'''Newcastle''' [http://www.newcastletourism.com] 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, Newcastle city had an population of 137,000 in 2001 and the suburban area had over 500,000. The city is the focal point for a diverse district that encompasses beaches and mountains, restaurants and wineries.
Understand
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 (as the locals call themselves) 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.
Get in
By car
Newcastle is a 2 hr 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 reverse applies to south bound traffic during the morning commute.
The F3 is located on the Western side of Lake Macquarie. If you want to travel up the Eastern side of Lake Macquarie (which travels through Swansea) then take the "Charlestown" exit on the F3. This route is more scenic, more hilly, and less congested (though it takes a few minutes longer). If you follow this route you will eventually come to the "Charlestown Bypass" at Bennett's Green which you can take if you wish to head north-west (towards Lambton). Otherwise keep following the main road until you reach Charlestown and then follow the signs to the city.
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 [http://cityrail.info Cityrail] trains to Newcastle Station via the Central Coast. Travelling time is about 2.5-3 hours, and there is at least one train per hour for most of the day.
Several Countrylink [http://countrylink.info/] services pass through Newcastle's Broadmeadow station (approximately 5 kms from the CBD) daily from Sydney and the Central Coast to the south and from the North Coast, Northern Rivers 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.
By bus
<listing name="McCafferty_fs" address="" phone="13 1499" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">buses travel to Newcastle from Sydney.</listing>
<listing name="Port Stephens Coaches" address="" phone="(02) 4982 2940" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.pscoaches.com.au">provides daily services from Port Stephens and Williamtown airport to Newcastle Railway Station.</listing>
By plane
'''Newcastle Airport (Williamtown)''' ({{IATA|NTL}}), [http://www.newcastleairport.com.au/] is a regional hub served by a number of domestic airlines:
<listing name="Jetstar" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="http://www.jetstar.com.au/" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">flys to and from Brisbane , Gold Coast and Melbourne.</listing>
<listing name="Virgin Blue" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.virginblue.com.au/">flys to and from Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.</listing>
<listing name="Brindabella Airlines" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.brindabella-airlines.com.au/">flys to and from Canberra.</listing>
<listing name="Aeropelican" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.aeropelican.com.au/">flys to and from Sydney.</listing>
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
<listing name="Newcastle buses and ferries" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.newcastlebuses.info/"></listing>
<listing name="Cityrail" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price=""
url="http://www.cityrail.info/"></listing>
<listing name="Newcastle Taxi Co-operative" address="" phone="131008" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url=""></listing>
<listing name="ARA Car Rental" address="86 Belford St, Broadmeadow" phone="1800 243 122" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.ararental.com.au">Located near the Broadmeadow Train Station.</listing>
<listing name="Europcar" address="66 Hannell St, Wickham" phone="02 4940 0053" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.europcar.com.au/">Closest rental outlet to city centre and also has an outlet at the airport.</listing>
<listing name="Budget" address="107 Tudor St, Hamilton" phone="02 4927 6375" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.budget.com.au/default.aspx">Bit further out from the CBD (not far from the Broadmeadow Train Station) and also has an airport outlet.</listing>
See
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. A great place for a picnic or a BBQ. Nice views of the ocean.
</see>
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).
Do
Newcastle so much more. 61 Hunter Street . 800 654 558 or 02 4974 2999. , is available from the Visitor Information Centre provides a free guide and maps to Newcastle and attractions.
Shortland Wetlands Centre. allsend Rd Sandgate. 2 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. Laman St. 2 4974 5100. ttp://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/services/culture/artgallery/index.cfm/. 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. 87 Hunter Street Newcastle West. 2 4974 1400. Open 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (also open Monday in school and on public holidays). Free admission.
See some live music. The <do name="TE Guide" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.nnp.com.au/te/te.cfm/">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.</do>
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. ttp://www.newcastletourism.com/beaches.html#5. is regarded by many as the best of a range of beaches which ring the city.
Surfing.
Kite surfing. obbys Beach.
Ocean baths
No visit to Newcastle during the warmer months would be complete without taking a dip in the ocean baths. On sunny days you can sunbathe on the Grandstand on the Fort side of the Baths.
The baths are also open during the winter, for the more adventurous. The Newcastle baths are home to the "Newcastle Pirates", a winter swimming club not unlike the Icebergs or Polar Bears of other places.
Newcastle Ocean Baths. Close to the city centre, these historic baths were opened in 1922.
Merewether Ocean Baths. ttp://www.newcastletourism.com/beaches.html#3. 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
<do name = "Mattara Festival" address = "" directions = "" phone = "" email= "" fax = "" url = "http://www.mattarafestival.org.au/" hours = ". 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[http://www.mgcarclub.com.au/htmpages/kingEd/kingEd.htm]. The festival also features a grand parade, concerts, family entertainment and market stalls.
