Newcastle, New South Wales is a picturesque city on the harbour at the mouth of the Hunter River, located 162 kilometres (101 miles) northeast of Sydney and just south of Hunter Wetlands National Park. The city centre is accessible by car hire along scenic local roads from the recently upgraded Newcastle Airport to the north. The drive requires about half an hour.
Once in Newcastle, first time visitors will note Christ Church Cathedral, originally built in 1817 and rebuilt in 1902 in its current style. The Victorian Gothic cathedral continues to dominate the skyline of the city. When planning a visit to the cathedral, visitors should be aware that the structure still functions as an Anglican church and holds regular services. The cathedral also houses Newcastle’s War Memorial and Memorabilia and has a Christ Church Cathedral Shop for visitors. Driving up to the church on The Hill and walking the grounds is highly recommended for city visitors.
About five minutes away from the cathedral, Newcastle Art Gallery offers city visitors a world class art gallery with a renown collection of over 5,000 works of art on revolving display in its galleries. Some of these works are of local interest as well, for those who wish to explore Newcastle’s culture through artist endeavor.
For those more interested in history than art, Fort Scratchley Historic Site, guarding the Hunter River Estuary, is not faraway by car along the Wharf Road, near the Foreshore. Not just for history-lovers, 200-year-old Fort Scratchley offers Newcastle’s most awe-inspiring vantage point, which overlooks nearby Nobbys Beach and lighthouse. The Fortress also boasts panoramic city, harbour, and even ocean views. Fort Scratchley is open for guided tours six days a week – closed Tuesdays.
This area, Newcastle East, is full of parks and reserves, including Nobbys Beach Reserve, The Foreshore, Shortland Park, and The Macquarie Pier, where Nobbys Lighthouse has guided ships safely to harbour since 1858. For those looking to spend time outdoors while in the city, these are all wonderful, conveniently located options. The lighthouse is an important local symbol and worth visiting for that reason, in additional to the fresh sea air and views of the ocean. The rest of the city is dotted with green spaces as well, as many visitors notice whilst driving through Newcastle.
For sporting enthusiasts, the city offers a variety of choices, including cricket matches, horse racing at Broadmeadow, Australian football, rugby union and league, soccer, and the annual surfing contest known as Surfest. These are all a quick drive from the centre of the city. A car hire is definitely recommended for reaching some of the venues, such as Broadmeadow Racecourse, which is difficult to access using public transportation. Golf outings are also an option for those who feel more liking playing a sport than watching them.
For visitors who wish to venture further afield, Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is about a half-hour car ride west of the city. One of New South Wales hidden gems, Blue Gum Hills offers a variety of activities, including designated barbecue areas, play equipment, and a maze. The best features of the park may be the plentiful green space and hiking trails or possibly the TreeTop Adventure Park – Newcastle.
The city has a lot to offer visitors from historic sites to art galleries to sporting events, all an easy drive from the Newcastle city center. Enjoy all the amenities and activities available here throughout the year!
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