk tales globally. A huge injustice was committed against her I'm glad that the tale exists. Like so many of her sister tales she has become both a caregiver and an angel of vengeance.

• And they stare at you with their lifeless eyes, as if you say, 'As soon as you turn your back is turned, we are going to jump you and sink our mannequin fangs into your tender flesh like those statues from Doctor Who.' — I really did not expect a Faraway Tree. Yeah, they are pretty damn odd. Oh and we get this Doctor Who reference in the same entry as a treat. What other Doctor Who monster are we going to reference other than Weeping Angels. (p. 93, The Grouch Major)

[whiteairservicesadelaide]

Must Visit Places in Adelaide, SA

I. Introduction

Adelaide is a charming city located in the southern region of Australia. Known for its picturesque beaches, beautiful parks, and rich culture, Adelaide is a popular tourist destination for both locals and visitors alike. In this article, we will highlight some of the must-visit places in Adelaide that will make your visit unforgettable.

II. Historical Places

A. Adelaide Oval

Since 1871, Adelaide Oval has been a recognisable landmark on the city's skyline. The stadium has played host to numerous international sporting events and served as the home of cricket and Australian rules football in South Australia. Adelaide Oval not only hosts sporting events but also offers guided tours that give guests an inside look at the stadium's background and amenities.

B. Port Adelaide Historic District

Port Adelaide is a historic district located approximately 14 km north-west of Adelaide’s city center. The district has been beautifully preserved and offers visitors a glimpse into Adelaide’s maritime history. Visitors can explore the district’s many museums, galleries, and historic buildings, including the National Railway Museum and the South Australian Maritime Museum.

C. Adelaide Gaol

Adelaide Gaol is a former prison that was in operation from 1841 to 1988. The gaol has been beautifully restored and is now a museum that offers visitors a look at what life was like for prisoners in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gaol and explore the cells, exercise yards, and execution chamber.

III. Nature and Parks

A. Adelaide Botanic Garden

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a beautiful park located in the heart of the city. The garden features a range of themed gardens, including a medicinal plant garden, a rose garden, and a palm house. The garden also hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

B. Cleland Conservation Park

Cleland Conservation Park is a beautiful natural reserve located approximately 20 km south-east of Adelaide’s city center. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and emus. Visitors can explore the park’s walking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

C. Morialta Conservation Park

Morialta Conservation Park is a beautiful natural reserve located approximately 10 km north-east of Adelaide’s city center. The park is home to a range of walking trails, including the popular Three Falls Trail, which takes visitors past three stunning waterfalls. The park is also a popular destination for rock climbing and abseiling.

IV. Food and Drink

A. Central Market

The Central Market is a historic market located in the heart of Adelaide’s city center. The market features over 80 stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to gourmet cheeses and artisanal bread. The market also has a range of cafes and restaurants, making it a great destination for foodies.

B. Adelaide Hills Wineries

There are some of Australia's top wineries in the Adelaide Hills. Visitors can take a wine tour of the area and stop by several cellar doors, such as Shaw and Smith Winery and Hahndorf Hill Winery. The area is also home to a variety of eateries and cafes, giving visitors the chance to eat and drink while admiring the breathtaking views.

C. Peel Street

Peel Street is a popular dining precinct located in Adelaide’s city center. The precinct is home to a range of restaurants and bars, offering everything from modern Australian cuisine to Asian fusion dishes. Peel Street is a great destination for foodies looking to explore Adelaide’s vibrant dining scene.

V. Art and Culture

A. Art Gallery of South Australia

The Art Gallery of South Australia is a must-visit destination for art lovers. The gallery features a range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, from Australian and international artists. The gallery also hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

B. South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural history and cultural heritage. The museum’s collection features over 4 million objects, including fossils, minerals, and artifacts from Aboriginal and Pacific Islander cultures. The museum also hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

C. Adelaide Festival Centre

In the centre of the city is a centre for culture called the Adelaide Festival Centre. The centre has a variety of performance venues, such as theatres and concert halls, and it hosts a variety of events and performances all year long in the performing arts, such as music, dance, and theatre. The centre is a great place to spend a night out because it also has a variety of bars and restaurants.

