- Updated with new information since originally published.
- Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
- Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.
Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:
Newcastle is a city in New South Wales on the east coast of Australia. Like its namesake in the United Kingdom, it has rich coal deposits, and is the largest coal exporting harbor in the world. It was a penal settlement until 1822 and much of the city was built by convicts who had been sentenced to hard labor. Unfortunately, many of the structures were badly built and have not survived. Newcastle was considered to be of strategic importance in both world wars and was bombed in 1942. In 1989, an earthquake caused widespread destruction. The Hunter River flows into the sea at Newcastle and the city has several beaches, linked by the Bathers' Way.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Get Ready to Go!
- Search flights and stays nearby.
- Book your tour or local activity.
- Book your car rental.
Need some more help?
Go to travel reservations.