Newcastle

Newcastle is a friendly city to explore offering a range of attractions, from beaches and art galleries, to discovering wildlife or nightlife.

Newcastle has a rich history.  Founded in 1804 as a penal settlement, primarily for exporting coal, the port was soon to be busy.  Today you can relax in The Foreshore Park, or enjoy one of the restaurants at Queens Wharf and watch the busy harbour at work.  Fort Scratchley, perched high above Newcastle Harbour, is another interesting place to watch the activity or take to the water aboard William the Fourth, a replica of the first Australian built steamship.

One of the great charms of the city is the close proximity of the CBD to our outstanding beaches.  You can walk the breakwall at Nobbys and look back on a stunning view of the city, or take a walk around the beaches from Newcastle to Merewether’s Ocean Baths. Explore the city on Newcastle’s Famous Tram or take a guided walk around the old parts of the city to view its rich architectural heritage and scenic highlights.  Newcastle has so much to offer.

Newcastle is gaining recognition for its interesting annual events and festivals such as the multicultural “Fiesta”, world class “Surfest” and the Newcastle Fringe Festival with its programme of film, music and the arts.

Being the capital of the Hunter Valley, Newcastle also offers a range of sophisticated cafes, restaurants, shops and nightlife.  Some other local features include Newcastle Regional Museum, Newcastle Regional Art Gallery and many private galleries, Civic Theatre, The Wetland Centre and Blackbutt Reserve.

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