VI. Family-Friendly Places

A. Adelaide Zoo

The Adelaide Zoo is a must-visit destination for families. The zoo is home to over 2,500 animals from over 250 species, including pandas, lions, and giraffes. The zoo also offers a range of experiences, including animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

B. Glenelg Beach

The beach at Glenelg is a favourite spot for tourists and families. The beach is a great place to spend the day because it has a variety of amenities like cafes, restaurants, and playgrounds. The historic Glenelg Tram, which runs from the city's centre to the beach, is another option for tourists.

C. Adelaide Himeji Garden

The Adelaide Himeji Garden is a Japanese-style garden located in the southern part of Adelaide’s city center. The garden features a range of traditional Japanese elements, including a koi pond, a teahouse, and a bamboo forest. The garden is a great destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

VII. Conclusion

Adelaide is a stunning city with something to offer everyone, including historical structures, stunning natural attractions, delicious food and drink, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Adelaide is unquestionably worthwhile a visit, regardless of whether you're travelling alone, with friends, family, or as a couple. We hope this article has given you the desire to explore the city and find all of its wonderful hidden gems.

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Business Details:

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[timegents]

DEFYING the odds, Margaret Tabitha Radestock was a successful hotelier, who despite an abusive husband, and antiquated licensing laws, became a wealthy and respected South Australian businesswoman. Margaret was born in 1849 in the Adelaide Hills before marrying an impetuous German immigrant, Otto Radestock, who would develop a reputation for his fiery temper. Radestock had come to Australia in 1863 as a 20-year-old immigrant from Germany. The pair would host the Eudunda Hotel (pictured) from 1879 to 1889 before Otto’s drunken behaviour landed him in an ‘inebriate retreat’ and gaol for escaping the asylum. Margaret (pictured inset), after almost 20 years of marriage to the wealthy, but brutal husband, bravely left him to forge-out a hospitality career in her own right, and toughed-out a long and prosperous life, sprinkled with joys, hardships and sorrow, for almost a century. Read the story of the Radestocks at The Time Gents website: (via Against all odds: Despite an abusive husband, hotelier Margaret Radestock became a successful business woman)

[allen-tiller]

In Haunted Adelaide, Allen Tiller views ghost stories through a pragmatic lens. Rather than sensationalise the stories, Haunted Adelaide investigates the paranormal through fact-checked, historical information that adds authenticity to some stories, and debunks others.

Unlike other paranormal research books, Haunted Adelaide values evidence-based stories over psychic hearsay and gives an unbiased, factual account of the hauntings of the City of Adelaide. Haunted Adelaide is the culmination of 20 years of research on hauntings in the City of Adelaide.

It includes research and stories from the world first, Adelaide City Libraries ‘Paranormal Historian in Residence’ project ‘Haunted Buildings in Adelaide’, and Allen Tiller’s extensive research and investigation into the paranormal in the City of Adelaide

[gypsyjazzjimi-blog]

The ghost I caught on camera

Old Adelaide Gaol, SA Australia

[bustakay]

[globalfilmlocations]

Escape From Pretoria (2020) Film Locations

Escape From Pretoria (2020) Film Locations

Filming locations for Daniel Radcliffe’s Escape From Pretoria was filmed in Adelaide, Lower Mitcham & Thebarton which is where the exterior shots for the prison were recorded. The prison’s interior scenes were recorded inside the Adelaide Studios. Locations: 182-220 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia (Beginning Scenes) Google Maps Co-ordinates: -34.925351, 138.607321 Old Adelaide Gaol,…

[thesehauntedhills]

Karen said...

