Our next mobile showrooms…
Marina Markets date, time and location
The Easter long weekend we will be running two mobile showrooms…
The first one is on Saturday 19 April at the Marina Markets at the Nelson Bay foreshore near D’albora Marina from 4pm to 8pm.
Speers Pont Market - date times and location
The second mobile showroom will be at the Homegrown Markets - Sunday morning at Speers Point Park in beautiful Lake Macquarie. 10am - 2PM. Live music, street food plenty of room for a picnic and lots of stalls with all sorts of goodies.
Nelson Bay markets
Speers Point Markets
Discover the Beauty of Scenic Glass Splashbacks at Medowie Markets This Saturday!
We're excited to announce that our mobile showroom will be making a special stop at the Medowie Markets this Saturday, April 12, from 8am to 12pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to explore our exquisite collection of scenic glass splashbacks, designed to elevate the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen or bathroom while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.
Our mobile showroom is equipped with a stunning array of splashback designs, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and versatility of glass as a medium. Whether you're drawn to the serene landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, or abstract art, our collection offers something to suit every taste and style. The expert craftsmanship and high-quality materials used in our splashbacks not only provide an artistic focal point but also deliver durability and ease of maintenance.
During your visit, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to guide you through our range, answer any questions you may have, and assist in finding the perfect splashback to complement your space. Don’t miss this chance to see our beautiful designs up close and imagine how they could transform your home. We look forward to welcoming you at Medowie Markets and helping you bring your interior design dreams to life!
Mobile showrooms April
April 1 is not just for the fools - it's also tulip day! For those of you that want a beautiful tulip garden in Spring, April 1 is the day to put your bulbs in the vegetable crisper to chill down ready for planting on Mother's Day. The cooling down helps to build up the starch in the bulb to create a stronger flower.
We have a busy month of mobile showrooms coming up in various locations across the region. All subject to weather of course, so keep an eye on the socials as the dates draw closer :)
Going... Going... Gone: A Dance with Nature's Unpredictability
Quarry Hill 5:37am
In the delicate pre-dawn hush, the world feels full of promise, and for those of us who seek to capture nature's splendour, the thrill of a spectacular sunrise is the ultimate reward. This morning was set to be one of those days—or so I thought. The anticipation of a 4:30 am start kept me tossing and turning all night, eagerly waiting to witness the dawn's breathtaking spectacle. With coffee in hand, I double-checked the forecast, only to be surprised by a sudden prediction of rain. Yet, stepping outside, the sky was clear, adorned with the wispy cirrus clouds I expected, setting my mind at ease.
Destination: Quarry Hill—a location that promises a perfect vantage point. The climb was a personal test, a measure of my fitness journey, now four months into a gym membership. So far- so good I think. The hill, once scorched by fire, was now alive with new growth, transforming the familiar trail into a wild, overgrown path. Nature's guardians, my nemesis the spiders, spun their webs across the dark path, leading to a close encounter with a white tail spider that left both of us startled but unharmed.
Quarry Hill 5:39am - the first signs
Reaching the new clearing, the sky unfurled a fiery orange canvas, mirrored by a flotilla of fishing boats glittering like jewels on the ocean. As I set up my gear, a mist began to roll in, cloaking the landscape in an ethereal shroud. The air grew heavy with moisture, leaving me and my equipment soaked. With sunrise still 40 minutes away, I held onto the hope that the fog would lift, revealing the light show I came to capture. But the mist thickened, turning the vibrant world into a monochrome void.
Quarry Hill 5:40am
Checking the app again, I found the culprit: 91% humidity, a dewpoint of 16ºC, and a temperature of 21ºC, the perfect recipe for a thick fog. It dawned on me that the forecasted rain was merely a misinterpretation of the impending fog. Nature, in her whimsical way, had played her trick, reminding me that even the most meticulous plans can be upended by her capricious hand.
Quarry Hill 5:40am plus 40 seconds
Though the sunrise was hidden, I left with a story—a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the natural world... and one good picture before everything faded to grey.
