Newcastle Facts

About Newcastle

Situated two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is the largest city in New South Wales after Sydney.   In 1911, BHP chose Newcastle as the site for its steelworks due to the proximity of local coal.  It continued as the major employer in the city until the steelworks closed in 1999.  Since then, the city has transformed the harbour foreshore (site of the old steelworks) into a wonderful residential and commercial precinct in high demand for all forms of recreation.  Also many of the old buildings in the area have been re-purposed and transformed to make this a area most sought after place to live.   There are also many beachside suburbs which provide a ‘surfy’ atmosphere which make it a beguiling place to live and work.

Residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do.  Following is a list of a few of the annual events in the area. The Light Up Newcastle (Chinese New Year celebrations) is held in February, in April it is the Newcastle Writers Festival followed by the Port to Port MTB in May. The Newcastle Music Festival is held in July, the Long standing Newcastle Jazz Festival in August followed by the Newcastle International Supermoto in September and the Newkulele Festival in October.

That same atmosphere also provides the venue for many sporting activities with ocean baths, surf lifesaving and swimming all available.  Other sports which can be played in Newcastle are AFL, athletics, basketball, BMX, cricket, cycling, hockey, ice hockey, netball, oz tag, rugby league, rugby union, skateboarding, soccer, softball, tennis and touch football.

Also known for the availability of education, Newcastle has a huge range of education available from pre-school right through to University.  There are many approximately 32 public, 16 Catholic, 4 Private and 1 special primary schools and 9 public, 3 Catholic, 4 Private and 3 Special high schools.  At the tertiary level there are three campuses of the Hunter Institute of TAFE and the University of Newcastle. 

John Hunter is a major teaching hospital and is the largest hospital north of the Sydney.  It receives patients from all over northern NSW and provides the full range of services one would expect to find in a large teaching facility.  There is also the Calvary Mater private hospital and several others in the Newcastle Council area. 

For more information contact: mail@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Housing Data: Sourced from www.realestate.com.au current as at 7/18.
Careers Data: Sourced from ABS.