"This pic i caught at the olde Adelaide Gaol in the new building as they call it. the energy that this figure was emitting was just horrifying on my part, i couldnt even do the lockdown that they let you do for 5mins in the building. i wanted to get out of that building, this figure made me extremely uncomfortable and even when i sat on the stairs the pressure of being pushed down was just eww for me, i ended up telling it to back off. funny thing at the beginning of the tour we were asked if we were gonna catch the paranormal and i was the only one that said no............normally if you say yes you dont get nothing from the time we entered the olde Gaol area we were never alone, entering the gates and hearing footsteps following us, to the feeling of being followed to this capture."

[bizarrepotpourri]

The Adelaide Gaol in Adelaide, South Australia. More specifically, its Hanging Tower - one of the two gallows (the other one is located in the New Building and apparently nobody took good enough photos of the very instructional mannequin display there).

Photos by Michael Coghlan on Flickr.

The prison was originally built on a pentagonal layout, like a cut-off octagon, which gives me an idea or five about retconning the whole Barghest Moor prison from my Officer 432 stories (not like I don't have to rewrite all of them anyway before posting them on AO3...). Since my original idea was a mash-up of the Zordaya Prison from "Call of Duty", Bodmin Jail and Rakowiecka Prison, I think that swapping Rakowiecka for Adelaide won't be too much of a problem.

However, my grand idea of expanding the series to at least ten stories and trying to publish it as an e-book may be too much.

[ghostcrime02-blog]

Adelaide Gaol

Looking desperately for a trusted and reputed service that has the rare provision of Adelaide gaol ghost tours as well as many other related services? Well, look no further as we at Ghost Crime Tours have just the thing for you. Contact us today for more information. 

[forsjandmx]

Adelaide Gaol

13 February 2017

[timtamtalestakestwo]

Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong....

After dropping the Chrises at Sydney Departures to catch their flight back to the UK (see previous blog post for part 1!), I headed onwards to the Domestic terminal to catch a flight up to Darwin. Arriving at 1am, I had a rather sleepless few hours on the floor of Darwin airport before greeting my parents through arrivals at 5am! We had 3 weeks of Outback adventures ahead to catch up on all we’d missed from a year apart!

We picked up our Britz campervan for the first part of the trip and headed straight in the direction of Kakadu National Park on the red dirt roads in the very hot sunshine to get straight into holiday mode! The evening was spent at an old aboriginal site called Ubirr; here there were ancient ochre paintings, beautiful rock formations and stunning vistas, perfect for a sunset viewing!

We’d heard there might be a possibility of seeing crocs in Kakadu although none of us were convinced we actually would. However, a stroll to Cahill’s Crossing proved us all wrong; on arrival we could see the ominous backs of about 12 crocodiles swimming around in the inaccurately named ‘East Alligator River’. There were locals fishing in the river standing scarily close to the edge, given that behind them were multiple collections of flowers and crosses commemorating people who had been killed in recent years by getting just that bit too close! It was incredible to see the crocodiles climbing out of the water and watching their size triple from what it had appeared in the water!

All those black dots in the water? Crocodiles!

A stunning walk around Bardedjilidgi sandstone outcrops and a steep hike up to Nawlandja lookout overlooking the Nourlangie escarpment provided some of our first exposures to the incredible Kakadu landscape! Given how much land was burning all the time (at one point there were embers right up to the road we were driving along), we were surprised at how green the landscape was.

We braved another close croc encounter on a walk around Anbangbang billabong and also spotted our first Jabiru! It looked absolutely enormous – especially in comparison to all the other birds on the billabong!

Spent the night at an unexpectedly beautiful campsite on the Mary River where we were surrounded by wallabies and kangaroos!

It was time to head across to Litchfield National Park – a smaller area and surprisingly quite different landscape to Kakadu given its relative proximity. We stopped off en route at the ‘magnetic termite mounds’ – so called as they are aligned with their main axis running north to south and orientated such to minimise midday sun exposure and warmth inside the mound. There were also some enormous mounds- up to 5 metres high!

