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Newcastle Hunter Valley New South Wales

Newcastle

Only 160 km north of Sydney is Newcastle, Australia’s seventh largest city. Located in the heart of the Hunter Region it i has beautiful beaches and a stunning coastline.

There are some amazing beaches within an hour’s drive of Newcastle and Port Stephens as well as some world-class wineries in the Hunter Valley.

A rail service links Newcastle to Sydney and the rest of New South Wales for easy travel. There is also a local airport with several daily flights. Driving from Sydney using the M1 Pacific Freeway is an easy drive in under two hours.

Nobby’s Headland

Nobbys Headland runs behind Nobbys beach and is a popular place to walk. From the carpark a path leads out to the headland and then along the breakwall. There is a shared track for walkers and bikes, so use care while walking.

At the start of the walk you will find the surf club and a kiosk selling a variety of food and drinks making it a good stop after the walk to the breakwater.

Nobby's Headland Newcastle
Nobby’s Headland Newcastle
Nobbys Headland
A Different View of Nobbys Headland

Nobby’s Lighthouse

Nobby’s Lighthouse is once again open to the public on weekends. If you are walking along the breakwall, this is a steep sidetrack to take to the top of the Headland. There are great views over the harbour and city.

While walking up to the lighthouse, there is a sculpture on the right hand side. This commemorates the Newcastle Lifeboat Service.

Sculpture Grounded

This sculpture marks the anniversary of the grounding of the ship ‘Pasha Bulker” in fierce storms on 8 June 2007. Grounded is an abstract representation of the ship’s bow. The shape and colour of the sculpture, and its physical placement at Nobbys, will be an important memory marker for the community and a powerful stand-alone work of art. Incorporated into the work is an original section of 22mm plate steel from the rudder of the Pasha Bulker.

The Sculpture Grounded at Nobbys Beach
The Sculpture Grounded at Nobbys Beach

Newcastle Railway Station

The Newcastle railway station is a heritage-listed railway station. Formerly the main railway station for services to the city, it closed in December 2014. In September 2018, the Newcastle station precinct was reopened as a multipurpose community space branded as The Station.

Newcastle Railway Station
Newcastle Railway Station

Earp Gillam Bond Store

Now refurbished as an office building, this heritage-listed former bond store at 16 Telford Street was built in 1888. It was the first warehouse of Newcastle merchant firm Earp Gillam & Co., founded in 1883, then-importers of groceries, flour, wine and timber. The warehouse was for the storage and handling of imported goods

Newcastle Post Office

Built from 1900 to 1903 and added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2000, the Newcastle Post Office is a heritage-listed former post office at 96 Hunter Street . The building has recently changed owners and will now be restored, but is currently disused and access inside is not possible.

Newcastle Post Office
Newcastle Post Office

Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)

Erected as a fountain in memory of those servicemen killed, or who died in service during World War One, this war memorial is Australia`s first memorial to World War One that incorporated a soldier-statue. Located outside the Old Post Office, it is easy to find. 

Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)
Newcastle War Memorial (Gardner Memorial)

Newcastle Courthouse

Located at 90 Church Street this beautiful old Art Deco Building is worth visiting even though it no longer in use as a courthouse. The well-maintained facade adds to its architectural appeal. Certainly worth a look.

Newcastle Court House
Newcastle Court House

Former Wickham Infants’ Public School

Located at 64 Hannell Street, Wickham, NSW 2293, the former Wickham Infants School is a significant local landmark in close proximity to the western edge of the Newcastle Harbour. This historically significant building is in the Romanesque style with Gothic influences and was constructed in 1892 . Since the 1980s the building has been associated with the Awabakal community, who recently converted the building for use as office and administration.

Old Wickham Infants' Public School
Former Wickham Infants’ Public School

Wickham Public School

Built in 1904 and based on the Edwardian style of building Wickham Public School is located at 54 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293. The Public School closed following the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake. In response to the community’s determination to preserve the public school building and find a future purpose, in 1993 the Honeysuckle Development Corporation directed the restoration of the building, adapting its lofty rooms for studio and one bedroom apartments for University of Newcastle students. The grand building was re-occupied in 1995.

Old Wickham Public School
Old Wickham Public School

Street Art

There are several places to find street art and sculptures in Newcastle. The full story along with photographs can be found here.

