Newcastle (New South Wales)

Newcastle [2] is at the mouth of the Hunter River, approximately 150 km north of Sydney in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, Australia. The second largest city in the state of NSW and sixth largest of Australia had an population of 137,000 in 2001 (newest data), Newcastle is the focal point for a diverse district that encompasses beaches and mountains, restaurants and wineries.

Culture and History

Newcastle is Australia's oldest sea port, currently the second most important in the country in terms of overall tonnage. It is also the world's largest coal export port.

Since the closure of the BHP steelworks, Hunter New England Health and The University of Newcastle have become the city's primary employers.

Many novocastrians take an avid interest in sports, as participants, spectators or both. The local NRL Rugby League team, the Newcastle Knights are widely followed. Newcastle also hosts soccer, baseball, ice hockey, netball and various other sporting teams.

Travel to Newcastle_(New_South_Wales), visa requirements

By car

Newcastle is located at the mouth of the Hunter River approximately 150km North of Sydney and lies in a region known as the Hunter Valley. Newcastle has a population of about 300,000 people with a further 100000 people in the Hunter and Port Stephens area.

Newcastle is a 1:30hr drive north of Sydney on the F3 freeway which starts at Wahroonga (close to Hornsby) on the North Shore. The freeway is in excellent condition and driving is normally not difficult. However, as a large number of people commute to Sydney daily from the Central Coast and even Newcastle, travellers driving north during the evening peak (5pm to 7pm) will encounter heavy traffic between Wahroonga and the Central Coast with traffic easing off as you travel north the same applies to south bound traffic during the morning commute.

Traffic during holiday periods and long weekends is also affected with heavy northbound traffic at the beggining of the period as Sydneysiders flee the city for the weekend and finally heavy southbound traffic as they return.

By train

Sydney's Central, Strathfield, Epping and Hornsby stations have hourly Cityrail trains to Newcastle Station via the Central Coast. Travelling time is about three hours - there is a faster express service called the "Newcastle Flyer" in the evening peak.

Several Countrylink [3] services pass through Newcastle's Broadmeadow station (approximately 5kms from the CBD) daily from Sydney and the Central Coast to the south and from the North Coast and New England. These trains are a lot more expensive than Cityrail services and tickets must be booked in advance, but they are somewhat more comfortable and are also faster. Occasionally Countrylink discount tickets by up to 50% if booking tickets within 24 hours of travel, so it may be worth checking their fare.

Buses to Newcastle_(New_South_Wales)

  • McCafferty’s, ☎ 13 1499. buses travel to Newcastle from Sydney.
  • Port Stephens Coaches, ☎ (02) 4982 2940, [4]. provides daily services from Port Stephens and Williamtown airport to Newcastle Railway Station.

Flights to Newcastle_(New_South_Wales), airtickets

Newcastle Airport (Williamtown) (IATA: NTL), [5] is a major regional hub served by a number of domestic airlines:

  • Virgin Blue, [7]. flys to and from Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
  • Aeropelican, [9]. flys to and from Sydney.

Note that with transfer time and check-in time included, flying may not the be fastest way to travel such a short distance as Sydney to Newcastle. However, the flight is particularly scenic, especially on a fine day, as there are stunning views of the northern beaches between Sydney and Newcastle. It can be well worth finding an excuse to fly if the cost is not an issue.

Get around

  • Newcastle buses and ferries, [10].
  • Newcastle Taxi Co-operative, ☎ 131008.
  • ARA Car Rental, 86 Belford St, Broadmeadow, ☎ 1800 243 122, [12]. Located near the Broadmeadow Train Station.
  • Europcar, 66 Hannell St, Wickham, ☎ 02 4940 0053, [13]. Closest rental outlet to city centre and also has an outlet at the airport.
  • Budget, 107 Tudor St, Hamilton, ☎ 02 4927 6375, [14]. Bit further out from the CBD (not far from the Broadmeadow Train Station) and also has an airport outlet.

Newcastle_(New_South_Wales) attractions and sightseeing

  • Fort Scratchley. , a historic site which now houses a military museum. The fort defended Newcastle in 1942 when a Japanese submarine surfaced shelling the city. April 2006 - Fort Scratchley currently not accessible due to restoration works being in progress.
  • Nobbys Head. . Nobbys island is connected to the mainland by a pier built using convict labour (completed in 1846). The pier is accessible to pedestrians, and is flanked by Nobbys Beach. It provides an excellent vantage point to take in views of the harbour and Stockton Beach across the water.
  • The foreshore.
  • King Edward Park.
  • Mt Sugarloaf lookout.
  • Heritage architecture. in and around the city. Notable buildings in the CBD area include the courthouse (top of Bolton St), former Customs House, Newcastle Railway Station, and Post Office (cnr of Hunter St and Bolton St).

City tours

  • Newcastle so much more, 361 Hunter Street, ☎ 1800 654 558 or 02 4974 2999. , is available from the Visitor Information Centre provides a free guide and maps to Newcastle and attractions.
  • Shortland Wetlands Centre, Wallsend Rd Sandgate, ☎ 02 4951 6466. 7 days, 9am-5pm. A regenerated 45 ha wetlands area adjacent to Hexham Swamp. There are walking trails, a bicycle trail, a canoe trail, picnic and barbeque facilities, and a visitors' centre.
  • Newcastle Region Art Gallery, 1 Laman St, ☎ 02 4974 5100, [15]. Well worth a visit. The gallery houses a high quality collection of works by Australian artists and also stages its own and travelling exhibitions. Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. (Closed Mondays, Good Friday and Christmas Day). Admission is free.
  • Newcastle Regional Museum, 787 Hunter Street Newcastle West, ☎ 02 4974 1400. Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (also open Monday in school and on public holidays). Free admission.
  • See some live music. The TE Guide, [16]. provides weekly entertainment listings and appears in Wednesday's "Post" free newspaper and Thursday's Newcastle Herald in print and online. The online version is not always kept up to date, so it is best to get hold of a print copy. Alternately, look for Uturn streetpress, which is widely distributed to shops and libraries around town.
  • Blackbutt Reserve. , is a 182ha reserve in suburban Newcastle. A natural bushland area which is full of native animals, picnic areas, wildlife exhibits, bushwalking trails, children's playgrounds. Main entrance is off Carnley Avenue, Kotara. Other entrances - Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights (on bus route) & Richley Reserve off Freyburg Street, New Lambton.

Beaches

  • Bar Beach, [17]. is regarded by many as the best of a range of beaches which ring the city.
  • Surfing.
  • Kite surfing, Nobbys Beach.

Ocean baths

No visit to Newcastle in the warmer months would be complete without taking a dip in the ocean baths.

  • Newcastle Ocean Baths. Close to the city centre, these historic baths were opened in 1922.
  • Merewether Ocean Baths, [18]. The largest ocean baths complex in the southern hemisphere.
  • The Bogey Hole. Carved out of the rock by convicts, this ocean pool at the bottom of King Edward Park is a great place for a relaxing dip.

Festivals and events

  • Mattara Festival, [19]. A week long series of events that commences each year during the Labour Day long weekend in late September/early October. The Mattara festival notably includes the Mattara Hillclimb, a car race held in scenic King Edward Park[20]. The festival also features a grand parade, concerts, family entertainment and market stalls.
  • This Is Not Art Festival, [21]. The festival is held in the same long weekend each year, and showcases the talents of young and emerging artists, writers, media makers and electronic musicians from around Australia.
  • The Shoot Out. 24 hour film making festival.
  • Carols by Candlelight. are held each December in many of Newcastle's parks.
  • Cultural Stomp, Civic Park. A one day celebration, bringing people together to celebrate our region's cultural diversity. forums, panels, music, art , films, spoken word, heaps o' stuff May 19 Civic Park -9am - 9pm. FREE.