We did a walk to Buley rockholes (which themselves were full of people swimming) but we found our own private one just a few minutes downstream to have a much-needed refreshing dip! Our walk took us down to the popular Florence Falls, and then onwards to the stunning Wangi Falls where we were staying the night! Wangi falls had been closed until the week prior due to crocodile sightings so it was safe to say my mum did not look one bit relaxed for the beautiful sunset swim in there!

Buley Rockholes

Wangi Falls

We squeezed as many hikes as we could in our short time in Litchfield so our last full day there was spent hiking along the Upper and Lower Cascades (literally clambering down a waterfall). It was so hot and we found an inviting rockhole mid-hike but had left our swimmers in the van– my dad and I are not ones to miss out on a plunge pool swimming opportunity so we just jumped in in our clothes! Lunch was at the top of yet another waterfall amid the Tjaetaba walk through a sharp contrast of monsoon forest and savanna landscapes! We finished the day with a walk around the Tolmer falls which were worth our close shave with heat stroke in the high temperatures of the afternoon!

We briefly explored Darwin town centre and harbour before driving to the airport for our flight to Alice Springs for our Red Centre adventure!

 Flying in we could see no evidence of any human life anywhere close until we got off the plane and saw there was in fact an airport there! It had just been expanses of red dirt as far as the eye could see, with no town in sight! We were staying in an amazing ‘glamping hut’ I found on Airbnb called Under The Hump. Sitting outside by the firepit having our kanga steaks with a beautiful view of the stars will certainly be one of me lasting memories of Alice! We weren’t quite prepared for the cold weather we would be faced with though – going from 32 degree mornings to 3 degrees was a bit of a shock to the system!

We explored the town and rather fell in love with its character! A small sleepy town surrounded thousands of miles of desert! Having lived by the coast all our life we realised it was the furthest any of us had ever been from the sea!

We explored the famous Todd Mall markets, and went to the Todd River (I was hugely disappointed by this as was expecting an actual river and was met by an expanse of sand. Apparently I was the only one to not be aware that this would be the case. My Tripadvisor review would be a generous 1star as far as rivers go. Same goes for the actual Alice Spring which I didn’t realise we had even seen until I was told later – because it was again just sand.) We spent a fascinating few hours at the National Women’s Pioneer Museum at the old gaol and a visit to the Telegraph station which allowed telegraphs to be sent between Adelaide and Darwin and was the site of the first European settlement in Central Australia (I imagine the Spring actually had water in it at that time….) – although should be acknowledged that the Arrernte people have inhabited what is now Alice Springs for thousands of years prior!

One of my favourite days of the trip was exploring the absolutely breath-takingly beautiful West MacDonnell ranges along the Larapinta trail. We started about 2 hours from Alice at our furthest point, Glen Helen Gorge. It was a deceivingly cold day despite the basking sunshine so we passed on taking the ‘refreshing dip’ here and felt for the many people we saw running who were doing a 4 day Larapinta trail run!

Mum trying to protect herself from the cold wind!

The next stop was the stunning Ormiston Gorge with hike around the top and through the middle of the gorge (which again had no water because dry season!). The other stops along the way are probably best described with photos rather than words. They included the Ochre pits where indigenous people collected ochre to use for rock and body paintings, which they used to tell Dreamtime stories and in ceremony; Serpentine Gorge with a steep hike up to a lookout over the West MacDonnells; Ellery Creek Hole and Simpsons Gap. We had hoped to see a few rock wallabies along the way but unfortunately they may have been hiding away from the cold!

It was a long 5 hour drive down to Yulara (the small resort town for Uluru). 5 hours along a straight road with fairly barren red dirt desert either side; even just this relatively short distance made us appreciate how enormous and sparse this country is. We caught our first glimpse of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from afar as we approached and what a beautiful sight it was! We found a viewing area next to our accommodation where we watched our first of many Uluru sunsets!

We spent the next 3 days exploring the National Park, learning about the significance of Uluru to the Anangu people and all about the local culture and traditions. Seeing Uluru up close was much more impressive than I'd imagined; what looks like a fairly uniform rock from far away is made of up so many caves and gorges and rock formations which all have cultural significance and stories behind them!

