WalkWalk he Newcastle East Heritage Walk leads from the site of the Watt Street wharf, along Watt Street ,turning east past the front of Customs House , intothe Convict Lumber Yard, left into Scott Street then oninto the Newcastle East residential and warehouse precinct . At Stephenson Place, the Jean Perrett stairs lead tothe former rail marshalling yards and old commercialwharf area . The pre-European indigenous inhabitants,the Awabakal people’s visits to the estuarine foreshore isacknowledged as the Walk passes the site of theformer Power Station, and on to Nobbys Road . Macquarie Pier can be explored from here and the

ocean promenade can be followed around FortScratchley to the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

ou are invited to follow the steps of Newcastle’s 200-year journey that traces the great changes haveoccurred since European settlement during this time. TheNewcastle East Heritage Walk will take you on that journeyas it takes you past many notably points of interest andspectacular coastal views that will enrich yourunderstanding of Newcastle East’s remarkable history. TheHeritage Walk follows a path 3.12 kilometres in lengthand will take approximately 1.75 hours to comfortablywalk. A number of the points of interest have been brilliantlyilluminated for evening viewing under the IlluminationNewcastle program. These are indicated on theaccompanying map.

The Hunter River, the ancient estuary, originally a valuedresource for the local indigenous Awabakal people, is nowa world-renowned port. The European settlement thatremade the shoreline founded and developed a notablecity of industry and commerce. Former landscapes canbe glimpsed in old photographs captured in the signsalong the Walk, while present landscapes highlightthe interest and beauty of the city today.

The Walk continues along Nobbys Road southtowards Parnell Place and the old gaol site .

Several of Newcastle East's streets can be visitedfrom here before continuing down to the Newcastle

Ocean Baths . A promenade leads around to NewcastleBeach then at the surf pavilion the Walk crosses theformer Shortland Park and, via the subway, reachesPacific Park and the Newcastle Hospital . Returning

to the beach, the Esplanade is followed to Fletcher Park . After noting the historic precinct of Upper WattStreet , the Walk descends down Watt Street, alongwhich are numerous plaques marking the sites of severalhistoric convict-era buildings. The Walk then reachesits final destination opposite Newcastle Train Station

completing the circuit.

Public toilets and refreshments are available at the NobbysBeach Surf Pavilion, Newcastle Ocean Baths and NewcastleBeach Pavilion during swimming months, and in cafes nearPacific Street area all year.

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Newcastle East is the birthplace of the city andthe Hunter region. Originally a meeting andfishing place for Aboriginal people, the scenebegan to change in 1804 to one of settlementand profound modification of the land and estuary. The intensive utilisation of Newcastle East sincethat time for industry, transport, services andcommunity living has left layers of historyapparent in every view. Today, Newcastle East isleading the way in the revitalisation of the city.

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a Nobbys Headlandb Fort Scratchleyc Ocean Bathsd The Obeliske King Edward Park Rotundaf Christ Church Cathedralg Court Househ Post Officei Paymaster’s Officej Stationmaster’s Residencek Customs Housel Earp Gillam Bond Storem Boat Harbourn Former Military Barrackso Soldiers Bathsp Convict Lumber Yard

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walk along Watt Street is a walkthrough Newcastle's past. The well-trodden uphill path from the first

boat-landing place provided Newcastlewith a street that encompasses the city'ssocial and economic history. Watt Streetwas the track climbed by the convictsworking in the small coal pit near the topof the hill who wheeled laden barrowsdown the steep incline to the wharf.

Watt Street was the place of colonialgovernment in Newcastle. Plaques alongthe street mark the sites of the convict-eracommandant's house and grounds, theMilitary Barracks, the Commissariat storeand the Sessions House. In earlier years,whitewashed cottages made of timber andplaster dotted Watt Street and adjoiningland. They provided accommodation forboth convicts and their military guards.Later, renowned and influential pioneers ofthe city built comfortable homes here.

The street contained the best hotels,numerous shipping agencies and severalforeign consulates. Events of greatimportance in maritime affairs occurred intheir rooms. Watt Street was the locationof Newcastle's early schools and MechanicsInstitute, professional and commercialpremises, merchants establishments and

PHOTO: Looking north along Watt Street, c. 1900.C Hunter Collection

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first theatres.

Watt Street was the first street properlybuilt after Newcastle was declared a cityin 1859. The section between Scott andKing Streets took shape in early 1860.

From 1884 to 1929, the Municipal Councilgoverned the city from chambers in WattStreet. Customs, shipping and railadministrators officiated from premisesnear the wharves and rail terminus.Seafarers congregated to find work, ora place to sleep. Mail and passengercoaches departed to Maitland,emphasising the street's role as atransport focus. Nearby hotels cateredfor thousands of business people andtravellers.

Additionally, Watt Street forms a linkbetween the city's most scenic andhistoric recreation grounds - theForeshore, and King Edward and FletcherParks. The realisation of the 1988

ANewcastle's most historic street

NEXT STOP

Sign No. 3. Newcastle's Coal &Convict Heritage

Walk east along Bond Street to find

Sign No. 3.

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a Nobbys Headlandb Fort Scratchleyc Ocean Bathsd The Obeliske King Edward Park Rotundaf Christ Church Cathedralg Court Househ Post Officei Paymaster’s Officej Stationmaster’s Residencek Customs Housel Earp Gillam Bond Storem Boat Harbourn Former Military Barrackso Soldiers Bathsp Convict Lumber Yard

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Newcastle City Council is committed to thepromotion and conservation of the City's culturalheritage through its Heritage Policy. Informationmay be obtained from Council's Heritage Officeron 4974 2000.

For more information on other attractionsof historic Newcastle please contact NEWCASTLE TOURISM.

NEWCASTLE TOURISM is located at 363 HunterStreet, Newcastle. The office is open 9am to 5pmMonday to Friday and 10am to 3.30pm on weekendsand public holidays. The office is closed onChristmas Day and Good Friday only.

Newcastle is becoming a user friendly city.Newcastle City Council has made manyimprovements to public areas and is encouragingthe private sector to make access easier. Councilhas a commitment to providing its community witha high quality of life that is sustainable and accessibleto all its citizens. A comprehensive Mobility Mapof Newcastle CBD is available from NEWCASTLETOURISM.

MOBILITY ACCESS INFORMATION

TOURISM INFORMATION

HERITAGE INFORMATION