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Newcastle, Australia

In 1770, Captain James Cook christened Nobbys Headland on his journey north along the Australian coast. European settlement of Newcastle, however, began 17 years later when Lt. John Shortland sailed up a fine broad river while searching for escaped convicts. Shortland named the stream the Hunter River after Australia's then Governor-General. During that short voyage the lieutenant also discovered vast deposits of coal. In 1804 the burgeoning mining settlement and lumber port was christened Newcastle after the famed English coal city. Newcastle, Australia, also served as a gateway to the rich lands of the Hunter Valley - a region producing internationally acclaimed wines by the mid-19th century.

Christ Church Cathedral is the symbol of Newcastle. The restored church has survived both devastating earthquake and Japanese attack. In 1942, the Japanese submarine I-21 surfaced to shell the city and its dockyards.

Points of Interest

  • Port Stephens
  • Hunter Valley
  • Stockton Beach
  • Fort Scratchley
  • Newcastle Museum
  • Honeysuckle Harbour side Precinct
  • Nobby beach Reserve
  • Merewether Surf house

More about Newcastle, Australia Points of Interest

  • Port Stephens -

  • Hunter Valley -

  • Stockton Beach -

  • Fort Scratchley -

  • Newcastle Museum -

  • Honeysuckle Harbour side Precinct -

  • Nobby beach Reserve -

  • Merewether Surf house -

5 Excursions

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Newcastle, Australia

Best of Newcastle

Average Guest Rating
5 hours
Moderate Activity
from AUD$124.95
Newcastle, Australia

Port Stephens Dolphin Watching Cruise

Average Guest Rating
6 hours
Easy Activity
from AUD$154.95
Newcastle, Australia

Hunter Valley Food & Wine Trail

Average Guest Rating
8 hours
Moderate Activity
from AUD$309.95
Newcastle, Australia

Hunter Valley Gourmet Escape

Average Guest Rating
8 hours
Moderate Activity
from AUD$299.95
Newcastle, Australia

Quad Bike Sand Dune Adventure

Average Guest Rating
2.5 hours
Moderate Activity
from AUD$144.95