Shopping, Newcastle_(New_South_Wales) souvenirs

  • For locally made clothing with a quirky, hip look, try High Tea with Mrs Woo, 74 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, ☎ 4926 4883. Darby Street is also a good place to browse in the boutiques, although the options here aren't cheap.
  • Retro/Second-hand clothing: Newcastle has a range of interesting second-hand stores. some of which are priced very competitively when compared with their Sydney counterparts.
  • Record stores:
    • Patsan Dance Music Specialist, 301 Hunter St, ☎ 4925 3996. ,and
    • Three Sixty Sounds, 78 Darby St Cooks Hill, ☎ 4929 5631. are dedicated dance/electronic/hip-hop stores.
    • Beaumont Street Beat, in Hamilton, ☎ 4962 5939. offers a good selection of new and second-hand titles.
    • JB Hi-Fi, 30 Northcott Drive Kotara, ☎ 4956 2588. is a popular and very large store, also a good place to go for DVDs.
  • The Honeysuckle Markets, Merewether Street, Newcastle, ☎ 4927 5366, [23]. Held every Sunday from 9am-3pm, feature produce, art and crafts from the Newcastle region.
  • Wickham Park Markets, Wickham Park, Albert St Wickham. Morning of the last Sunday of every month.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

Most of the city's restaurants and cafés can be found along the two main eatery strips: Beaumont Street in Hamilton, and Darby Street in Cooks Hill.

Budget

  • Darby Street Take Away, 98 Darby St Cooks Hill, ☎ 4929 3406. A real value-for-money greasy spoon/sandwich bar. The "international burgers" ($6.50) are recommended.
  • For Yum Cha (lunch only), The House of Peking. (Hotel Jesmond, Jesmond) is excellent value (typically $10-$15/head).
  • Hunter Gourmet Pizza, 22 Beaumont St, Hamilton, ☎ 02 4961 5529. Very good take-away pizzeria. Large traditional-style pizzas $12, slightly more for gourmet varieties.

Cafés

There are numerous options along Beaumont St in Hamilton and Darby St in Cooks Hill. At Three Monkeys (Darby St Cooks Hill) coffee can be ordered by the bowl. Some of the best coffee in town can be found at Suspension (3 Beaumont St Islington). Euro Patisserie, 68 Orchardtown Rd, New Lambton, tel: 4957 7188. Deservedly popular for their award-winning cakes and pastries.

Other suggestions:

  • Goldbergs, 137 Darby St, Cooks Hill. A busy Darby St stalwart, offers large meals and a good location for people-watching.
  • Long Bench Café, Darby St, Cooks Hill. - open until late.
  • Swell Café. Merewether Surf Life Saving Club building. Overlooks Merewether beach.

Mid-range

  • Oriental Kitchen, 146 Denison St, Hamilton, ☎ 4940 0329. Serves up a wide range of Asian dishes. This restaurant, attached to the laid back Bennett Hotel, is popular with Hamilton locals. Open Tu-Su evenings.
  • Thong Thai, 74 Beaumont St, Hamilton, ☎ 4969 5655. Quality unpretentious Thai and Vietnamese food. M-W 11.30am - 2pm, M-Su 5pm-9.30pm.
  • Café 16, 16 Watt St, Newcastle, ☎ 4927 5622. A café by day, Moroccan-style restaurant in the evening (mains $15-$22). Easygoing service.

Splurge

  • Restaurant II, 8 Bolton St, Newcastle, ☎ 4929 1233.
  • Emma's à la Carte, 120 Beaumont St, Hamilton, ☎ 4969 6905.
  • The Brewery Restaurant, The Boardwalk, off Honeysuckle Drive, ☎ 4929 5792.
  • Scratchleys on the Wharf, 200 Wharf Road, ☎ 4929 1111, [24].

