Things to do in Newcastle

Newcastle may be a coal-mining city and a busy port area, but it is also rich in history and culture. Other than the beautiful beaches which are the main draw to Newcastle, the city also has many other interesting and beautiful places to visit.

Newcastle Region Art Gallery

The art gallery, on Laman Street, has more than 3,000 pieces of art including oil paintings, watercolours, sculptures, prints and various other mediums. Many of the artworks depict life in the early days at Hunters region, and the exhibition educates and informs visitors in a rich and rewarding manner.

Numerous international artists including Arthur Streeton, Rosalie Gascoigne, Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Margaret Preston and many others have had their works displayed at this prestigious gallery. The gallery also has an interesting collection of aboriginal bark paintings and Australian and Japanese ceramics.

Fort Scratchley

Fort Scratchley sits on top of a hill guarding the Hunter River Estuary. The fort was built in 1882 and was used to defend Australias coast during WWII, when it fired on a Japanese submarine. Visitors to the fort can see the original gun emplacements, underground stores where ammunition was stored, barracks and tunnel complexes, and they can visit the Newcastle Region Maritime Museum, which is on the grounds of Fort Scratchley.

The museum houses small boats, model ships and other items of interest relating to the maritime development of the port. There are also paintings and an interesting collection of old photographs available for viewing.

Wetlands Centre

The wetlands are only a short 15-minute drive from the city centre and are very popular with nature lovers. Situated on about 45 hectares, the wetlands boast more than 250 wildlife species including birds, ducks, frogs, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and other animals. The wetlands have several varieties of water plants including sedges, rushes and swamp mahogany. The centre is well-known for the interesting activities it organises to educate the public including breakfast with birds, canoe tours and many more activities. There is also a very nice caf that has a good view of the wetlands.

Fighter World Aviation Museum

Just next to the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown is the Fighter World Aviation Museum, which focuses on the history of Australian fighter aircraft and world aviation history up to the present day. The museum was opened in 1991, and has quickly become a favourite with tourists. Visitors to the museum can experience the day-to-day operations at an active fighter base, take a guided tour, learn of the history of Australia fighter pilots and enjoy the amazing interactive multi-media displays. There is a retail shop and a small caf here, where you can buy souvenirs and rejuvenate.

Nobbys Head Lighthouse

Nobbys Head Lighthouse was only the third lighthouse to be built in New South Wales and its sole function was to lead ships and boats safely into Hunter River. Prior to the building of the lighthouse, an open coal fire at Signal Hill was used to guide vessels. Today, the lighthouse stands proudly on top of what was once a remote coastal islet and the islet itself has a fascinating history.

The island on which Nobbys Head sits was once called Coal Island, and was joined to the mainland by a causeway that took about 30 years to complete. However, in 1854, it was decided that the 60 metre high island be dynamited to improve and expand the harbour. Due to protests, this did not occur and instead, the 60 metre tall islet was cut down to 25 metres to house the building of Nobbys Head Lighthouse.

Visitors to the lighthouse will be thrilled with the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse and the islet.

Bogey Hole

Some spell it Bogie and others Bogey, but all agree that is a unique place to have a dip. Bogey Hole, sitting on a rock ledge in King Edward Park, is Australias first manmade ocean pool, made by convicts in 1819. The hole is carved out of solid rock and visitors are usually astounded when they see the size of the hole, the waves that pound it and realise what the convicts must have gone through to build Bogey Hole. If you dive into the water, there are lots of interesting fish and plants clinging onto the rocks.

Miss Potters House

The Edwardian home at 434 Kings Street was built in 1909, and has remained almost unchanged from that time onwards. Miss Potter was born here and lived here all her life until she passed away in 1997. At her request, her home and all its belongings were endowed to the National Trust and the house was opened up to allow visitors to see what it may have been like to live 100 years ago. Many of the furnishings date back to the 1930s and it is a wistful experience to visit this home and imagine the lives of Miss Potter and her family.