Newcastle

Where Is It?

The fact that this area is referred to as the ‘North Coast’ should be a bit of a clue as to its location. Newcastle sits on the coast just a short drive north of Sydney.

What’s It Like?

Until recently, Newcastle was a town famed for only one thing, its heavy industry. Coal was brought down the river from the coalfields of the Hunter Valley, which encouraged other industry to the town especially steel. However, whilst coal still passes through the docks the steel mills have been shut for close on ten years. The grime has been scraped off the buildings and underneath there was a busy, attractive city just waiting to emerge into the sunshine.

What To See And Do?

As part of its industrial heritage Newcastle has some wonderful Victorian buildings from rows of terraced housing through to restored former public buildings just take a stroll or even a tour.
One of the restored 19th century buildings used to house a brewery but is now home to the Newcastle Regional Museum, which runs through a history of the town from foundation in 1804 to the present. There is also a Military and a Maritime Museum and the very decent Newcastle Regional Art Gallery.
That’s about it as far as actual ‘attractions’ go, but that is not where the appeal of the city lies. Newcastle these days is a beach town. The surf beaches are superb but several of the beaches have saltwater pools for just swimming. Check out the Bogey Hole, the oldest pool of its type in the country, dug by convicts. Sea kayaks can be hired so you can explore the more secluded bays and beaches in other parts of the Hunter River estuary.
Outside the city, you can make excursions into the Hunter valley wine growing region or visit one of the nearby wildlife reserves, catch sight of Koalas at the Blackbutt Reserve.
At night, the city really comes alive and it has a deserved reputation as a live music town.
Newcastle is a place to come, chill out, enjoy the beach and just have a good time.

Eating, Sleeping And Drinking.

Geared towards surfies and the back packer set, there is a good selection of budget and mid-range priced accommodation here.
To eat, head for Darby Street or Beaumont Street; everything is on offer from Asian to European, traditional to nouveau.
Newcastle has a great reputation as a live music town, there is always something going on. There are some great pubs to choose from and happening nightclubs.