NEWCASTLE CITY
GET TO KNOW
THE AREA
Often
overshadowed by its bigger, brighter and better-known sibling Sydney,
Australia’s second-oldest city is slowly rising through the ranks, with an
overspill of Sydneysiders flocking to soak up the rural landscapes,
breathtaking beaches and cultural city buzz. A local’s locale with community at
its core – not to mention a string of affordable house prices – Newcastle’s
creative, urban hub (located just two hours north of Sydney) is quickly
becoming one of Australia’s hottest hangouts.
Lifestyle
Straddling the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Hunter River on the other, the port city of Newcastle comes drenched in history and charm. A tale of hardship and determination, what was once an industrial city deeply rooted in coal, steel and timber, has since become a bustling metropolis thriving with culture.
But Newcastle’s gritty roots are a proud part of its heritage, with original streetscapes reminiscent of its diversified past. Steel yards and coal mines have been replaced by edgy cafés and trendy boutiques, and streets are laden with bakeries doubling up as galleries, slick restaurants and beautifully renovated pubs and bars.
Read MoreLifestyle
Straddling the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Hunter River on the other, the port city of Newcastle comes drenched in history and charm. A tale of hardship and determination, what was once an industrial city deeply rooted in coal, steel and timber, has since become a bustling metropolis thriving with culture.
But Newcastle’s gritty roots are a proud part of its heritage, with original streetscapes reminiscent of its diversified past. Steel yards and coal mines have been replaced by edgy cafés and trendy boutiques, and streets are laden with bakeries doubling up as galleries, slick restaurants and beautifully renovated pubs and bars.
A buzzing centre of art, culture, music and food, Newcastle has gone from industrial drab to cultural cool, transforming its somewhat bleak history into a landscape of creative and cultural opportunity for both locals and out of towners alike.
Foodies, art lovers, music mavens and theatre-goers will get lost in a sea of cultural pursuits – over the last ten years the city has welcomed an influx of gorgeous boutiques, modern galleries, trendy restaurants, live music venues, creative spaces and more – whilst the surrounding coastline, rolling countryside and sun-drenched subtropical climate make Newcastle a playing ground for endless outdoor adventures
Laid-back with a creative, artsy vibe and a burgeoning dining scene set to rival the most revered Sydney eatery, Newcastle is a place where surf, beach, local wine, art and culture collide.
Neighbours
Famed for its strong sense of community, Newcastle locals are a loyal bunch, many of whom have stuck around for decades to see the city go from strength to strength. But amongst the long-standing Newcastle natives, there’s a mix of young creative types, laid-back surfers and eager university graduates flocking from Sydney and beyond, to add to its eclectic mix.
Neighbours
Famed for its strong sense of community, Newcastle locals are a loyal bunch, many of whom have stuck around for decades to see the city go from strength to strength. But amongst the long-standing Newcastle natives, there’s a mix of young creative types, laid-back surfers and eager university graduates flocking from Sydney and beyond, to add to its eclectic mix.
Area features
Scenic strolls
Boasting dramatic seascapes, trickling rivers, rolling hillsides and Lake Macquarie’s glistening coastal lagoon, Newcastle is the perfect playing field for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wine tasting
The Hunter Valley’s stunning, world-famous wine region is located just 45 minutes away from Newcastle city. Here you’ll find an array of chef-hatted restaurants and fabulous fine diners serving up exquisite plates of local produce, award-winning wineries showcasing their very best local vintages, and breathtaking vistas of rolling hillsides that set the scene for unadulterated romance.
Beautiful Beaches
Whether you want to rock up with your surfboard or lay back with a book, Newcastle’s stunning coastline plays host to an array of beautiful golden beaches. Sitchu pick: Soak up spectacular sights along Bathers Way walk and Anzac Memorial Bridge, which stretches from Nobby’s lighthouse past Newcastle Beach, the two main ocean baths, Merewether, Glenrock Reserve and Burwood Beach – be sure to take a dip in the famous Bogey Hole along the way.
Schools & Education
A hotbed of knowledge, world-renowned Newcastle University welcomes students from all over the globe, whilst notable local schools include Newcastle East Public School, Newcastle Waldorf, Newcastle Grammar, Newcastle High and Newcastle.
Food Mania
Foodies and coffee fiends have their pick of stylish hangouts. Newcastle’s CBD is a melting pot of trendy cafés, gourmet restaurants and beautifully restored gastropubs.
The Harbour
As a port city, Newcastle still has a fully working harbour that welcomes every kind of vessel from container ships and cruise liners to superyachts and speed boats, with the occasional paddleboard, canoe and kayak floating alongside. Hang out at the Honeysuckle restaurant precinct, browse the local museum or hole up for a swanky hotel stay; the Harbour is one of the most picturesque places to hang out in the city.