Newcastle_(New_South_Wales) nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

  • The Queens Wharf Brewery, [25]. On the foreshore is a popular spot for a drink. The pub sells its own beers and has harbour views. During the day and M and Tu nights the atmosphere is relaxed, whilst W-Su evenings can get very busy. There's also entertainment (generally DJs, top 40 cover bands, R&B soloists) on W-Su evenings.
  • Silo Lounge Bar. is located in the new Honeysuckle development on the Harbour. A drawcard is the selection of Belgian beers available.
  • The Northern Star Hotel, 112 Beaumont St, Hamilton, ☎ 02 4961 1087. An Irish pub in the middle of Hamilton's restaurant strip. The Northern Star regularly functions as a music venue - check the blackboard out the front to find out what's on.
  • The Kent Hotel, 59 Beaumont Street, Hamilton, ☎ 02 4961 3303, [26]. A busy pub on Hamilton's restaurant strip. Check out the popular trivia night (each Wednesday, starts at 7.30 pm).
  • The Beach Hotel, Fredrick Street, Merewether, [27]. A Newcastle Institution. The place to be on Sunday night is sitting on the front deck overlooking Merewether Beach at sunset with a locally brewed Bluetounge Beer.
  • The Gateway Hotel, Maitland Rd, Islington. The local establishment frequented by Newcastle's gay & lesbian community. The venue features a rotating mix of local and Sydney DJ's, special events, drag shows and feature performers, featuring a nightclub (Club G), main bar and bistro.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Budget

  • Bimet Executive Lodge, 121 Union Street, ☎ +61 (02), [29]. Check in time: , Check out time:. An affordable option, and close to the restaurants and shops of Darby Street
  • Backpackers by the Beach, Address, ☎ +61 (02) 4926 3472 (, fax: +61 (02) 4926 5210), [30]. Check in time: , Check out time:. Dorm beds: $21 per night, Twin room or double room: $50 per night. Discounts for weekly rates available..
  • Hotel Formule 1, 3-5 Thomas Street, Wallsend (cnr Link and Lake Roads), ☎ +61 (02) 49 500 244 (fax: +61 (02) 49 500 524). Check in time: , Check out time:. A reasonable option if driving - a little far out from the city centre, but convenient to the freeway. Twin room or double room: $59 per night..

Mid-range

  • Hotel Ibis Newcastle, 700 Hunter Street, ☎ +61 (02) 4925 2266 (fax: +61 (02) 4925 3377), [31]. Check in time: , Check out time:. Close to the heart of the Newcastle CBD, the hotel is an easy stroll to the Regional Museum, art galleries, Civic Theatre, Civic Playhouse, Newcastle's popular Honeysuckle and Queens Wharf harbour foreshore and retail precinct Rooms cost approx $99 - $149 a night.
  • Ashiana B&B, ☎ +61 (02) 4929 4979 (, fax: +61 (02) 4929 2895), [32]. Check in time: , Check out time:. A small B&B with two rooms available.

  • Sovereign Inn Newcastle 309 Maitland Road Mayfield, Australia. With family, twin share and double rooms,plus cable TV, in-room Internet connectivity, direct dial phone, clock radio, coffee- and tea-making facilities AUD 94.

Splurge

  • The Clarendon Hotel, 347 Hunter Street, ☎ +61 (02) 49270966 (, fax: +61 (02) 4925 3900), [33]. Check in time: , Check out time:. Four and a half star boutique hotel centrally located in Newcastle's CBD.
  • Noah's on the Beach, Cnr Shortland Esplanade and Zaara St, Newcastle. Check in time: Check out time:. Close to the CBD, views over Newcastle Beach. About $200 for a double.

Learn

The University of Newcastle, [36]. One of the major regional universities in New South Wales. Its academic program is quite broad and includes many liberal arts courses. Their undergraduate medicine degree is very highly regarded.

Get out

  • Travel to Sydney, Australia's most cosmopolitan city.
  • The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine-producing region. The town of Cessnock, adjacent to the Lower Hunter wine region (including the Pokolbin district) is a 40 min drive from Newcastle.
  • Port Stephens featuring Nelson Bay, is a 40 minute drive north and famous for its holiday lifestyle, its beaches and whale and dolphin watching.
  • To the north of the Hunter Valley lies Barrington Tops, [37]. A considerable area is protected as Barrington Tops National Park, which contains World Heritage listed wilderness.

Cope

  • The closest supermarket to the CBD is at Marketown Shopping Centre (cnr National Park & King Sts).
  • Newcastle Regional Library, Laman Street, Newcastle,[39]. A large local library which also hosts exhibitions.
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