Quarry Hill 5:44am - 7 minutes before “sunrise”
The Lunar eclipse (blood moon)
Tonight's Lunar Eclipse: Viewing Guide
A few people have asked about tonight’s lunar eclipse and whether we will be able to see it. The good news is yes, but only for a short time.
Key Timings
· Moonrise: 7:13 pm
· Maximum Phase: 7:16 pm
· Magnitude: 0.46 (partially visible, about half of the moon will appear red)
· End of Partial Eclipse: 7:47 pm
Viewing Locations
Shoaly
- Head to the northern end, under the inner lighthouse (Halifax) where you can see the moon rise to the east near Boondelbah at 7:13 pm.
- Further down the beach, the moonrise will be obscured by Tomaree, so it won't be visible from there.
Pro tip: There will be plenty of people congregating around Halifax hoping to capture it, so follow the crowd.
Salamander Bay
- Another great location is near the Salamander Bay jetty at 7:13 pm. Look to the east between the Headlands for the best view.
Enjoy this celestial event and make sure to find the perfect spot to capture this beautiful sight!
This is a timelapse of the blood moon eclipse taken on 8 November 2022
Welcome to the 2025 Newcastle Show
Please visit our exciting showcase at the 2025 Newcastle Show, hosted at the vibrant Newcastle Exhibition Centre. This year, we invite you to delve into the captivating world of glass splashbacks, where innovation meets artistry in the heart of your home. Our exhibition features an array of stunning splashback samples that promise to transform any kitchen or bathroom into a masterpiece of design.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with our diverse range of designs, from personal phone pics, to hi-res photography and abstract art, each crafted with precision and creativity. I will be on hand to guide you through the meticulous process of splashback creation, revealing the craftsmanship and technology that brings these pieces to life.
Whether you're seeking inspiration for a remodeling project or simply appreciate design excellence, our exhibition promises to ignite your imagination. Join us at the Newcastle Exhibition Centre to explore the endless possibilities that our splashbacks offer, and discover how they can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your space. We look forward to sharing our passion for design with you and helping you find the perfect splashback to suit your style and needs.
Ballooning through the Hunter Valley
The day of my first balloon trip in the Hunter Valley began this morning with sleepless anticipation. Despite the weather not being as perfect as I had hoped, the subdued excitement was undeniable as we gathered at 5:15 am to prepare for the adventure. Sure, for me, 5:15 am is like a sleep-in, but for some, I think the reality of the day’s unfolding event was yet to arouse from its slumber.
The setup was remarkably swift, and before we knew it, we were gently floating through the sky in our balloon. A slight breeze carried us as we soared through the clouds, ascending to a breathtaking 4,000 feet. The sensation of floating was surreal; without the familiar hum of an engine, it felt like we were drifting effortlessly in the calm morning air. I was hoping that maybe we could be joined by an eagle, but this was not going to be my day.
Breaking through the clouds revealed a serene landscape, with the morning sun illuminating a soft pillow of clouds just below us. The stillness of the morning was occasionally punctuated by the soft bursts of flame, propelling us higher.
As the time came to brace ourselves for landing, I was once again pleasantly surprised by the gentle nature of the experience. I don’t know what I was expecting, but the landing was even gentler than what you would get from the end of a roller coaster. We glided to a stop, unbraced and climbed out of the basket.
The Impact of the Wharf Strike on Our Production Capacity
The past few months have been incredibly challenging for our production team, primarily due to the prolonged wharf strike that has significantly impacted our capacity. Since early December last year, we have faced a substantial bottleneck, with essential materials, particularly glass, sitting idle on the wharves. This impasse has left us frustrated and feeling helpless, as the unions have steadfastly refused to release any goods from the docks, all while demanding higher wages.
Our operations were brought to an almost complete halt, with programmed jobs piling up in the system, awaiting the crucial materials to proceed. The continuous delay tested our resilience and patience, as we watched our factory remain dormant, unable to fulfill orders or maintain our production schedule. This strike has been a stark reminder of how external factors can severely disrupt our carefully planned processes.
