Destination Guides > Australia > New South Wales > Around Sydney > Newcastle
Newcastle
At first glance, Newcastle seems like an underwhelming place, but if you dig a little deeper you will uncover some of the great activities it has to offer. An industrial town with an uneasy past and a stagnant reputation, Newcastle today is growing in popularity among backpackers. Its proximity to the Hunter Valley wine region and adventure tours makes it the perfect home base for day trips.
The city has undergone a serious facelift in the past decade and now has a few good hostels and a healthy café scene. Surfers hone in on Newcastle for the great waves, while beach-goers are equally delighted to wade in the mild ocean baths along the shoreline. Nightlife is surging these days with a large concentration of live music and all-night pubs. Darby and Beaumont streets are the main arteries of the city, with loads of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Beaumont Street boasts free wireless internet access from any point along the road and in restaurants. There are a few more galleries and exhibitions springing up these days as well; it’s worth a bit of investigation. Fort Scratchley is an interesting sight, as is the Newcastle Regional Art Gallery.
Practical Information
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre
363 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Tel (02) 4974 2999
Website www.visitnewcastle.com.au
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3.30pm
INTERNET ACCESS
There is a free Wi-Fi hot zone on Beaumont Street between Tudor Street and Maitland Road in the suburb of Hamilton. There is also free wireless internet access at Newcastle Airport provided by Internode (website www.internode.on.net).
The Battleground
Shop 2, 169/173 King Street, Newcastle
Tel (02) 4926 3898
Website www.thebattleground.com.au
Open Tue-Thu 9am-7.30pm, Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-5pm
