Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

An aerial view of Newcastle, New South Wales
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_of_Newcastle_Harbour.jpg
Author: Tim


Newcastle is the second largest city in New South Wales, Australia. It is a coastal city located roughly 9 m (30ft) above sea level and approximately 162 km (101 mi) to the northeast of Sydney. The city covers 261.8 sq km (101.1 sq mi) and has a population of 290,000 (2011 estimate).

The first European to explore the Newcastle area was Lieutenant John Shortland, who arrived there in September, 1797. The settlement of Newcastle began as a mining town populated by hardcore criminals who were sent there to work the mines under the careful watch of soldiers. The settlement remained a penal colony until 1822, when experiments with agriculture were carried out. This led to a transition to a civilian government and the land around Newcastle was opened up for farming.

Bogey Hole in Newcastle
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bogey_Hole_in_Newcastle.jpg
Author: Leighblackall


By the 20th century, Newcastle had become an industrial town with shipyard and steelworks. During the Second World War, it was attacked by a Japanese submarine which shelled its dockyards.

Newcastle's reliance on heavy industries was its downfall during the 1990's as such industries were hit by foreign competition, resulting in steep decline and massive job losses. By the end of the 20th century, its steelworks were forced to shut, causing some 50,000 people to become unemployed. The city finally experienced an economic turnaround in the first decade of the 21st century, with increased demands for commodities such as coal and iron ore. The city also diversified into health care and education.

Fort Scratchley, Newcastle, as seen from Nobbys Beach
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_Scratchley_from_below_2002.jpg
Author: Lyndi&Jason

Visiting Newcastle, Australia

You can reach Newcastle from Sydney by taking the F3 Freeway (Sydney-Newcastle Freeway) or State Route 111 (Pacific Highway). Journey time is about two to three hours. There are also trains connecting Sydney to Newcastle with travel time of also about three hours.

Flying is neither the speediest nor cheapest way to reach Newcastle from Sydney, but would be an option if you are getting there from other cities in Australia.

Places of Interest in Newcastle

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