Fast facts
- The state’s second largest city, packed with attractions
- Situated at the mouth of the Hunter River, with many superb coastal beaches
- 156 km north of Sydney, population 145,000
Why go there
Fort Scratchley is a major landmark, set on the headland that guards the southern jawbone of Newcastle Harbour. From the foot of Fort Scratchley, a tapering finger juts out into the sea to end at the lighthouse on Nobbys Head. It’s a pleasant walk out along the man-made promontory to the lighthouse.
Newcastle, once known as ‘Steel City’ has reinvented itself as a funky coastal city that has polished up its old buildings and is proudly showing off its new, waterside architecture such as Queen's Wharf, the marina ringed by restaurants, shops and a boutique brewery – great on weekends and after dark.
History
The city was founded to exploit the coal reserves that lay along the Hunter River. In 1801, a convict camp was established at the mouth of the Hunter. This was soon expanded to harvest the timber found along the branching tributaries of the river. The first school in Australia was built here in 1816, followed by a gaol and a hospital. Throughout the 19th century, the city flourished as a coal producer, port and railhead. At the beginning of the 20th century, Newcastle added steelmaking to its industrial repertoire. Today, the city’s steel days are over, but it remains an important coal port.
Things to do
- Head for Queen's Wharf when the sun goes down and get set for a great night by the waterside.
- Take a dive into the Merewether Baths, the largest sea baths in the southern hemisphere.
- Walk the Bathers Way, a scenic five-km coastal walk from Merewether Beach to Nobbys.
- Take the family to Bar Beach, which has a sheltered rock pool, and watch the hang gliders launch from the lookout nearby.
Events
- The Vodaphone Surfest in March is Australia’s biggest surfing event.
- This Is Not Art in October is a festival of alternative culture, featuring young writers, musicians and performing artists.
- The Newcastle Art Bazaar in December for high quality ceramics, jewellery, artworks and fashion items.
Don’t miss
- The ferry trip across the harbour to Stockton.
- The city’s vibrant cafe culture around The Boardwalk.
- Fernleigh Track, former rail corridor via parks and historic suburbs.
- Quad biking on the Stockton Sand Dunes
- Blackbutt Reserve and its range of natural ecosystems.
