Newcastle
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By car
Newcastle is a two hour drive north of Sydney on the F3 freeway which starts at Wahroonga (close to Hornsby) on the North Shore. The scenic freeway is in excellent condition and driving is normally not difficult. However, as a large number of people commute to Sydney daily from the Central Coast and even Newcastle, travellers driving north during the evening peak (5PM to 7PM) will encounter heavy traffic between Wahroonga and the Central Coast with traffic easing off as you travel north the reverse applies to south bound traffic during the morning commute.
By train
Sydney's Central, Strathfield, Epping and Hornsby stations have hourly Cityrail trains to Newcastle Station via the Central Coast. Travelling time is about 2.5-3 hours, and there is at least one train per hour for most of the day.
Several Countrylink services pass through Newcastle's Broadmeadow station (approximately 5 kms from the CBD) daily from Sydney and the Central Coast to the south and from the Northern Rivers and New England. These trains are a lot more expensive than Cityrail services and tickets must be booked in advance, but they are somewhat more comfortable and are also faster. Occasionally Countrylink discount tickets by up to 50% if booking tickets within 24 hours of travel, so it may be worth checking their fare.
By plane
Newcastle Airport is a regional hub served by a number of domestic airlines:
* Jetstar, flys to and from Brisbane , Gold Coast and Melbourne.
* Virgin Blue, flys to and from Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
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Heritage architecture
in and around the city. Notable buildings in the CBD area include the courthouse (top of Bolton St), former Customs House, Newcastle Railway Station, and Post Office (cnr of Hunter St and Bolton St).
Nobbys Head
Nobbys island is connected to the mainland by a pier built using convict labour (completed in 1846). The pier is accessible to pedestrians, and is flanked by Nobbys Beach. It provides an excellent vantage point to take in views of the harbour and Stockton Beach across the water.
Fort Scratchley
A historic site which now houses a military museum. The fort defended Newcastle in 1942 when a Japanese submarine surfaced shelling the city. Fort Scratchley has recently been refurbished and is open to the public, great views to the north and over the city are a highlight as well as the history.
Newcastle Region Art Gallery
The gallery houses a high quality collection of works by Australian artists and also stages its own and travelling exhibitions.
The foreshore
Large grassedopen spaces on the old goods marshalling yards at the eastern end with playground equipment for children. Bars, cafes and restaurants overlooking the harbour starting from Queens Wharf where live music can be listened to on the outdoor area over the water (Hunter River)but very little grassed areas.
January - April
September - December
Information not available
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