Understand
Newcastle is Australia's oldest sea port, currently the second most important in the country in terms of overall tonnage. It is also the world's largest coal exporter.The city of Newcastle is the hub for exploring the many activities and sights that surround the city.In the north is Stockton beach, miles and miles of uninhabited beaches that stretch up to Nelson bay. The wreck of the Signa can be seen from Fort Scratchley, which was Newcastle's maritime defence during the world wars. Travel westward to the wineries and taste some of Australia's best wines. Barrington Tops National Park in the north west has beautiful fresh water rivers and rain forests, a good place to spot a platypus. Newcastle is a great place for surfers, wine buffs, bush walkers, and anyone interested in Australian history.
Since the closure of the BHP steelworks, Hunter New England Health and The University of Newcastle have become the city's primary employers.
Many Novocastrians take an avid interest in sports, as participants, spectators or both. The local NRL Rugby League team, the Newcastle Knights are widely followed. Newcastle also hosts soccer, baseball, ice hockey, netball and various other sporting teams.
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre