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The in-flight magazine of Regional

tssuE 25 2006

Shiny newnewcastle

Forget what you think you know about Newcastle. Australia’s oldest commercial port is reinventing itself, and it’s got a lot to offer.

STORy: ROdeRick eime

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Smelly, smoky buses, noisy old cars and shabby, grimy storefronts is what I remember of Newcastle when I first visited the no-

nonsense steel and coal city in the late 1970s. Definitely not the sort of place you’d ever consider for a holiday.

Today, I can barely recognise Hunter Street. A stylish, harbourside promenade graces the foreshore along with sparkling new apartments, Scratchleys exclusive restaurant and the immaculate, Crowne Plaza – all part of a multi-million dollar facelift for this once glum industrial city.

In line with similar waterfront

rejuvenations like Port Adelaide, Wollongong and even Cardiff in Wales, these once simply utilitarian ports had all the appeal of a post-industrial scrapyard. Newcastle is in the midst of beautification scheme that is more than skin deep.

Newcastle Council’s Economic and Tourism Development team are working overtime to present their city as an attractive hub, not just for a quick weekend away, but also as a vibrant business centre for new investment.

Whilst retaining the crucial functionality of Australia’s oldest commercial port, Newcastle is reinventing its marine and nautical

lifestyles in way more conducive to the needs and expectations of the modern world. Beautifully renovated Victorian and Edwardian buildings retain the charm of downtown, while smart hotel developments exploit the fantastic beachfront environment.

Australia’s second oldest city has plenty around town for the history and art buffs – and it’s all within easy walk from the centre of town. Cooks Hill: the local art precinct, stroll amongst the many funky galleries, cafes and boutiques; The Junction: at least window-shop this upmarket retail precinct, the haunt of Newcastle’s

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IMAGES: 1 Nobbys Beach, one of the many glorious beaches in the Newcastle area. 2 Queens Wharf, Newcastle. 3 The award-winning Crowne Plaza Newcastle brings an air of big city sophistication to Newcastle. 4 Outdoor dining, Customs House, Newcastle. 5 The Newcastle Town Hall. 6 Scratchleys is one of numerous dining highlights in the city. (Photos supplied by Roderick Eime and Tourism NSW)

increasing population of the well-to-do; Hamilton: Newcastle’s cosmopolitan hub was largely rebuilt after the 1989 earthquake. Loaf along colourful Beaumont Street and soak up the Mediterranean lifestyle.

For those looking for something a little more immersive, a range of very accessible activities include scenic helicopter joyflights: spot whales and

dolphins off shore, or take a longer trip to the Hunter Valley or Port Stephens; Learn to surf: hook up with a former world circuit pro, Daniel Frodsham, and learn to hang 10; Go kayaking: jump in a sea kayak and explore the harbour up close; Youloe-ta: explore a five-hectare bush tucker garden with local Aboriginals. Book ahead for ceremonial dancing and other activities; Fort Scratchly: the only

Australian coastal fort to fire its guns in anger. This historic Crimean War-era fort is now an enthralling museum.

Just out of the town is the world famous Hunter Valley with all it has to offer, and to the north, the vast and highly significant 2500-year-old Stockton sand dunes of Port Stephens.

Based in an oasis in the middle of this vast sea of rolling dunes is Sand Safaris, an adventure tour operator with a distinct

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difference. After a short, but intense safety and riding instruction, we spent two hours aboard 350cc Quad Bikes exploring the seemingly endless expanse of sand that continues to grow and consume the coastal forests at Stockton Beach.

Far from a free-for-all ‘hoonfest’, Sand Safaris encourages you to enjoy your ride and have fun without resorting to wild, hair-raising exploits – not that you need be

tempted. The near vertical drop into the massive sand bowl was enough to keep the adrenaline junkies quiet for a moment or two!

In a convoy of up to 12 machines on the Coastal Desert Discovery Tour, you’ll see the fascinating WWII defence relics, the largest shipwreck on the shores of Australia (Sygna) as well as the sheer beauty of these huge sand formations. n

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HOT DIGS: Opened in March 2003, the award-winning Crowne Plaza Newcastle brings an air of big city sophistication to Newcastle. Bright, airy and stylish, this new, superbly located, waterfront hotel offers large, well appointed rooms at reasonable rates. Phone: 1 800 007 697 or visit www.newcastle.crowneplaza.com. Recently rebranded and soon to be refurbished, the Travelodge Newcastle offers 3.5 star hotel suites right in the heart of King St. Phone: (02) 4926 3777 or visit www.travelodge.com.au TOP EATS: Perfectly situated on the upgraded wharf, Scratchleys seafood restaurant, hangs imperiously out over the water providing guests expansive views of the harbour. Phone: (02) 4949 1111 or visit www.scratchleys.com.au. Otherwise take your pick from the abundance of alfresco, sidewalk or café experiences in Mediterranean Beaumont or Bohemian Darby Streets.

BEST BARGAIN: Hire a bike from Fishers in the new Honeysuckle precinct. All day bike hire is $35. Or take the landmark foreshore and beach stroll (five kilometres) from Nobby’s Lighthouse to Merewether for free.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Newcastle Tourismwww.visitnewcastle.com.auPhone: (02) 4974 2999.

Sand Safaris Active Adventure Tourswww.sandsafaris.com.auPhone: (02) 4965 0215.

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