The cinematic experience
by iandsmith
Like the movies? A lot of people do. These days you have multiple choice cinemas with space age carpets and architecture and snack bars where you can get totally ripped off when buying yourself treats. However, if you miss the old style cinema where the man that sells you the ticket also operates the projector, where you get a smile and a bit of chat while you buy your ticket, where tickets are two thirds the price of chain cinemas then you are in luck. One place in Newcastle offers just such an experience at Boolaroo, even gives you a free tea and sandwiches at half time during their double feature presentations. Can't ask for more than that!
The history
by iandsmith
Newcastle has some buildings with some historical significance but, compared to Sydney, there's not a lot. This is a nice example. The slate roofed Newcastle East Public School has a heritage order on it so, what you see here should still be standing when you visit.
It dates from the late 19th century and is situated in Brown Street, just across the road from the old lighthouse tower shown elsewhere on my pages.
Back of Customs House
by iandsmith
If you arrive at the Railway Station and head up Scott Street towards the ocean then, at 92, opposite Pacific Park, is the fine old stationmaster's residence (1858). Beautifully restored, it has iron columns supporting a porch with delicately patterned cast-iron lacework. Opposite, at the corner of Pacific and Scott Sts, is a building partially obscured by hedges and trees. It is the former Newcastle East Police Station (1880) built as a water police residence.
Further up the road where the buses terminate is Parnell Place and it takes you left towards Nobbys Beach. This thoroughfare was hit by shells from a Japanese submarine in 1942 when the city was on full alert.
The guns of nearby Fort Scratchley were only able to get off two ranging shots when a vessel scurrying for cover got in the way and the sub was able to escape.
To the immediate right is a small park where you'll note a large column. This belonged to the original courthouse (1841) on the corner of Bolton and Hunter Sts that was demolished in 1899 to make way for the post office.
At the end of Parnell Place is a complex intersection, to the side of which is a rusting monument to Newcastle's coalmining and shipping industries with a series of plaques depicting the evolution and interaction of both industries. This route can then take you to Nobbys and back along the harbour foreshore the restaurants that dot the waterfront.
Summer time is simmer time
by iandsmith
A pair of thongs or sandals is good in summer as it can get quite hot when you're up at the beach. Do bring sunburn cream. If you are from Europe you will get burnt to a crisp if you don't take precautions. Remember, Australia is the melanoma (skin cancer) capital of the world and we don't need you to add to our statistics. Polarizing filters are essential if you're taking pictures of the beach.
Tilligerry Koala Habitat
by AnnikaW
North of Newcastle, in Port Stephens, you find Tilligerry Koala Habitat. It is a small habitat where 5-7 koalas live. Unfortunately we came on the wrong time of the day, when they sit high up in the trees, so we missed them, but the habitat is so beautiful so it is well wort a visit anyway.
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The changing waterfront
Bridge over seldom troubled waters
Courthouse @ Paterson
The almost wreck of the Pasha Bulker