<do name = "This Is Not Art Festival" address = "" directions = "" phone = "" email= "" fax = "" url = "http://www.thisisnotart.org" hours = ". 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.
<do name = "Surfest" address = "" directions = "" phone = "" email= "info@surfest.com" fax = "" url = "http://www.surfest.com" hours = ". Australia's largest surfing contest and festival.
The Shoot Out. 24 hour film making festival.
Carols by Candlelight. are held each December in many of Newcastle's parks.
Cultural Stomp. ivic 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.'''
Learn
The '''University of Newcastle''' [http://www.newcastle.edu.au] is 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.
Buy
For locally made clothing with a quirky, hip look, try <listing name="High Tea with Mrs Woo" address="74 Darby Street, Cooks Hill " phone="4926 4883" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Darby Street is also a good place to browse in the boutiques, although the options here aren't cheap.</listing>
Retro/Second-hand clothing: Newcastle has a range of interesting <listing name="second-hand stores" address="" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">some of which are priced very competitively when compared with their Sydney counterparts.</listing>
<listing name="Patsan Dance Music Specialist" address="301 Hunter St" phone="4925 3996" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">,and</listing>** <listing name="Beaumont Street Beat" address="in Hamilton" phone="4962 5939" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">offers a good selection of new and second-hand titles.</listing>** <listing name="JB Hi-Fi" address="30 Northcott Drive Kotara" phone="4956 2588" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">is a popular and very large store, also a good place to go for DVDs.JB HI FI is also located at Stockland Glendale phone=49544477 and Westfield Kotara phone = 49562222.</listing>
<listing name="Honeysuckle Markets" address="Merewether Street, Newcastle" phone="4927 5366" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="http://www.honeysucklemarkets.com.au/">Held every Sunday from 9am-3pm, feature produce, art and crafts from the Newcastle region.</listing>
<listing name="Wickham Park Markets" address="Wickham Park, Albert St Wickham" phone="" email="" fax="" hours="" price="" url="">Morning of the last Sunday of every month.</listing>
Eat
Most of the city's restaurants and cafes can be found along the two main eatery strips: '''Beaumont Street''' in Hamilton, and '''Darby Street''' in Cooks Hill.
Budget
Darby Street Take Away. 8 Darby St Cooks Hill. 929 3406. A real value-for-money greasy spoon/sandwich bar. The "international burgers" ($6.50) are recommended.
House of Peking. (Hotel Jesmond, Jesmond) is excellent value for Yum Cha (lunch and dinner, typically $10-$15/head).
Hunter Gourmet Pizza. 2 Beaumont St, Hamilton. 2 4961 5529. Very good take-away pizzeria. Large traditional-style pizzas $12, slightly more for gourmet varieties.
Cafes
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, is deservedly popular for their award-winning cakes and pastries.
Other suggestions:
Goldbergs. 37 Darby St, Cooks Hill. A busy Darby St stalwart, offers large meals and a good location for people-watching.
Long Bench Cafe. arby St, Cooks Hill. Open until late.
Swell Cafe. Merewether Surf Life Saving Club building. Overlooks Merewether beach.
Rolador. Hamilton Train Station Carpark.
Mid-range
Oriental Kitchen. 46 Denison St, Hamilton. 940 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. 4 Beaumont St, Hamilton. 969 5655. Quality unpretentious Thai and Vietnamese food. M-W 11.30am - 2pm, M-Su 5pm-9.30pm.
Cafe 16. 6 Watt St, Newcastle. 927 5622. A cafe by day, Moroccan-style restaurant in the evening (mains $15-$22). Easygoing service.
Splurge
Restaurant II. Bolton St, Newcastle. 929 1233.
Emma's a la Carte. 20 Beaumont St, Hamilton. 969 6905.
The Brewery Restaurant. he Boardwalk, off Honeysuckle Drive. 929 5792.
Scratchleys on the Wharf. 00 Wharf Road. 929 1111. ttp://www.scratchleys.com.au/.
Drink
Queens Wharf Brewery. ttp://www.qwb.com.au/. 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.
Northern Star Hotel. 12 Beaumont St, Hamilton. 2 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.
Kent Hotel. 9 Beaumont Street, Hamilton. 2 4961 3303. ttp://www.thekenthotel.com.au/. A busy pub on Hamilton's restaurant strip. Check out the popular trivia night (each Wednesday, starts at 7.30 pm).
Beach Hotel. redrick Street, Merewether. ttp://www.bluetonguebrewery.com.au/. 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.
Gateway Hotel. aitland 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.
Sleep
Budget
<sleep name = "Newcastle Backpackers" address = "Address" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 4 96 93 436" email= "info@newcastlebackpackers.com" fax = "+61 (02) 4 94 08 7 26" url = "http://www.newcastlebackpackers.com/" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:.
