Things to do in Newcastle
Newcastle may be a coal-mining city and a busy port area, but it is also rich in history and culture. Other than the beautiful beaches which are the main draw to Newcastle, the city also has many other interesting and beautiful places to visit.
Newcastle Region Art Gallery
The art gallery, on Laman Street, has more than 3,000 pieces of art including oil paintings, watercolours, sculptures, prints and various other mediums. Many of the artworks depict life in the early days at Hunters region, and the exhibition educates and informs visitors in a rich and rewarding manner.
Numerous international artists including Arthur Streeton, Rosalie Gascoigne, Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Margaret Preston and many others have had their works displayed at this prestigious gallery. The gallery also has an interesting collection of aboriginal bark paintings and Australian and Japanese ceramics.
Fort Scratchley
Fort Scratchley sits on top of a hill guarding the Hunter River Estuary. The fort was built in 1882 and was used to defend Australias coast during WWII, when it fired on a Japanese submarine. Visitors to the fort can see the original gun emplacements, underground stores where ammunition was stored, barracks and tunnel complexes, and they can visit the Newcastle Region Maritime Museum, which is on the grounds of Fort Scratchley.
The museum houses small boats, model ships and other items of interest relating to the maritime development of the port. There are also paintings and an interesting collection of old photographs available for viewing.
Wetlands Centre
The wetlands are only a short 15-minute drive from the city centre and are very popular with nature lovers. Situated on about 45 hectares, the wetlands boast more than 250 wildlife species including birds, ducks, frogs, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and other animals. The wetlands have several varieties of water plants including sedges, rushes and swamp mahogany. The centre is well-known for the interesting activities it organises to educate the public including breakfast with birds, canoe tours and many more activities. There is also a very nice caf that has a good view of the wetlands.
Fighter World Aviation Museum
Just next to the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown is the Fighter World Aviation Museum, which focuses on the history of Australian fighter aircraft and world aviation history up to the present day. The museum was opened in 1991, and has quickly become a favourite with tourists. Visitors to the museum can experience the day-to-day operations at an active fighter base, take a guided tour, learn of the history of Australia fighter pilots and enjoy the amazing interactive multi-media displays. There is a retail shop and a small caf here, where you can buy souvenirs and rejuvenate.
