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Newcastle

Newcastle Park Newcastle, capital of the Hunter Valley, is Australia's second oldest and sixth largest city. Built around a large working harbour, Newcastle is one of the nations largest working ports situated in the mouth of the Hunter River. Nobby's Breakwater and Lighthouse - the city's most famous icon, guard the river's entrance.

Ten magnificent beaches and picturesque parks offer ample recreational opportunities around the city including surfing, beach fishing and swimming in the fabled Ocean Baths.

A short two-hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is within easy access to attractions including rainforests, wilderness areas, and extensive vineyards.

In the Directory

• Accommodation [1]

Photos

Custom House - Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW

Newcastle Park - Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW

Underwater Recommendations

Diving in Newcastle is full of surprises and highly varied. You can do shallow seagrass beds, exhilarating drift dives, wall dives or explore caves and swim throughs. On shore dives Blue Gropers, Pineapple Fish, Wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks will keep you company. Whilst in the sea grass beds seahorses and anglerfish can be found by the observing diver. Weedy Seadragons have been seen in this area too. Don’t forget to pay the Swansea Bridge a visit.
Boat dives conducted here are at least as fantastic with loads of schooling fish and pelagics. Sponges, gorgonians, soft corals and bryozoa cover the rocky reefs.

Getting There

Road: The main access from Sydney is via the F3 Freeway. The journey takes approximately two hours. Take the Newcastle exit and will take you all the way into the CBD.

Rail: Newcastle is part of the City Rail network centred on Sydney. There are many frequent return services daily. Fast Countrylink trains connect Newcastle to Sydney, Brisbane and other country centres.

Air: Newcastle Airport (Williamtown) is the major regional airport and is located 30 minutes from Newcastle city centre.

Buses: Newcastle is serviced by coach companies throughout Australia. Connections to and from various locations are provided on a regular basis.