Travel Diary: Newcastle, NSW

Being from Newcastle in England, I wanted to visit Newcastle in Australia ever since I found out there was one. Located in New South Wales, a couple of hours north of Sydney and a million miles away from big city chaos. I decided to visit on a Sunday, but even on a Monday morning Newcastle it seems to be a lot more chilled.


It has taken a lot of strength to type today as I had too many beers last night. When a pint costs you on average $10, schooners for five bucks are warmly welcomed. It was earned after a lot of walking along the coast in very warm weather, the first thing I did once I got here. I only spent one night in the city so as soon as I got to the hostel the lovely receptionist gave me a map and told me where to head. First, Nobbys Head.

I’m sure this lady was drunk. She was lovely though!

I was told Newcastle is quite industrial, to the north (or left of this image) it is clear to see. Beaches with sunbathers, surfers, jet skiers and dog walkers are occasionally dwarfed by huge tankers sailing through.



This isn’t an issue, when you are walking down the coastline over Newcastle’s many beaches, this is all out of view. What comes into view are beautiful cliffs, piers and para-gliders.

Eventually, you come to the Bogey Hole. This was cut out of rocks by convicts in 1819, pretty impressive. On VisitNSW, the following is said of the attraction.

The Bogey Hole was constructed by order of Commandant Morisset in about 1820 for his own personal use. Morisset was Commandant of Newcastle from 1819 to 1822. It was known, originally as the “Commandants Baths”. The name “Bogey Hole” was applied afterwards and comes from the indigenous word meaning “to bathe”.


I didn’t go in as it was pretty full. Instead I gazed over the horizon and waited for the occasional wave to crash over, which is an awesome sight.

Away from the waves, Newcastle has some nice architecture. I didn’t spend too much time wandering the streets, however there were some notable buildings. This one is a bar and restaurant called Customs House, where I was told about other places to go for a few beers.


The staff here were cool, friendly and informative. The people of Newcastle are very friendly, something Newcastle in England is thankfully known for, so there was a similarity. Another reminder of home was Nobbys Head, gazing out to sea was light doing so at St Mary’s Lighthouse in the North East of England, a lighthouse that can be accessed when the tide is out. This right now is receiving snow, a huge contrast to the palm trees and dolphins here in the Southern Hemisphere.

As I am typing, I am ready to say goodbye to the hostel, I can hear the horns of the huge ships entering and leaving port. I hope I have an excuse to come up again, it’s been fun. Thank you to the girl that gave me this recommendation last night, it helped with the hangover today.


Also, thank you for putting up with me being drunk. I cannot remember getting back to the hostel last night, but I will certainly remember this trip.

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47 thoughts on “Travel Diary: Newcastle, NSW”

    1. Haha, funnily enough I found my first really big spider the other day (after three months of living here) and was going to blog about it but didn’t get round to! A little smaller than my hand. But thankfully some of the poisonous bugs and snakes don’t want to attack unless they have to, so it’s a good idea to be loud when walking through rural areas to let them know you’re there.

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      1. Hahahaha, that would make a fun project to do, even if it will take your whole lifetime. You can probably get a Guinness record for even trying to visit them all…hahaha

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  4. I used to lived in Brisbane and my neighbour came from Newcastle, NSW. In Brisbane, we pronounce it New-cassel. Finally, after being corrected many times, I could say, New-carsel! 🙂

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    1. No! You said it right the first time :p I was told some Australians pronounce it differently, in Newcastle we pronounce it New-cassel, everyone else says New-carsel. Don’t be corrected haha, stay strong!

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      3. Interesting that I did have it right at first in Qld! When I was in the UK, was in the south – so it was Windsor Carsel! I’ve been to Kiama, it too has a blowhole – lovely with the mountains coming down to the ocean 🙂

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      4. I guess Carsel is better pronunciation, but I think Cassel is a little more unique 🙂 also, that’s good to know, my to-do list just keeps getting bigger!

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      1. It’s by the beach. To the right of the beach on way to South Coogee. I’ve got photos somewhere . You need to search by tag. It’s in my wandering or travelling folder.

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      5. You should. Easy to do so from Central. Catch a bus opposite there where the park is . It takes about half an hour. There’s a walking track or just lounge on the beach with a souvlaki or fish and chips or ice cream and catch bus back.

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    1. Thank you, I had a great time! Great weather, lovely people, and the family hotel burger was lovely! It’s strange to think we have been in the same bars… That’s why I love blogging 🙂

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      2. I tend to keep my blog fairly anonymous, for now at least. What is the name of the group? I will add it and message from there 🙂

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  11. Wow, love the photos 😀 I noticed that you followed me so I checked out you blog. I’m hoping I could travel someday. It must be so much fun and educational. I’m just gonna go ahead and read a little more of your blog.

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    1. Yeah I did 🙂 Thank you for stopping by my blog too, travel is amazing and is something I don’t regret in the slightest. It has helped shape me to be the person I am today, I hope you get to travel soon!
      Have you got ideas of where to go?

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      1. Many ideas! The most clitche ones, like France, and Germany. Specific places like London and Paris. I would also like to visit places that have the most amazing libraries ^-^
        What about you? What are your traveling plans for the future?

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      2. Some of the most cliched places are popular for a reason, they are great destinations! I’m sure you will visit many amazing libraries as they tend to be buildings of beautiful architecture and historical significance. I’m just trying to visit places I haven’t been, and also every continent. I’ve visited five continents so far (although not much in each), so not many more to go!

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      3. In the future, I’ll be making a traveling blog too :). I can’t wait to be able to travel!
        Good luck with your travels, and I’ll check more of your posts X3 Have a nice day and Happy Holidays!

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