However, amidst this adversity, we received a much-awaited glimmer of hope yesterday—the glass finally arrived. With the materials in hand, our team wasted no time in cutting and processing the glass, swiftly moving the first batch of the backlog down to the furnace for toughening. The sight of our factory roaring back to life was both a relief and a testament to our team's dedication and readiness to overcome obstacles.
This experience has undeniably been an exercise in futility and frustration, one we fervently hope never to encounter again. Nevertheless, it has also highlighted the importance of our clients' patience and understanding during such turbulent times. Their support has been invaluable, allowing us to navigate through this period with a sense of solidarity and determination.
As we resume full production, we are committed to ensuring that any future disruptions are minimised and that our operations remain as seamless as possible. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for their unwavering patience and assure them that we have emerged from this challenge stronger and more resilient.
Thank you for standing by us. Here’s to a future where we continue to thrive together, undeterred by unforeseen hurdles.
Finally, I can say (albeit a bit late) Happy New Year - welcome to 2025. Here’s another image from the top of Quarry Hill from just before sunrise the other day.
Quarry Hill sunrise 4 Feb 2025
The colours of Autumn on Quarry Hill.
After stumbling across this new location on Quarry Hill only recently, I was keen to commit the trip to memory by having another stab in the dark. It’s getting a little easier now with sunrise occurring later, meaning I don’t need to get up until 4am. As I made my way to the base of Quarry Hill I marvelled at all the little shiny jewels scattered on the ground, glistening in the light of my headlamp. I often notice these things - they’re actually the eyes of tiny ground-dwelling spiders hoping for a feed.
With the dead fire-scorched brush littering the side of the mountain there are points where you have to fight your way through. There’s still a few places where the trail gets confusing and branches out in multiple directions. Thankfully, the Bikie memorial is a good landmark, so if you reach that you know you’re in the right direction. One final steep climb and I get to the new detour.
I think there must be about 50 possible ways to get through there (I swear it’s a different way every time), but after fighting through shrubs and cobwebs I finally got to the spot unscathed. The beautiful regrowth makes a nice foreground and I took along a high-power strobe to light it up for this morning.
Everything happened right on cue this morning- an early burst of colour from a combination of cirrus and alto-cumulous cloud (my favourite mix of clouds for colour) heralded what was going to be a brilliant dawn sky. I always like to time the shot to coincide with the light from the lighthouse, so it was a game of patience to get those comps. The great thing about this new spot is that I can casually stroll over to get a nice vista of the northern horizon with the parade of coastal hills leading into a blue and pink sky. The early blast of wind signalled the arrival of the sun as it poked its rays through a small break in the clouds - in contrast to the light from the beacon in the lighthouse that faithfully shone the way for wayward seafarers. The familiar buzz of the bush flies arrived and I packed up and retraced my steps back down - it looks so much more precarious going down in daylight. Glad I can’t see the drop on the way up in the dark. I think I know the way back now.
The Continuing Storm Season: Chasing the Thunderous Beauty
The storm season continues to rage on, and this week brought yet another storm sweeping through the bay. Fortunately, there was no major damage to report, but that didn’t stop the excitement from bubbling over for many storm enthusiasts eager to capture a piece of the action for themselves.
For me, the thrill of storm chasing took me on a journey to some breathtaking locations. I started my adventure at Birubi, where the sky was already darkening, and the energy in the air was palpable. The wind whipped around me as I set up my gear, hoping to catch the perfect shot of nature’s raw power.
Next, I moved on to Boat Harbour. The storm clouds rolled in, creating a dramatic backdrop that made every bolt of lightning even more spectacular. I could feel the adrenaline pumping as each flash lit up the sky, and I was determined to capture those fleeting moments of brilliance.
