Reflecting on lost watering holes Ed Tonks uncovers more stories about the Newcastle's lost pubs. Newcastle Herald · Sep 22, 2023
One deadly, humid day that changed Australia's Vietnam War The bloody Battle of Long Tan continues to resonate. Newcastle Herald · Nov 20, 2022
On the Fernleigh Track, Part VII: End of the line, but the track goes on On the final leg of our journey, it's all downhill, which is easy-going on a bicycle but was more challenging in a train, before we arrive at the end of the line at Adamstown - but for the Fernleigh Track, the story continues. Newcastle Herald · Feb 5, 2022
On the Fernleigh Track, Part VI: The 130-year-old curved tunnel is more than just a Hunter landmark The journey takes us through the natural wonderland that is the Glenrock State Conservation Area, past artefacts and reminders of rail at Fernleigh Loop before we head into the curved tunnel, 130 years old, and a centrepiece of the track. Newcastle Herald · Feb 3, 2022
Whitebridge goes grey, and green thumbs On this section of the journey along the Hunter's recreational icon, we see some of the dramatic changes to the surrounding landscape, and we meet those who keep the track neat and tidy. Newcastle Herald · Feb 2, 2022
Huffing and puffing, back then and now The steam trains that once trundled up and down the Belmont Line to the collieries and carrying passengers are long gone, but for rail man Ray Cross, the memories of being on those tracks are vivid - especially of the hills that tested men and machines mightily. Newcastle Herald · Feb 2, 2022
Growing 'worry' at Fernleigh Track tunnel Rail historian and author Ed Tonks was involved in the transformation of the former train line into a popular walking and cycling track, but now he's concerned that the attraction's centrepiece - the tunnel dating back to the late 1800s - could be damaged by vegetation growth at its entrance. Newcastle Herald · Jan 29, 2022
Pedalling into Newcastle's past and soul along the Fernleigh Track It is one of the most popular features in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area, and the transformation of the Fernleigh Track from a disused rail line to a recreational icon tells a story about how the life of two cities - and all those who call this area home… Newcastle Herald · Jan 29, 2022