Newcastle Information

Newcastle Information

A glimpse of Newcastle’s stunning beaches and heritage architecture will lure you in but the highlights of the Hunter valley will leave you hooked. Newcastle, Australia’s sixth largest city, is situated roughly 90 miles north of Sydney, with a good freeway and rail connections.  The city hugs the mouth of the Hunter River and is the world’s largest exporter of coal, however, there’s plenty more than a port here.

Stroll the grassy seashore, enjoy the sun, and be sure to stop for fish and chips on the sand or a sumptuous seaside supper.  It’s here you’ll find Fort Scratchley, a fully restored fort which defended the city’s harbour from a Japanese submarine attack in 1942.  The adjacent ocean baths, dating from 1922, are perfect for a cooling dip.  Continue up the promenade to Nobby’s Head, connected to the mainland by an historic pier.  Scale the rocky outcrop for a taste of adventure and you’ll be rewarded with some seriously good ocean views.  

The Hunter hinterland houses one of Australia’s major wine growing regions: an area of rolling hills carpeted in vines and steeped in history.  There are countless vineyards to visit and most of the grape growing action is centred around Cessnock, only 35 miles west of Newcastle.  The shiraz and semillon varieties are particularly well regarded.  For a lovely meal, head to Shakey Tables, one of the nation’s finest rural restaurants, offering world class cuisine and vineyard views.  If you grow tired of the wineries, there are a number of top quality championship golf courses to keep you entertained.    

Novacastrians love their sport.  The local Rugby League team, the Newcastle Knights, are followed religiously and a weekend match at Ausgrid Stadium is a highlight of any visit.  During the month of March every year, Surfest descends on Newcastle: Australia’s biggest surf contest and festival.  Surfest attracts many of the world’s top riders and brings a whole lot of buzz to the beach.