Newcastle Australia, just outside of Sydney, is known for its beaches, but this community offers so much more. A center for the arts as much as for surfing, Newcastle is a fascinating place to stay,whether you're planning to make it your main destination or you'll visit on a Sydney day trip. Whatever your plans, you'll have the chance to experience of Australia's oldest and most vibrant cities when you make the trip to Newcastle.

One of the first things you'll notice about Newcastle Australia, besides its blue ocean waters, is the abundance of historical sites. The city's official history stretches back to the 1700s when Captain Cook marked its rocky inlet on a map, although Awabakal people lived along the coast for centuries before that. With a visit to Fort Scratchley, this city's long and interesting history comes to life with guided tours and demonstrations. The sentinel, standing for centuries, was attacked by Japanese during World War II, six months before Hawaii's Pearl Harbor. Throughout the year, the fort hosts many of the Newcastle events, including a grand celebration on Australia Day, which arrives every year on January 26, the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Beyond Fort Scratchley, you have many other choices for things to do in Newcastle. You can spend some time connecting to culture with a visit to one of the museums or the theaters. Built in 1920, the height of the art deco era, the Civic Theatre hosts an array of performances, including ballets and hit musicals straight from Broadway or London's West End. The Newcastle Region Art Gallery also hosts some of the best-attended Newcastle events, especially with the arrival of a new special exhibit. Other museums give you the chance to stroll through an old jail turned art space, learn the area's maritime history, and explore the history of flight.

Sydney Map

While history and culture are important aspects of what makes Newcastle Australia special, the spectacular coastline plays a large role as well. One of the best ways to soak in the scenery of the Newcastle Australia beaches is a stroll along Bathers Way, which follows the coast from the Nobbys Headland lighthouse to the Merewether Ocean Baths. On many city tours, the saltwater baths (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere) have been a staple in the community since 1935. Along the Newcastle Ocean Baths, built in 1922, these scenic places host many Newcastle events, including film festivals and art fairs.

Along with the ocean baths, Newcastle's coastline is home to lovely beaches where you can soak up the sun, try some fishing, or go surfing. One of the best parts of the Newcastle Australia beaches is the proximity to the city center. In less than ten minutes from downtown, you'll find several beaches, including one that shares a name with the city and Merewether Beach. All of these beaches have lifeguards on patrol and are safe for swimmers of all ages. The city works hard to keep the beaches clean and accessible to all, so anybody can enjoy time along the shore.

As you would expect for a busy, bustling city, there are plenty of Newcastle hotels and restaurants to round out a stay. Whether you're looking to stay close to the Newcastle Australia beaches or right in the heart of town, you'll find a hotel or bed and breakfast ready to provide hospitality. It's easy to get around here, with trains to Sydney, a full bus schedule, and good highways.