Mutitjulu Waterhole

The other place of significance in the National Park is Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) which is a contrasting collection of rocks (the formation of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta seems to be still very much undecided so I’m struggling to know what to call them!). We did an absolutely stunning hike there called the Valley of the Winds with some breathtaking viewpoints.

After lots of beautiful sunset viewings, we braved a very early start, armed with a thermos of hot tea, to drive into the Park to watch the sunrise. It was certainly a popular event but we could see why – watching the colours change over Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the distance was just spectacular! 

Our legs were exhausted from a lot of hiking so we spent our last day going to workshops and talks put on by the resort, learning about bush tucker, aboriginal hunting tools and even a didgeridoo lesson!

It was time to fly back to Newcastle but what a trip of a lifetime we’d been lucky to experience! It was great to finally show my mum around the place I’ve talked so much about over the past 5 years and to take her back to Sydney to see where they both lived 31 years ago, and meet up with some of their old friends!

Sadly, their life back in England called, so it was another goodbye but we parted ways with so many incredible memories to last a lifetime! 

It was back to hospital life and the revision grind for me....

[cheshire-mural-artist-oneredshoe]

Oscar Wilde Wenlock - designed & painted by Cheshire mural artists- One Red Shoe

As part of London 2012's Olympic celebrations this mascot was positioned next to the Oscar Wilde bench on Adelaide Street off Trafalgar Square. An Art Nouveau book illustration style depicting Oscar Wilde and some of his well known quotes, plays, poems and novel.

Owl mask:
'Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth'
The mask also represents the theatre. 
Wilde was depicted wearing an owl jester's hat in Beardsley's illustrations for Salome.

Fan decorated with peacock feather: Lady Windermere's Fan

Green carnation

Sunflower Cufflink: He enjoyed decorating his rooms with sunflowers

Pomegranate Tie: The House of Pomegranates

Nightingale and Rose trousers: The Nightingale and the Rose

Stars: 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars'

Black Arm: Greek, Egyptian and Roman symbols and patterns including The Sphinx, representing Wilde's appreciation, Lectures and study of The Classics. A celtic trinity knot with the Claddagh heart and hands design to represent his Irish Heritage, relationships and religion in his life.

White arm: Roses, mentioned often in his work including the opening paragraph of The Picture of Dorian Gray

Peacock coat: Influenced by Beardsley's 'Peacock Skirt' illustration for Salome

C33: Hidden amongst the patterns on the peacock coat - Wilde's cell number at Reading Gaol, The Ballad of Reading Gaol was published with C33 as the author

Swallow with Ruby: from The Happy Prince

The Moon: Salome

7 Veils of cloud: The dance of the seven Veils, Salome

Portrait: The Picture of Dorian Gray, designed from descriptions in the book and surrounded by some of the details mentioned: roses, narcissus, laburnum, sparrows, daisies, bees etc. The hand of the painter has the initials BH for Basil Hallward. A bee '…creeping into the stained trumpet of a Tyrian convolvulus' Ivy around the frame to represent time.

[unusedrooms]

Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour and Investigation

Adelaide Gaol Ghost Tour and Investigation

This two hour walking tour explores Adelaide Gaol, Australia’s longest continuously operating gaol. Steeped with history, find out whose ghosts still roam this 147 year old building.

[fellkrieger123]

💡 - What is the best idea your character ever had?

Fell pauses for a second, deep in thought before smiling. “Well. It wasn’t my idea. But, ther was one time when Raise suggested we play hooky from our school work and get ice cream....”

