Newcastle Area, Hunter Region

Newcastle is a metropolitan area located in the mouth of the Hunter River, on the central eastern coast of New South Wales.

It is one of the largest and most populated areas of the state, and offers both natural and urban attractions to its residents and visitors.

One easy way to get acquainted with the city, including its tourist attractions and history, is to take The Famous Tram. The ride, lasting about 45 minutes, provides passengers with fascinating and useful information on Newcastle and some of its surrounding areas.

The area is also quite historic, with several public and private structures harkening back to the 19th century. In the suburb of Adamstown, for example, there's the Adamstown Railway Station that have been operational since 1887. An earlier railway station, opened in 1857, is located in the suburb of Tarro, and is still very much part of the area's transportation system.

In Mayfield, there are several Victorian mansions built by prominent businessmen in the past, providing visual remembrance of the area's splendid and prosperous history. One of these structures, the Bella Vista mansion on Crebert Street, is now a favorite venue for weddings and other special events.

Another interesting destination would be the Tomago House, situated on Tomago Road in the suburb of the same name. Built in the 1840s, this beautiful structure was part of a vast estate that includes its own vineyard and cellar.

For pleasures of the urban kind, there's the Charlestown Square in the suburb of Charlestown. With more than a hundred shops, it is one of the major shopping centers in the area, with plans for further expansion already underway.

Those interested in purchasing Aboriginal art should visit Outback Art, along Industrial Drive in Mayfield. This gallery showcases works of Aboriginal artist living locally and abroad.

Local history can be viewed and learned at the Newcastle Regional Museum, which displays items associated with the Aboriginal people in Hunter Region. The museum also has collections related to city's mining history. Up to the present, Newcastle is still one of the major exporters of coal, producing million of tons annually.

Stockton Beach, on the northern part of Newcastle, has a lot to offer in terms of water-related recreation, like fishing and surfing. Swimming is also a popular activity, while facilities for picnics and barbecues are also provided. Four wheel vehicles can also be rented, for scenic rides along parts of the beach. Among the interesting sights would be the `Adolphe' shipwreck that can be viewed on the breakwater.

Appreciation of the area's natural attractions can be had at the Awabakal Nature Reserve, south of Dudley Beach. Apart from viewing numerous animals that call the reserve home, there are also several walking tracks that lead visitors to creeks, swamps, rocky platforms, and heath forests.

Next to this reserve, on its southern part, is the Redhead Beach. This area is considered a popular destination for surfers and picnickers.

Facilities for picnics are also available at the Blackbutt Reserve, an excellent location for bird watching and bushwalking.

For extensive exploration of Newcastle and its surrounding areas, tour operators can arrange four-wheel drives to Port Stephens and to the Lower Hunter Region.

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