My final destination was Shoal Bay, where the storm seemed to reach its peak. It was here that I witnessed a massive bolt of lightning striking Yacaaba. The scene was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The bolt hit with such intensity that the sound was like a gunshot, reverberating through the bay and echoing back to where I stood. It was a moment that left me both exhilarated and humbled by the sheer power of nature.
Capturing this storm was an unforgettable experience, not just for the incredible photos but for the sense of connection with the natural world. Each location offered its own unique perspective on the storm, and the journey from Birubi to Shoal Bay allowed me to see the storm's progression and its varying impacts across the bay.
As the storm season continues, I look forward to more opportunities to chase these magnificent displays of nature's might. Each storm brings its own story, and I’m eager to document and share these experiences with those who share my passion for the wild and untamed beauty of the natural world.
Stay safe and keep chasing the storm!
Yacaaba gets a direct hit!
Australia Day 2025
Australia Day 2025 was nothing short of an adventure. After recently stumbling across a new location on Quarry Hill, I was eager to see how it would look under the first light of dawn. The challenge, however, lay in finding this spot again, navigating the dark and unfamiliar terrain without getting lost or tumbling off a cliff.
Navigating the lower sections of Quarry Hill was particularly tricky, as most of the familiar landmarks had vanished, save for the ubiquitous rocks. The trail ran cold in several places, and the steep drops along the way kept me on edge. Adding to the suspense was the usual welcoming party of spiders. Have I ever mentioned how these eight-legged critters give me the heebie jeebies?
Determined to find my way, I carried a bunch of ribbons with me to mark my path if I hit a dead end. Despite my initial lack of confidence in locating the spot again in the dark, perseverance paid off. I eventually found myself in a large clearing surrounded by dense bush, offering magnificent views to the north, south, and east.
The prediction for a good percentage of cirrus cloud was spot on. Right on cue, the sky ignited in a dazzling display of reds and oranges, making the early morning trek worth every effort. As the sun rose, the horizon glowed with vibrant hues, painting a stunning picture that was both humbling and exhilarating.
In that moment, standing in the clearing with the world awakening around me, I felt a deep connection to the land and its timeless beauty. It was a splendid way to start Australia Day, embracing the spirit of adventure and the natural wonders of this sunburnt country.
I don’t know why I had this going through my brain this morning, but I was thinking that if I ever went on Tik Tok, I could find a gimmick like juggling tic tacs – I shall call it my Tik Tok Tic Tac Tactic.
I’ll show myself out.
Last chance to pick up a Port Stephens Paradise shirt for Australia Day
Join us for Market Day at Nelson Bay Marina on Saturday, 25 January 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM! Don't miss your last chance to grab the iconic Port Stephens Paradise shirt, just in time for Australia Day. Priced at $39.95, these shirts are the perfect attire for your festive barbecue, allowing you to proudly display your true Aussie spirit. With limited stocks available, be sure to get yours before they run out! While you're there, take a moment to admire our beautiful collection of scenic glass splashbacks displayed at our stall. See you at the marina for an evening of shopping and celebration!
Quarry Hill after the fire
In anticipation of a colourful sunrise, I opted to climb Quarry Hill for the first time since the fire that ravaged it recently. The once familiar landmarks had been reduced to a charred memory, and travelling in the dark, I relied on intuition and the faint hints of the old trail that at times faded out of view. The distinct smell of bushfire was still discreetly lingering in the still night air.
The predicted high cloud arrived and provided a fiery sunrise – such a stark reminder of the fire that had engulfed Quarry Hill.
Having captured some shots, the lure of discovering new spots on Quarry Hill was inescapable, and so I wandered into other parts of Quarry Hill, which had been virtually impossible prior to the fire. I managed to make it to the very top this time – naturally there had to be a spider awaiting me, so I took a picture and went to explore the Eastern side, which had been impassable for years.
I found an amazing clearing, giving uninterrupted views to the north, south and east, that I will revisit when another sunrise opportunity presents itself.
