Lake Macquarie, a hidden gem in New South Wales, is rich in history and exploratory treasures waiting to be uncovered. One such gem is the ‘swing bridge’ nestled in the suburb of Dora Creek, behind the Avondale Campus at Cooranbong, offering a glimpse into the past.
Decades ago, the discovery of concrete igloos from World War II atop a hill near Catherine Hill Bay sparked an interest in uncovering hidden sites. These igloos were part of radar station 208, serving as a shield for the seaplane base at Rathmines, following a Japanese submarine attack on Newcastle in 1942.
The radar station’s timber towers and concrete structures were eventually abandoned post-war, with remnants left to decay. One striking memory was encountering a burned car inside one of the igloos, a testament to the site’s eerie history.
Explorations around Lake Macquarie have revealed intriguing finds over the years, such as a light aircraft wedged into a Swansea coffee shop after a crash landing and Aboriginal legends etched in stone at Reid’s Mistake, guarding the lake entrance from mythical sea monsters.
Further west, remnants of aviation history lie near Cockle Creek, where aviators Kingsford Smith and Ulm made an emergency landing in 1927. Nearby, the submerged petrified pine forest, Kurrur Kurran, offers a glimpse into ancient geological wonders, now reduced to petrified stumps.
As we journey towards Toronto, traces of a lost railway and the historic Stoney Creek Swimming Club stand as silent reminders of bygone eras. Moving along Awaba Road, the Elephant Shop and South Sea Island Museum in Cooranbong showcase unique artifacts and historical curiosities.
At the heart of Cooranbong lies the iconic swing bridge, a local landmark since 1934. Initially built to aid the Sanitarium health food factory workers in crossing Dora Creek, the bridge has evolved into a historical treasure, surviving floods and the test of time.
Noteworthy is the tale of the swing bridge’s construction by Harry Tempest, designed to assist a teacher who feared water. Over the years, the bridge became a symbol of courage and resilience, with a new concrete bridge now offering a stable alternative for modern travelers.
Greg Powell, a local author, highlighted the Sandy Creek Walk loop near Avondale Estate, providing a serene natural retreat for enthusiasts. The swing bridge’s legacy continues to captivate visitors, embodying a blend of history, innovation, and the enduring spirit of exploration in Lake Macquarie.
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