A lively port city on a breathtaking stretch of Australia's coastline, Newcastle boasts wonderful beaches for surfing and swimming, a low cost of living, a very favorable climate, and a casual lifestyle—and it's only 2.5 hours from Sydney. It is located in New South Whales, Newcastle is the largest coal exporting harbor in the world. With a population of 350,000, Newcastle offers all the usual city comforts, such as restaurants, cafés, parks and gardens, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers, and nightclubs, while retaining the charms of a smaller beach community.
Lonely Planet named Newcastle a Top Ten city in the World in “Best in Travel Guide” in 2011. It is a city full of heritage that is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle with a blend of imagination, sophistication and culture. Many walks of life call Newcastle home, including artists, sports champions, entertainers, musicians, authors and researchers. The University of Newcastle offers a great study environment – it has the city feel without all the hustle and bustle.
A few miles south of the city is Australia's largest seaboard lake, Lake Macquarie, scene of many national and international sailing events. Less than an hour's drive north is the impressive harbor of Port Stephens, a popular center for big-game fishing, sailing, surfing, and windsurfing. To the west are the internationally famous wineries of the Hunter Valley, many of them more than a century old. And to the south are the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. The oceanic climate of the region offers warm summers and mild winters. It’s no wonder Newcastle is a popular tourist destination among Australians.