“Okay, so, hear me out.”“I’m already not interested.”Raise let in a exaggerated gasp, slapping a hand on the table. It shook under the force of his blow, smearing the ink from the equations Fell was working on. The Wildwood’s eyebrow twitched in annoyance as he glanced up at his brother.“You didn’t even hear what I have to say!”“And I said I’m not interested! Everytime you start something with ‘hear me out’, I end up in a tree. Or in a pond. Or in a gaol cell!” Raise slapped a hand over his heart, groaning.“But it’s a really good idea this time. I promise!” The teenager leaned over, staring intently at his brother, who simply turned his head, going back to his work. “Fell.” He continued to ignore him, even as Raise flopped onto the table and rolled on his back, stretching out like a cat. “Feeeeelllllllll.” His hands slapped over the papers and Fell sighed, looking up.“Alright. What?”“Let’s skip this work and go do something fun.”“No.”“But-”“Father wants us to finish this before he gets home and I’m not going to bed without dinner again because you’re bored.”“C’mon, Fell. Just for a bell or two This is so boooorrrring, and there’s so many numbers and, and..... ughhhhh.” Fell put his quill back into its place in its inkwell, leaning on his elbow as Raise rolled around slightly, arms flailing dramatically.“You’re being stupid.”“I’m not stupid, you are. And boring. You’re boring!” He rested his arm over his eyes, sighing dramatically. “Look at us! Wasting out lives away with schoolwork when we could be out and about, enjoying our fleeting youth!”“Would you stop?”“Not until you agree to get ice cream with me!” He rolled over onto his stomach, scattering the papers and cupping Fell’s face in his hands. his eyes sparkled excitedly. “Ice cream, Fell! Delicious, delicious ICE CREAM!” He smooshed Fell’s face, and the younger brother slapped his hands away, sighing.“Alright, alright. I guess we could take a break. And ice cream does sound pretty good....”“YES. Another win for Raise Krieger.” Raise lifted a finger, making a checkmark in the air. Fell stared at him. “Are you keeping tally of-”“Hey, what if that cute Hyur is there?” Raise mused, saying it a bit too quickly as he hopped off the table. Fell paused. “Hmmmm~ Maybe I’ll buy her some ice cream if she is~”“No.” Raise looked up, blinking owlishly at Fell, who had crossed his arms, standing.“What?”“No. Adelaide and I are friends. You can’t do that.” Raise blinked again before grinning slowly.”“Oh? Oh, what’s this I hear? Jealousy?” Fell flushed, embarrassment obvious on his face.“No! I mean. No! I’m invoking the code!”“Excuse me? The Code? The Bro code?”“Yes! No dating the bro of your bro!” Raise put a finger to his lips, snickering, an absolutely mischievous look in his eyes.“Okay. Okay. So, how’s this? I’ll race you to the ice cream stand. Whoever gets there first gets to woo the lady with sweets.” Fell’s eyes narrowed.“That’s not fair! You’re faster than I am-” Raise cracked his knuckles.“ONE TWO THREE GO!” Before Fell could even say anything else, the two had bolted out the door, shoving each other as they began racing down the streets of Limsa, dodging other pedestrians as they neared their mark. It didn’t take long for Fell to lose Raise in the chaos, and the ice cream stand came into view.There she stood, emerald eyes staring up at the menu, her eyebrows furrowed in thought. Fell skidded to a stop beside her, startling the young girl as she turned, eyes wide, staring at the panting Elezen.“Oh! Fell! Hello,” she said cheerfully, folding her hands behind her back and leaning down to look at him. he was bent over, panting for breath. “Uhm. Are you alright?” He lifted a finger, heaving for a few more minutes before looking up at her.“Adelaide!” He gasped. “Let me buy you an ice cream cone!” She blinked in shock before giggling, covering her mouth demurely “Uhm. Alright, sure~” She said shyly as Fell dug for his gil purse. They spent a few bells like that, even after they finished their ice cream, chatting and laughing together. It was peaceful. It was nice. Fell waved her goodbye as she left to go home, smiling dreamily as he watched her retreating figure.He was startled from his thoughts with the sound of his linkpearl going off in his ear. He paused, lifting a finger to answer it.”“Hello?”“Okay, so, I need you to bail me out of a gaol cell. I almost stole a baby. I’ll explain later.”