<sleep name = "Bimet Executive Lodge" address = "121 Union Street" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) " email= "" fax = "" url = "http://www.bimetexecutivelodge.com" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:. An affordable option, and close to the restaurants and shops of Darby Street.
<sleep name = "Backpackers by the Beach" address = "Address" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 4926 3472" email= "info@backpackersbythebeach.com.au" fax = "+61 (02) 4926 5210" url = "http://www.backpackersbythebeach.com.au/" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:. orm beds: $21 per night, Twin room or double room: $50 per night. Discounts for weekly rates available..
<sleep name = "Hotel Formule 1" address = "3-5 Thomas Street, Wallsend" directions = "cnr Link and Lake Roads" phone = "+61 (02) 49 500 244" email= "" fax = "+61 (02) 49 500 524" url = "" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:. win room or double room: $59 per night.. A reasonable option if driving - a little far out from the city centre, but convenient to the freeway.
Mid-range
<sleep name = "Hotel Ibis Newcastle" address = "700 Hunter Street" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 4925 2266" email= "" fax = "+61 (02) 4925 3377" url = "http://www.hotelibisnewcastle.com.au" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:. ooms cost approx $99 - $149 a night. 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
<sleep name = "Ashiana B&B" address = "" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 4929 4979" email= "ashiana@hunterlink.net.au" fax = "+61 (02) 4929 2895" url = "http://www.ashiana.com.au" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:. A small B&B with two rooms available.
'''[http://www.sovereigninnnewcastle.com/ Sovereign Inn Newcastle]''' <sleep address = "309 Maitland Road Mayfield, Australia" price="AUD 94">With family, twin share and double rooms, plus cable TV, in-room Internet connectivity, direct dial phone, clock radio, coffee- and tea-making facilities </sleep>
[http://www.accorhotels.com.au/3236/detail/default.aspx]
Splurge
<sleep name = "The Clarendon Hotel" address = "347 Hunter Street" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 49270966" email= "info@clarendonhotel.com.au" fax = "+61 (02) 4925 3900" url = "http://www.clarendonhotel.com.au" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:. Four and a half star boutique hotel centrally located in Newcastle's CBD.
<sleep name = "Crowne Plaza Newcastle" address = "CNR Merewether Sreet & Wharf Road" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 49075000" email= "crowneplaza.newcastle@ichotelsgroup.com" fax = "+61 (02) 49075055" url = "http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/" hours = "Check in time: , Check out time:.
<sleep name = "Boulevard on Beaumont" address = "131 Beaumont Street" directions = "" phone = "+61 (02) 4940 0088" email= "reservations@boulevardonbeaumont.com.au" fax = "+61 (02) 4940 0092" url = "http://www.boulevardonbeaumont.com.au" hours = "Check in time: 14:00, Check out time: 11:00.
<sleep name = "Noah's on the Beach" address = "Cnr Shortland Esplanade and Zaara St, Newcastle" directions = "" phone = "" email= "" fax = "" url = "" hours = "Check in time: Check out time: . bout $200 for a double. Close to the CBD, views over Newcastle Beach.
Cope
The closest supermarket to the CBD is at ''' Newcastle IGA''' (209 Hunter St, at northern end of mall), a compact little shop full of surprises for the interstate visitor. If you are feeling a little stressed you should walk to the seashore or Fletcher Park or the Obelisk to get things back into perspective.
Good walking shoes are required for the CBD as many streets are steep slopes. Use the walkways or footbridges to get to and from the CBD and the Foreshore. The Queen's Wharf Tower is ideal for calming restless children, they can run up and down the staircase or along the covered
walkways nearby! Make sure you note the Historic Markers in the CBD as they make sense of the magic that is Newcastle.
'''Newcastle Regional Library''', Laman Street, Newcastle,[http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/services/culture/library/about/index.cfm/]. A large local library which also hosts exhibitions. This Library is a stunning War Memorial in a unique setting and style. Note also the curious bikestands outside the front steps. The Local Studies Library on the second floor will answer most questions about Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. A small Library well done.
Get out
Sydney - Australia's most cosmopolitan city is easily reached by the Central Coast and Newcastle Cityrail lines.
Hunter Valley - Australia's oldest wine-producing region; the town of Cessnock, adjacent to the Lower Hunter wine region (including the Pokolbin district) is 40 minutes drive away.
Port Stephens - featuring Nelson Bay, a 40 minute drive north and famous for its holiday lifestyle and beaches, and for whale and dolphin watching.
Barrington Tops National Park - a protected area which contains World Heritage listed wilderness, to the north of the Hunter Valley.
Myall Lakes National Park - for camping and water activities.