Hunter Wetlands Centre
7 days, 9AM-5PM. A regenerated 45 ha wetlands area adjacent to Hexham Swamp. There are walking trails, a bicycle trail, a canoe trail, picnic and barbeque facilities, and a visitors' centre.
The University of Newcastle (http://www.newcastle.edu.au) is one of the major regional universities in New South Wales. Its academic program is quite broad and includes many liberal arts courses. Their undergraduate medicine degree is very highly regarded.
TE Guide
provides weekly entertainment listings and appears in Wednesday's "Post" free newspaper and Thursday's Newcastle Herald in print and online. The online version is not always kept up to date, so it is best to get hold of a print copy. Alternately, look for Uturn streetpress, which is widely distributed to shops and libraries around town.
Ocean baths
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Close to the city centre, these historic baths were opened in 1922.
Merewether Ocean Baths
The largest ocean baths complex in the southern hemisphere.
The Bogey Hole
Carved out of the rock by convicts, this ocean pool at the bottom of King Edward Park is a great place for a relaxing dip.
No visit to Newcastle during the warmer months would be complete without taking a dip in the ocean baths. On sunny days you can sunbathe on the Grandstand on the Fort side of the Baths.
The baths are also open during the winter, for the more adventurous. The Newcastle baths are home to the "Newcastle Pirates", a winter swimming club not unlike the Icebergs or Polar Bears of other places.
Festivals and events
Mattara Festival
A week long series of events that commences each year during the Labour Day long weekend in late September/early October. The Mattara festival notably includes the Mattara Hillclimb, a car race held in scenic King Edward Park (http://www.mgcarclub.com....). The festival also features a grand parade, concerts, family entertainment and market stalls.
This Is Not Art Festival
The festival is held in the same long weekend each year, and showcases the talents of young and emerging artists, writers, media makers and electronic musicians from around Australia.
The Shoot Out
24 hour film making festival.
Carols by Candlelight
are held each December in many of Newcastle's parks.
Cultural Stomp
A one day celebration, bringing people together to celebrate the region's cultural diversity. Forums, panels, music, art, films, spoken word.
Beaches
Bar Beach
is regarded by many as the best of a range of beaches which ring the city.
Kite surfing