Christ Church Cathedral

One of the great landmarks in Newcastle, the full story of our visit to the Cathedral can be read here.

Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle
Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle

Newcastle Beaches

Great beaches surround Newcastle, from Stockton Beach in the north to Redhead in the south and even the great beaches of the central coast a little further afield. Several of the beaches have ocean baths or pools for a safer swimming experience. Our impressions of the beaches can be found here.

Merewether Beach

Darby Street

Newcastle’s premier eating district, Darby Street offers a large range of coffee shops and eateries from fast food to full table service. This is a very popular area giving variety for everyone. The parking, however, can be a problem in busy times so plan to walk from your parking spot.

Memorial Walk

Located near Bar Beach, Memorial Walk is a tribute to Newcastle’s service personnel. Raised above the cliffs, the walkway gives great views over the coastline.

Placed along the walk are silhouettes of service personnel with the names of the fallen engraved on them. This is a popular walk, there is also wheelchair access at the northern end.

Newcastle Memorial Walk
Newcastle Memorial Walk

Civic Park

Situated in the centre of the Newcastle CBD, Civic Park is bordered by council and university buildings on one side and the art gallery and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on the other.

Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park
Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park

Captain Cook Memorial Fountain

Located as the centrepiece of Civic Park is the James Cook Memorial Fountain, built for the bicentenary of Cook’s voyage to the east coast of Australia. This large water feature is a great place in summer, with seats located around it, and impressive at night when illuminated.

Captain Cook Memorial Fountain Civic Park Newcastle
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain

War Memorial

The war memorial was originally dedicated to World War Two service personnel, but has since been re-dedicated to all wars Australia has been involved in. Ceremonies are held here throughout the year on relevant anniversaries.

Newcastle War Memorial Civic Park
Newcastle War Memorial

Vietnam and National Service Memorial

The Vietnam and National Service Memorial commemorates the soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. A brass plaque on the memorial provides a brief description of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The rear section of the memorial has a separate memorial to Australia’s National Service and Combined Forces personnel.

Baptist Tabernacle

Located above Civic Park the Baptist Tabernacle is an interesting building but is only open to the public during services.

Baptist Tabernacle
Baptist Tabernacle

St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Situated across the road from the Baptist Tabernacle, St Andrews is not always open, so you may have to appreciate this building from the outside.

St Andrews Presbyterian Church
St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Shortland Centenary Fountain

Erected in 1897 by the Mayor David Miller and originally located at Newcastle Beach, this fountain commemorates the centenary (1797-1897) of the European discovery of the area by Lieutenant Shortland. Removed from its original location, it is now located at Christie Park.

Shortland Centenary Fountain
Shortland Centenary Fountain

Convict Lumber Yard

The old Convict Lumber Yard sits next to Customs House , which is not far from the old Newcastle Railway Station. Very little of the old site remains, but signs and displays demonstrate what used to happen here

Interesting from a historical perspective its worth a quick view if in the area.

Convict Lumber Yard
Convict Lumber Yard

Customs House

No longer in use by Australian Border Force, Customs House is now leased as a pub and restaurant. This is a very nice setting with a relaxed atmosphere not far from the CBD and beaches.

While there, admire the beautiful clock tower and the building’s exterior. The pub uses the rooms on the upper floors for events, so if you are lucky to have access you may be available to see inside the tower.

Customs House Newcastle
Customs House Newcastle

Foreshore Park

Foreshore Park is a nice grassed are to relax in near the harbour. Originally the site of a power station and train maintenance sheds, there is little to indicate that this now quiet place was once a bustling industrial area.

The power station is completely gone, its location marked by a plaque and while the train sheds still stand, they are used for family gatherings and picnics.

A small lake in the park is the location for the sculpture Resilience, a monument to mental health wellbeing. Not far from here is a small playground where the kids can have fun.

The Obelisk

Built in 1850 in King Edward Park, the obelisk was used as a marker for ships entering Newcastle Harbour. The area provides great views over the city, with plenty of parking nearby and is close to the Shepherds Hill Complex.

The Obelisk King Edward Park
The Obelisk King Edward Park

Shepherds Hill Complex

A relic from World War Two, when the threat of invasion was real, the Shepherd’s Hill Complex was built to defend Newcastle. Consisting of a radar station and gun emplacements, this was an important part of the defence of Australia’s east coast.

These concrete structures can be viewed from outside, but access to the interiors is blocked off with no access. It is an interesting part of the city’s history and worth visiting if you are in the area.

Shepherds Hill Complex
Shepherds Hill Complex

Leading Light Tower

Located on the corner of Brown and Terrell Streets, the lead light was designed to assist shipping navigating Newcastle Harbour. Unfortunately, as the city grew it became obscured from view and has been replaced by new navigation markers.

Designed to look like a medieval tower with battlements it is an interesting and unusual sight not far from Christchurch Cathedral.

Lead Light Tower Newcastle
Lead Light Tower 34 Brown St.

Stockton Ferry

The Stockton Ferry runs from Queens Wharf in the Newcastle CBD across the harbour to the Stockton Wharf. Running hourly, this ferry service only takes five minutes and is an easy way to travel and quicker than driving. From either side it is easy to see either the inner city and Newcastle beaches or at Stockton the township or breakwater.

Stockton Ferry Hunter
Stockton Ferry Hunter

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Fingal Bay and Port Stephens Lighthouse

Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia

Fingal Bay

Located in Port Stephens near Newcastle Fingal Bay is a quiet town catering to the tourists interested in the beach and surroundings. Our reason for visiting was to walk across the sand spit from the mainland to Shark Island. This spit is submerged at high tide, so we chose two hours before low tide for the walk. There are warning signs stating the dangers of crossing if the spit is submerged. We started the morning with a snack at the Longboat Cafe before walking down the beach and across to the island. This was a very relaxing walk, with great scenery.

Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Sand Spit
Rock Formations Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Rock Formations on Shark Island
Mount Tamaree From Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Mount Tamaree From Shark Island

Port Stephens Lighthouse and Shark Island

Once on the island, we followed the marked trail to the Port Stephens Lighthouse, which was an easy walk. Well maintained, the lighthouse is still operational and therefore cannot be entered. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is being restored by National Parks and Wildlife, but still looks nice, with its old sandstone walls. Before returning to across the spit, we explored the sand cove on the island. Here, we found some interesting rock formations as well as views out to Tomaree Headland.

Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse
Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Port Stephens Lighthouse
Light House Keeper's Cottage Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Light House Keeper’s Cottage

Barry Park Lookout

While in the area, we also visited Barry Park Lookout. There are beautiful views out over Fingal Bay towards Shark Island, making this a great stop while here. The gardens and short walks are well put together and maintained and the seating makes it a great place for a picnic.

Barry Point Lookout Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Barry Point Lookout

We have previously walked to the summit of Mount Tomaree and visited Nelson Bay and these are two other great options if you are in the area.

Remember to check the tide times for Fingal Bay before you go as people have drowned in the area, while trying to cross the spit.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Hornby Lighthouse Watsons Bay Sydney

Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com

The Hornby Lighthouse is located on Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city and coastline. Parking is limited as the car park can become full but we were lucky and got a park. The start of the walk to the Hornby Lighthouse is at Camp Cove Beach. Camp Cove Kiosk serves nice snacks and drinks, so we had a relax on the beach before starting our walk.

Camp Cove Beach With Sydney in Background Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Camp Cove Beach With Sydney in Background

Southern Heritage Trail

The South Head Heritage Trail which leads to the lighthouse is all paved and although it goes uphill is not strenuous if you don’t rush. Along the path you will pass old fortifications used for the defense of Sydney in the 19th century.  You will also get great views over  Sydney Harbour and the city so admire the views and take some photos.

Old Gun Emplacement Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Old Gun Emplacement

Old Defensive Cannon Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Old Defensive Cannon

There are several beaches below the path but beware that one of them is a nudist beach so looking  down at them might cause some embarrassment.

HMAS Watson naval base is situated nearby and you will see warning signs about not entering and beware of low flying helicopters.

Light Keeper’s Cottage

Just before you reach the lighthouse you will come across the light keepers cottage a pretty and well maintained building.

Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

Hornby Lighthouse

The main attraction  on the walk is  Hornby Lighthouse  which is in need of a fresh coat of paint. Up close its distinctive red and white stripes are weather worn. Even so it is a spectacular sight with the ocean behind it. Be careful of the surrounding cliffs.  There are warning signs and fences, but people were still crossing them to get that perfect photo.

It’s a beautiful location with fantastic views with a great walk on your way there.

Hornby Lighthouse www.destinationsjourney.com
Hornby Lighthouse