This is the blog of Mark Wordsworm, the travelling worm. I’m a 36-year-old bookmark (give or take a few years) and I proudly boast my own Hallmark serial number, 95 HBM 80-1. You’ll probably want to read all about me and my Travelling Companion (the TC).
Today’s travel notes
This week marked my first visit to Newcastle, famed as the largest coal-exporting city in the world. Now, dear reader, you’d be justified in thinking that I’m talking about the Newcastle in north-east England. Nay, not so, this Newcastle is on the eastern coast of New South Wales, Australia.
I greatly enjoyed my short visit to this harbour city, and my pleasant encounters with Novocastrians.
The book I’m in
Tragaron’s Daughter, by Madeleine Brent. A well-written, fast-moving romance and thriller combined.
Recommended restaurant
One Penny Black, 196 Hunter St, Newcastle. Highly recommended. Friendly service. Tasty fresh food in good quantity.
The photos
Me in front of the pavilion of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, a grand Art Deco building from the 1920s:
In the above photo, I’m on the southern side of the pavilion. Take a stroll with me around the building. Go slowly now — I may have more legs than you, but they’re shorter than yours.
The pavilion and baths were to be closed for renovation just three days after our visit. This worm felt privileged to see them in their current state, and hopes to see the renovated version soon. A somewhat whimsical sign under the pavilion predicted the upcoming upheaval:
Behind the pavilion are the baths themselves, open to the sea and sky, with tiered seating at one end:
Behind the tiered seating hides an intriguing little dome, complete with an intriguing little internal staircase:
The next picture shows the pavilion again, viewed from the northern side this time:
Moving south from the baths, you can stroll along Newcastle beach, bounded by a terraced headland:
Moving inland, you’ll probably encounter tram or two. Big brother, in shape at least, to yours truly:
This worm steered clear of lurking Corellas. Crafty characters they are, with one eye always open for a tasty morsel:
The streets of Newcastle are well worth a wander, for their varied architecture:
This building is a good advertisement for the architectural offices that inhabit it:
To end on a slightly political note, I’ll share this photo demonstrating nuclear free sentiments. No doubt the statement expressed here is in response to a recent state government announcement that Newcastle is one of three sites under consideration for a nuclear submarine base:
That’s all for today, folks.
Travelling Worm 
Talk to the Travelling Worm!