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The closest supermarket to the CBD is at Newcastle IGA 209 Hunter St, at northern end of mall, a compact little shop full of surprises for the interstate visitor. If you are feeling a little stressed you should walk to the seashore or Fletcher Park or the Obelisk to get things back into perspective.
Good walking shoes are required for the CBD as many streets are steep slopes. Use the walkways or footbridges to get to and from the CBD and the Foreshore. The Queen's Wharf Tower is ideal for calming restless children, they can run up and down the staircase or along the covered walkways nearby! Make sure you note the Historic Markers in the CBD as they make sense of the magic that is Newcastle.
Newcastle Regional Library
Laman Street, Newcastle, (http://www.newcastle.nsw....). A large local library which also hosts exhibitions. This Library is a stunning War Memorial in a unique setting and style. Note also the curious bikestands outside the front steps. The Local Studies Library on the second floor will answer most questions about Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. A small library well done.