Newcastle is Australia’s sixth largest and second oldest city, which in itself indicates just how much it has to offer.
Historically, Newcastle started out as a coal mining centre when large coal deposits were discovered by a party out hunting escaped convicts. Needless to say, if any convicts in nearby cities caused disruption they were sharply transferred to Newcastle to mine the coal!
Back in the 19th century, Newcastle actually gained a reputation as a particularly nasty place to be due to its arduous penal regimes. It contained NSW’s major prison, housing over 1000 convicts. Ralph Rashleigh, one of those ex-convicts, wrote a book in 1840, in which he describes dung-eating, flogging and murder as regular occurrences at the Newcastle penal colony!
The city has changed hugely since the older coal mining days and now represents a stark contrast between historic and contemporary buildings vying for attention alongside each other and providing an interesting landscape. It is not only the architecture that provides an unusual backdrop, Newcastle is also the only Australian city centre that stretches out into the sea, creating an environment where beaches and cityscape exist closely side by side, together with a vibrant working harbour that gives a buzz to the city. Add to the mix a large number of elegant parks and gardens, together with stylish bars and restaurants that would be at home in the likes of Sydney and Melbourne and you have a very exciting destination.
What to do in Newcastle
Beaches: The area is home to some very well known beaches, including Nobbys and Stockton. It would be worth coming for the beaches alone, although they really are just a small part of what Newcastle is about. However, this stretch of coastline is stunning and the locals thought so too, so they created a 5km coastal walkway that takes in the beauty of the area and called it Bathers Way. Walking ‘Bathers’ is a must do!
Surfing: Newcastle is yet another NSW surf highlight – this province has been blessed with conditions that excite the local surf brigade. Don’t worry if you’ve never set foot on a surf board, there are plenty of local schools who make it their mission to get you out on the waves!
Harbour Attractions: You really don’t have to go very far to enjoy the delights of Newcastle as the harbour itself offers so much. Being a working harbour, it is very much the hub of activity and a great place to hang out with a coffee in one of the waterside cafes and watch all sorts of colourful characters! The activity is on several levels: alongside the workers you will find that the locals also flock to the foreshore to jog, cycle, roller blade, fly kites or meet with friends. It is a truly sociable place! What’s more, it is surrounded by large park areas perfect for family picnics. A trip to Newcastle would not be complete without checking out the harbour foreshore!
Art and Culture: It is perhaps a well kept secret but art is to Newcastle what Bondi is to Sydney! Newcastle has a thriving arts and cultural scene. Not only does it have a fabulous selection of art galleries that hold both resident collections and impressive travelling exhibitions, but it is also a place that international artists, performers and entertainers regularly include in their tours. As for local talent, Newcastle has a lot to shout about, with a wealth of home grown talent emerging across all genres, making a name for themselves and increasing the city’s reputation. There is always the chance to get involved and nurture your own talents too. The city’s Livesites offers over 100 days of free cultural events, demonstrations and workshops, so why not spice up your life with a course in belly dancing?!
For an off the wall approach to art, why not visit and marvel at the ‘weird echo spot’ at the corner of Watt St and King St! Marcus Westbury, founder of the local ‘This is Not Art’ annual arts and media festival in Newcastle, discovered this architectural spot where you can experience strange echoing audio effects and accoustics by standing on one particular brick! Not surprisingly, the weird echo spot made it into the festival’s ‘Alternative Guide to the City’. Go check it out and be amazed!!!!
Bushwalking: Combine walking with nature at Blackbutt Nature Reserve, only 10 minutes outside of the city. There are numerous walking trails through the reserve, where you will see the local wildlife in their natural habitats. For a closer look, the reserve also has special facilities for close ups with all the iconic aussie creatures, including koalas, kangaroos and wombats which makes it a perfect family day out. And if you’ve still got energy left over, continue on to Glenrock State Conservation Area, a large expanse of native coastal bush land with rocky trails leading over creeks and waterfalls to the beautiful Glenrock lagoon.
The Bogey Hole: Newcastle’s Bogey Hole is the name given to NSW’s oldest ocean bath. At the foot of Shepherd’s Hill and King Edward Park, this bath was built in the 1820s for the personal use of Commandant James Morrisset but has since been enlarged and is now used as a public swimming area.
Museums and Heritage Buildings: For the history buffs amongst you, Newcastle will not disappoint! There are numerous museums and heritage buildings to explore. Start with Fort Scratchley and the Maritime and Military Museum and from there on take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral. Then on to Customs House, previously a lumber yard and now one of Newcastle’s most architecturally impressive heritage buildings. Finish off by hopping onto the famed city tram that takes you through a historical tour of the city.
Getting to and from Newcastle
By Air: Newcastle Airport is the fastest expanding regional airport in the whole of Australia and currently offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, The Gold Coast and Brisbane.
By Road: Only a 2 hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is accessible from the main highways of F3, Pacific Highway, New England Highway and the Golden Highway.
By Rail: There are regular return services daily from Sydney and other NSW cities, Newcastle being part of the NSW City Rail Network. There are also country link trains connecting to other major cities nationwide.
By Coach: Hop onto one of the Greyhound coaches for destinations all over Australia.
We've got just the right places for Couples Holidays. So come and dip your toes in unique destination for romantic holiday. Book cheap tickets Australia and air tickets to Australia now!
Historically, Newcastle started out as a coal mining centre when large coal deposits were discovered by a party out hunting escaped convicts. Needless to say, if any convicts in nearby cities caused disruption they were sharply transferred to Newcastle to mine the coal!
Back in the 19th century, Newcastle actually gained a reputation as a particularly nasty place to be due to its arduous penal regimes. It contained NSW’s major prison, housing over 1000 convicts. Ralph Rashleigh, one of those ex-convicts, wrote a book in 1840, in which he describes dung-eating, flogging and murder as regular occurrences at the Newcastle penal colony!
The city has changed hugely since the older coal mining days and now represents a stark contrast between historic and contemporary buildings vying for attention alongside each other and providing an interesting landscape. It is not only the architecture that provides an unusual backdrop, Newcastle is also the only Australian city centre that stretches out into the sea, creating an environment where beaches and cityscape exist closely side by side, together with a vibrant working harbour that gives a buzz to the city. Add to the mix a large number of elegant parks and gardens, together with stylish bars and restaurants that would be at home in the likes of Sydney and Melbourne and you have a very exciting destination.
What to do in Newcastle
Beaches: The area is home to some very well known beaches, including Nobbys and Stockton. It would be worth coming for the beaches alone, although they really are just a small part of what Newcastle is about. However, this stretch of coastline is stunning and the locals thought so too, so they created a 5km coastal walkway that takes in the beauty of the area and called it Bathers Way. Walking ‘Bathers’ is a must do!
Surfing: Newcastle is yet another NSW surf highlight – this province has been blessed with conditions that excite the local surf brigade. Don’t worry if you’ve never set foot on a surf board, there are plenty of local schools who make it their mission to get you out on the waves!
Harbour Attractions: You really don’t have to go very far to enjoy the delights of Newcastle as the harbour itself offers so much. Being a working harbour, it is very much the hub of activity and a great place to hang out with a coffee in one of the waterside cafes and watch all sorts of colourful characters! The activity is on several levels: alongside the workers you will find that the locals also flock to the foreshore to jog, cycle, roller blade, fly kites or meet with friends. It is a truly sociable place! What’s more, it is surrounded by large park areas perfect for family picnics. A trip to Newcastle would not be complete without checking out the harbour foreshore!
Art and Culture: It is perhaps a well kept secret but art is to Newcastle what Bondi is to Sydney! Newcastle has a thriving arts and cultural scene. Not only does it have a fabulous selection of art galleries that hold both resident collections and impressive travelling exhibitions, but it is also a place that international artists, performers and entertainers regularly include in their tours. As for local talent, Newcastle has a lot to shout about, with a wealth of home grown talent emerging across all genres, making a name for themselves and increasing the city’s reputation. There is always the chance to get involved and nurture your own talents too. The city’s Livesites offers over 100 days of free cultural events, demonstrations and workshops, so why not spice up your life with a course in belly dancing?!
For an off the wall approach to art, why not visit and marvel at the ‘weird echo spot’ at the corner of Watt St and King St! Marcus Westbury, founder of the local ‘This is Not Art’ annual arts and media festival in Newcastle, discovered this architectural spot where you can experience strange echoing audio effects and accoustics by standing on one particular brick! Not surprisingly, the weird echo spot made it into the festival’s ‘Alternative Guide to the City’. Go check it out and be amazed!!!!
Bushwalking: Combine walking with nature at Blackbutt Nature Reserve, only 10 minutes outside of the city. There are numerous walking trails through the reserve, where you will see the local wildlife in their natural habitats. For a closer look, the reserve also has special facilities for close ups with all the iconic aussie creatures, including koalas, kangaroos and wombats which makes it a perfect family day out. And if you’ve still got energy left over, continue on to Glenrock State Conservation Area, a large expanse of native coastal bush land with rocky trails leading over creeks and waterfalls to the beautiful Glenrock lagoon.
The Bogey Hole: Newcastle’s Bogey Hole is the name given to NSW’s oldest ocean bath. At the foot of Shepherd’s Hill and King Edward Park, this bath was built in the 1820s for the personal use of Commandant James Morrisset but has since been enlarged and is now used as a public swimming area.
Museums and Heritage Buildings: For the history buffs amongst you, Newcastle will not disappoint! There are numerous museums and heritage buildings to explore. Start with Fort Scratchley and the Maritime and Military Museum and from there on take a tour of Christ Church Cathedral. Then on to Customs House, previously a lumber yard and now one of Newcastle’s most architecturally impressive heritage buildings. Finish off by hopping onto the famed city tram that takes you through a historical tour of the city.
Getting to and from Newcastle
By Air: Newcastle Airport is the fastest expanding regional airport in the whole of Australia and currently offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, The Gold Coast and Brisbane.
By Road: Only a 2 hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is accessible from the main highways of F3, Pacific Highway, New England Highway and the Golden Highway.
By Rail: There are regular return services daily from Sydney and other NSW cities, Newcastle being part of the NSW City Rail Network. There are also country link trains connecting to other major cities nationwide.
By Coach: Hop onto one of the Greyhound coaches for destinations all over Australia.
We've got just the right places for Couples Holidays. So come and dip your toes in unique destination for romantic holiday. Book cheap tickets Australia and air tickets to Australia now!
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