Belmont Cemetery Walk

Share in the stories of Belmont’s fascinating history, its development and evolution, and its significant links to our heritage. The walk includes a guided tour and character enactments building a bridge between the present and past stories of early Belmont.

This tour will run at 2:30pm and 4:00pm

Part of the Write Here Festival - Lake Mac Libraries. Full program details are here.
Cost: $20.00 plus booking fee
Lake Mac Arts Member: $18.00 plus booking fee
Membership cards are to be presented at event entry. Find out more about Lake Mac Arts Membership here

Important to note:

• Walk will end on dusk with low light
• There are no public amenities. The nearest public toilets are at Ken Lambkin Reserve, Pacific Highway, Belmont South National Public Toilet Map

• There will be uneven ground in some parts of the cemetery with no wheelchair access or direct accessible pathways
• Internal road is sealed

Please bring:

• Hat
• Insect repellant
• Covered sturdy shoes
• Water bottle

Parking:
There is no designated parking outside the cemetery, participants can park in the cemetery grounds (but not in and around graves). There is an area of gravel across from the entrance and shared path that can be used for parking

The “Fast” shared (cycle) track runs past the entrance of the cemetery and “Give way” signs are installed for vehicles so please take care.

In the case of bad weather, the tour may be postponed and you will be advised via email.

About Belmont Cemetery
Belmont was the only cemetery in the eastern Lake Macquarie area until the establishment of cemeteries at Catherine Hill Bay (1894) and Whitebridge (1898). As a result, it was the place of interment for many of the area’s early settlers with the first burial that of Annie Lister, on the 18 August 1879 in the Roman Catholic portion of the cemetery. The cemetery is bounded to the north, east and south by coastal bushland.

About the Presenter

Jo Henwood has been a Tour Guide since 1998, working primarily as a site Guide and Education Officer in many heritage sites around Sydney, building a rich understanding of Sydney’s history and culture, particularly around the Harbour

She is an Accredited Storyteller with the NSW Storytelling Guild and a member of the International Museum Theatre Alliance: Asia Pacific, Museums Australia, and Australian Folklore Network. She is co-founder of the Australian Fairy Tale Society.

Weather and Recommended Wear
This is an outdoor event. Suitable footwear/closed-in footwear and sun protection recommended. In case of inclement weather, the session may be cancelled.

*This event may be photographed and filmed and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.