Description
Newcastle, New South Wales, is the second oldest city in Australia and home to a wealth of cultural landmarks, incredible history, and more to enjoy when you arrive. With six major beaches to choose from, you’ll find plenty of places to sit and soak up the sunshine here. You’ll also find unique public swimming pools along Merewether Beach, access to the Glenrock nature reserve from the sheltered Dudley Beach, and the Belmont Wetlands State Park near Redhead Beach – just to name a handful of exciting places to visit and explore in Newcastle. Inland, on the other side of Newcastle itself, you’ll find even more unique nature reserves and national parks to enjoy, making this a fantastic destination for those of you looking to get a little closer to nature. On top of this, in the city, you’ll find important Australian landmarks, incredible art galleries, plenty of fantastic places to eat and drink, and more; so, there’s a lot for urban explorers to look forward to as well.
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Things to do
Fort Scratchley
Constructed in 1882 as a precaution against Russian attack, used actively to defend Australia in World War II, and then eventually abandoned by the Australian Army in 1972, Fort Scratchley is a coastal fortification overlooking much of Newcastle from atop Flagstaff Hill. Now a museum, guided tunnel tours of Fort Scratchley offer you a unique insight into the area's history and Australia’s involvement in international conflicts.
Newcastle Museum
Established in 1988, originally located in the old Castlemaine Brewery building until moving to its current location in 2011, the Newcastle Museum is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to learn more about this destination. Home to permanent exhibitions exploring Newcastle’s industrial history and aboriginal history, alongside a number of temporary and travelling exhibitions and a hands-on science centre, this museum offers up a comprehensive and informative exploration of Newcastle and the surrounding area.
Bogey Hole
Also known as the Commandant’s Baths, this unique public swimming pool is thought to be the oldest European construction in Newcastle; roughly-constructed in a rock shelf below Shepherds Hill circa 1820, this is reportedly one of the best places for a dip in Newcastle, with swelling seawater adding to the uniqueness of the experience.