That morning was a profound reminder of nature's resilience, as it begins its recovery in the most awe-inspiring way. Quarry Hill, once a place of familiar comfort, now tells a powerful story of destruction and rebirth—a testament to the indomitable spirit of the natural world.
The power of nature
This past Saturday, the serene coastal region of Port Stephens was officially declared a natural disaster zone. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of a severe storm that wrought havoc on the area. While the low-pressure system that fueled the storm has moved out to sea, what's left behind is a breathtaking display of nature’s raw power, particularly evident in the surf conditions.
For surf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the allure of witnessing the ocean's formidable force is irresistible, despite the circumstances. Wreck Beach, is a favourite of mine where I can experience a dramatic encounter with the sea. Known for its rugged beauty, Wreck Beach transforms into a spectacle of nature when the surf is up. The waves, towering and formidable, crash against each other with an explosive roar akin to an express train, I can sit there for hours just watching it.
While Port Stephens’ declaration as a natural disaster area underscores the severity of the storm’s impact, it also highlights the resilience of the community and its deep connection to the natural world. This event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance we share with nature, urging us to respect its might while cherishing the breathtaking beauty it offers. As the region begins to recover and rebuild, let us admire the power of the ocean and stand in solidarity with those affected, offering support and empathy during this challenging time.
Storm Chasing on Big Wednesday
🌩️⚡️ The power is back on, and I'm thrilled to finally dive into the results of last night's exhilarating photo session! Battling through the fierce sideways rain and the electrifying chaos of a storm, I managed to capture two breathtaking shots of lightning dancing over Tomaree. The experience was both daunting and exhilarating, as nature's raw energy surrounded me, making it a challenge to stay focused. But the thrill of the chase, the adrenaline rush, and the sheer determination made it all worthwhile. I'm incredibly grateful for the patience and persistence that ultimately paid off.
Marina Market Saturday 11 January
This Saturday, January 11, immerse yourself in a vibrant day out at the Marina Markets, nestled along the stunning Nelson Bay foreshore. From 9am until 8pm, the atmosphere will be brimming with excitement and creativity, as over 80 talented artisans showcase their unique stalls filled with handmade goods and fresh, local produce. Whether you're a foodie or a craft lover, the tantalizing array of food trucks offers something for every palate, from gourmet treats to classic street food delights. As the sun begins to set, enjoy live entertainment from 4pm to 8pm, providing the perfect soundtrack to your market adventure. With the gentle sea breeze and picturesque views, the Marina Markets are a must-visit destination this weekend for a delightful day of shopping, eating, and enjoying the vibrant local culture. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local artisans and soak in the lively community spirit!
Market Day this Saturday
To witness the beauty and craftsmanship of our splashbacks firsthand, we invite you to join us at the Marina Markets in Nelson Bay this Saturday. From 4pm to 8pm, our display will showcase a variety of designs, and our team will be available to answer any questions you may have. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the quality and elegance of Port Stephens splashbacks in person.
We will also have our limited edition Port Stephens Paradise shirts for sale for just 39.95. We have sold out of some sizes already, but we’ll do our best to help you into a shirt.
The Marina Markets are a great vibe and there is food, entertainment and plenty of artisans displaying their talents. The markets will be held every Saturday afternoon during January 2025
Happy New Year
It all begins with an idea.
Hey everyone! Can you believe 2025 is just around the corner? With the new year comes some exciting updates that we can't wait to share with you.
First up, we're giving our website a much-needed makeover after 6 years! We’re super excited about the fresh new look and feel. Plus, our social media pages are getting a facelift too, so everything will be in harmony and reflecting our main focus: the production of stunning splashbacks.
But that’s not all! Photography continues to be a big part of what I do. Throughout the year, I'll be working on various commercial shoots. One of the highlights will be capturing the New Year's Eve celebrations for Port Stephens Council. These photos will help showcase our beautiful region as a fantastic, family-friendly destination.
Stay tuned for more updates and some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Here’s to an amazing 2025!
Cheers,
Stephen
