10 bizarre things left in airport lost & found

Steve Madgwick Steve Madgwick
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Busy airports tend to be full of very, very busy people. And very, very busy people sometimes lose focus and leave behind the strangest things, finds Steve Madgwick.

The lost property department at Australia’s busiest airport, Sydney Airport, ends up with hundreds of items each year. They make every attempt to locate the owner but if they reach a dead end the items are auctioned for charity, with the proceeds going to various charities.

Here are 10 items that left Sydney Airport’s lost property team more than a little surprised…

1. Wooden prosthetic leg

A single prosthetic leg was left at the airport many years ago, never to be reclaimed by its owner.

2. Wedding dress

A bride-to-be left a garment bag (with her wedding dress inside) outside while she went to the bathroom – when she returned, both the bag and its contents were gone. Someone mistakenly picked up the bag and drove home with it. Upon opening the bag, and seeing the wedding dress inside, they promptly drove back to the airport and returned the dress – in time for the wedding the next day.

3. $20,000 cash

A young Irish woman misplaced her handbag, which just happened to contain $20,000 cash for her dream holiday. Fortunately, a quarantine officer found the bag and handed it in to lost property – with the money still inside.

4. Dirty nappies

A lost property officer received a nasty surprise when a carry-on bag was handed in. The officer opened the bag to check its contents – as per the usual security protocol – and found a pile of dirty nappies and baby bottles inside.

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5. A child

Several years ago, a family had returned from holidays, loaded their car with luggage and set off home. Unfortunately, they had forgotten one important thing: their son. The lost child was taken to lost property where an officer called the family, asking if they had left anything at the airport, to which they replied they hadn’t. Fortunately, they lived near the airport, and the child was quickly reunited with his parents.

6. Celebrity oversight

A celebrity (who shall remain unnamed) left her solid gold bracelet, Hermes scarf, Burberry trench coat, $400 leather belt and glasses at the airport. She was very grateful when they were all safely returned to her.

7. Designer forgetfulness

This year, Sydney Airport has found a wardrobe full of luxury items including brand new Dior baby shoes and designer handbags by Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

8. Musical instruments

Karaoke machine and bongo drums.

9. Intensely personal items

Dentures and a bedpan.

10. In the ‘other’ category

A head massaging helmet and a food dehydrator.

Steve Madgwick

Steve Madgwick

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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.