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Extended Description:
Newcastle, NSW, Australia is situated 162 km North of Sydney and sits at the gateway to the Hunter Valley Region. Newcastle might be best known as the largest coal export harbour in the world, but the city is steeped in tradition and offers something for everyone. Newcastle is often referred to as seventh biggest city in Australia. However, the area included extends well beyond both the City of Newcastle, encompassing the Lower Hunter Region, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens to reach a total population of nearly half a million people.
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Activity Info:
Newcastle - What to Do
Walk along Nobbys Beach
Walking along Nobbys beach at sunset is a favourite past time of many resident and visitor. Newcastle tourism is driven largely by its beautiful beaches and they are some of Australia's best. The old lighthouse and break wall at Nobbys add an extra dimensions to a walk on the beach.
Take a Look at the Architecture
Newcastle east has a number of historic buildings, dominated by Christ Church Cathedral, the Ocean Baths, the old Customs House, City Hall, Longworth Institute and the 1930s art deco University House that gained exposure in the film Superman Returns.
High above Newcastle Harbour is Fort Scratchley, constructed out of concerns fuelled by the Crimean War, its original purpose was to protect the city of Newcastle from invasion. Fort Scratchley overlooks Nobbys Beach and was built between 1881 and 1886. During World War II it fired upon a Japanese submarine that shelled the city. Fort Scratchley is now a maritime and military museum
Newcastle's Own Little Kyoto
Walking distance from Westfield Shopping Mall, within the Newcastle suburbs, is a delightful paradox called Blackbutt Reserve. It is home to a huge population of koalas, birdlife and other native flora and fauna. And, it's free for all the public to explore!
Blackbutt Reserve provides nature trails, wildlife exhibits, children's playgrounds and recreational facilities. You can walk through the rainforest area or jog through the open forest in the mornings. Daily tours are offered.
Walkabout Stockton
Stockton is a peninsula to Newcastle's north and was a notorious hideout for pirates during early European settlement. Stockton Beach stretches from Anna Bay in Port Stephens and the beach is incredible, at times it is 1kilometre wide with sand dunes 30 metres high.
Stockton Beach was a notorious shipwreck and plane crash site and some wrecks are still very visible, creating an eerie, graveyard atmosphere during rainy days.
Visit a Gallery
Newcastle hosts a huge range of public, commercial and private galleries. The Newcastle Regional Art Gallery is home to an incredible collection of contemporary and historical Australian works.
What's On in Newcastle
Surfest is Newcastle's annual surfing competition and attracts competitors from all around the world. The event is held over thirteen days, usually at the end of Summer or start of Autumn.
This Is Not Art is a national festival of new media and arts over the October long weekend. It has become one of Australia's leading arts festivals, dedicated to the work and ideas of communities left out of other major Australian festivals. These include Electrofringe, the National Young Writer's Festival and many other projects.
Enjoy a weekend of jazz at the Newcastle Jazz Festival. Highlights include a Jazz breakfast, gala dance and a Jazz Gospel on Sunday morning.
The National Maritime Festival celebrates Newcastle's rich maritime history and is now one of Australia's largest annual maritime festivals. The National Maritime Festival was previously called The Newcastle Harbour Regatta with the first Regatta being held in 1834.
Newcastle Restaurants - Places to Eat
Obviously, Newcastle dining has a huge seafood influence. If you'd prefer to sit on Newcastle Wharf and enjoy the sun and sea, there's Scratchley's for casual dining. Prices vary from $13 for basic calamari to $181 for a seafood platter for three.
Still by the ocean, Noah's on the Beach won the 2007 award for best restaurant in a hotel and features live music, an extensive wine list and quality menu. Main courses are priced around the $30 -$40 mark.
Beaumont Street Hamilton and Darby Street Cooks Hill are popular cosmopolitan areas, home to numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants as well as some diverse retailers. You can expect to pay on average between $20 to $50 for a meal depending on ingredients. Or, you can just have a coffee and some cake for $10 to $15.
For classic dining, Bacchus in King Street Newcastle has a number of menu options catering for all tastes and dining experiences. Fine dining, informal tapas, and lunch on the terrace are just some of the great options available to customers. Main courses are priced between $30 - $40
Weather Info:
When To Go
Newcastle can be very hot during Australia's summer months (December through February). However, if you're seeking a beach to sit on and take a swim, summer could be the perfect time to go. Spring is a great time to visit for a climate like that experienced on Queensland's Gold Coast.
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Brief Description:
Newcastle
Travel Info:
Newcastle airport offers direct access to visitors from Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Sydney, Norfolk Island, Port Macquarie and Tamworth. Virgin Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas and Tiger Airways, Brindabella Airlines and Aeropelican all serve Newcastle Airport.
However, the best way to experience the Newcastle area is to hire a car so you can have direct access to the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens as well. Newcastle also has bus and train services for the public, as well as limited ferry services.
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