Second largest harbour city after Sydney, New South Wales … loads of history … gateway to Hunter Valley Wine Region … Newcastle and surrounds … traditionally occupied by Awabakal and Worimi people, who called area Malubimba.

Economic trade centre … used to be world’s largest coal export port … large ship-building industry … birthplace of Huon-class minehunters.

Where is it

Located at mouth of Hunter River … 162 km (101 miles) north of Sydney, Hunter Region … lots of beaches linked by Bathers Way … coastal walk between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach.

Heritage Listings

Do you know Newcastle has one of oldest theatre districts in Australia ?

And Victoria Theatre on Perkins Street is oldest purpose built theatre in country?

List of historical sites in Newcastle is extensive – 25 heritages listed sites in total with Christ Church Cathedral dominating cityscape.

Must visit Christ Church Cathedral

Built upon site of another church, Christ Church (1817-18); Christ Church Cathedral (1883 – 1902), consecrated in 1983 … 100 years from construction commencement to consecration … home of Anglican Diocese of Newcastle.

Gothic Revival style … current Dean is Katherine Bowyer, first woman to hold position.

Cathedral has over 60 of 72 Kempe & Co stained glass windows in Australia – ‘Western Rose Window (1929) being most celebrated.

‘Dies Domini’ (Day of the Lord), another stained glass national treasure – one of only 2 such window design in the world is located in repository.

The Warriors’ Chapel (1924) … World War 1 memorial for service men, women from Newcastle, Hunter Valley … emblems of armed services, has 13 Kemp & Co stained glass windows; brass – wood processional Cross of Lorraine or Mace Cross; wooden cross from unknown soldier’s grave, France … Toc H lamp (one of 3 such lamps to survive) are housed here.

The only documented flag of Australian Gallipoli campaign; The Union Jack with original pole from 13th Australian Infantry Battalion is also on display (St. Christopher Chapel).

Parts of 1817 foundation stone … remnant footings of original Christ Church, was found, recorded, left undisturbed during 1989 earthquake aftermath … preserved for future generations.

Christ Church Cathedral … packed with historical artifacts … memorabilia, memories of fallen heroes … so much history … a place to reminisce and reflect.

Must check out Tocal Homestead

Tocal Homestead is located top of small rise, overlooking lagoon … framed by Moreton Bay fig trees and local species namely red kamala (Mallotus philippensis).

Built in 1822, NSW Heritage Register listed – as farming, grazing homestead complex … 1600 hectare (4000 acre) site … presence of large lagoon provides water for vegetation, animal husbandry, with surrounding melaleuca forest offered earlier settlers variety of food and materials.

Present-day college complex, managed by Department of Agriculture as external agricultural study program for students in regional NSW, with multi-purpose skill sheds and visitor centre. Tocal aims to maintain best practice property management for livestock, ecological benefits, people, animals and environment.

Landscape includes wetlands … riverine rainforest … dry sclerophyll forest (shrubby formation typically eucalypts, wattles, banksias with hard, short, often spiky leaves), cleared as pastureland. Tocal Agricultural Centre expanded to 2500 hectares (6200 acres) of 5 farming enterprises, heritage precinct and Australia’s top agricultural college.

Homestead consist of late Georgian/Regency Revival rendered sandstock brick 2-story home, verandahs on 3 sides, overlooking Paterson River and surrounds.

Outbuildings – range of vernacular timber buildings, stockyards, post and rail fences, underground silos; 1830 convict-built stone barn and 1860s timber barn.

Multiple elements of considerable significance contributed to Tocal being “extremely valuable heritage asset … demonstrating course, pattern of cultural, natural history in New South Wales”.

Must tour Maitland Goal Museum

Maximum security goal opened in 1848 with capacity of 174 residents but reached 400 plus at times … closed after 148 years in 1998 – longest continuously-run goal in Australia. 16 men were executed here between 1849 – 1897, for rape and murder.

Nothing can prepare you to condition of the 1800s … extremely sad environment … even poorer conditions, sanitation. Tunnels dug … 32 escape attempts with 31 being recaptured …

Oldest substantially intact, continuous use country goal in Australia … built of sandstone; cell blocks, toilets, awnings and artworks in original condition.

Harsh punishments were implemented in late 19th, early 20th centuries – flogging, isolation, gagging commonly used.

Sadly, women were also housed in Maitland Goal until 1951. Many women had to bring their children with them or had children whilst in prison. Overcrowding, unsanitary, unsafe conditions meant some children died within goal walls.

Today, Maitland Goal is a heritage museum in NSW Heritage Register – grim reminder of prison-life in olden days. Self-guided audio tours, guided theme tours are available for visitors.

Conclusion

Newcastle, not just gateway to Hunter Valley Wineries – she is a vibrant city, full of history, historical sites hugging coastline, laid-back beaches, stories to share … Just a short drive north of Sydney … definitely not to be missed !