Newcastle is New South Wales’ second largest city behind Sydney.
The modern beachside city boasts an intriguing colonial and maritime history, spectacular coastline, vibrant cultural life and a Mediterranean climate.
The city has some of Australia’s best surfing and swimming beaches as well as the unique ocean baths – the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Newcastle is the gateway to the world famous wine region of the Hunter Valley. Other attractions include pristine waterways and sand-dunes, gracious historic buildings and World Heritage listed rainforests.
These diverse attractions are all located within easy one hour access of the port and offer visitors a wide-ranging choice of activities - from the wine connoisseur to the thrill seeker.
The Port of Newcastle has employed a Cruise Co-ordinator responsible for developing and servicing the local cruise industry under the title, Cruise Hunter. C
ruise Hunter assists the cruise industry (free of charge) with all aspects of cruising including marketing, pre-planning port calls, providing cruise lines and Ground Handlers with the latest tourism product information, and providing landside services that ensure passengers have a memorable experience in Newcastle.
Cruise ships are choosing to visit Newcastle because of our great mix of tourism experiences, the friendliness and welcoming nature of our people, and the cooperation of local stakeholders to make sure each port call is successful.
For shore excursion options and port information visit: www.cruisehunter.com.au or check out the flip-book brochure at www.sharethesecret.com.au
With an ideal climate all year round, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley are great places to swim or surf, play golf or just get lost in nature with bushwalking, horse riding or dolphin watching. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the region’s unique art galleries, shopping districts and cafe clusters await.
The Hunter Region offers an array of attractions all located within an hour drive of the port. The Hunter is a passenger’s delight with much to see and do. All the following sightseeing attractions offer full or half day options:
Sightseeing Opportunities (Full Day)
- Hunter Valley Vineyards & Gourmet Food - sample some of the world’s most famous wines from over 120 wineries located within the Hunter Valley and taste the many gourmet delights.
- Hunter Valley Gardens – 25 hectares of amazing sights, colours and fragrances in stunning feature gardens.
- Stockton Sand Dunes - explore one of the worlds largest sand dune systems by 4wd or quad bike. Sandboard down dunes over 30 metres in height or try your luck at pippi catch and release.
- Dolphin Watch Cruise – watch Port Stephens very own bottlenose dolphin colony
- Play a round of golf at one of the regions golf courses nestled among the backdrop of Hunter Valley vineyards or pristine beaches.
- Barrington Tops - travel the upper Hunter Valley to this rugged World Heritage national park
- Lavender Farm – visit lavender farms boasting all things lavender; beauty and body products and lavender-infused foods including cakes, vinegars and jams.
- Deep Sea Fishing - fish for famous Australian seafood such as snapper, jewfish, kingfish, morwong and flathead
Sightseeing Opportunities (Half Day)
- Newcastle Highlights Tour – discover the inner city attractions of Fort Scratchley, Christ Church Cathedral, the Maritime Museum and regional Art Gallery providing an interesting understanding of the history of Newcastle.
- Blackbutt Reserve - see Australia animals such as koalas, possums, wombats, echidnas and emus.
- Maitland Gaol – experience life behind bars at one of Australia’s most notorious gaols. Learn what prison life is really like from one of the prisons former in-mates.
- Morpeth – visit the quaint village of Morpeth and shop for arts and crafts
- Learn to Surf – learn to surf at some of Australia’s most well-known beaches. Ideal for people of all ages and ability.
- Walking or Cycling tours of Newcastle – take in the historic past of the city and the stunning coastline past many beaches, ocean baths and rugged cliff faces.
- Helicopter joy flight – take a view of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley from luxury of a helicopter.
More shore excursion information can be viewed at www.cruisehunter.com.au or www.visitnewcastle.com.au