12 – 13 December 2017

Newcastle, the second largest city in New South Wales, is located about 100 miles (160 km) north of Sydney on the Hunter River. Once “Steel City”, the export of coal and other minerals from the Hunter Valley Region to China has provided a boost for the local economy. Newcastle appears to be an industrial city on the verge of a rebirth. Growing up in Pittsburgh, also known as “Steel City”, I witnessed the shutdown of Jones and Laughlin Steel and soon after watched Bethlehem Steel grind to a hault, Newcastle’s industrial revitalization has a familiar look.

The city has two very different faces. The north side of Newcastle and Newcastle West on the Hunter River is dominated by industry and shipping. Although the south bank is lined with apartment buildings and restaurants the river side is all business. Newcastle West is undergoing a massive revitalization project. When it is complete, this should be a nice area to visit. The ocean side of Newcastle East is the city’s scenic face. The shore is lined with beaches and parklands. This is where you’ll find the fun and sun we expect in Australia. Overall we thought Newcastle was a nice place to visit for a few days and expect it to be even better in the coming years.

Newcastle Coast

Nobbys Head

Newcastle City and Wharf