To my mind Newcastle is a classier place than, say, the often feral sprawl of suburbs to the south (Central Coast), or the beach towns to the north. This is a city with class, with character; walk along Hunter Street, from Wickham past Civic to the middle of town, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Europe, or at least the UK. It looks like a north England industrial city dropped right on to the Australian beach.
Cruise ships pull into the port!
During the day (between lessons!), I could walk to Kotara Westfield, or Charlestown Marketplace! In fact, I could stay at the Charlestown Mercure with Velocity points!
See the animals at Blackbutt Reserve.
On night's off I could explore the small bars here!
Cross the bridge and relax in the Hunter Wetlands.
Drink at the Lucky Hotel!
Stock up on Ginseng at Kwon Mart.
STOCKTON BEACH
The wreck of the MV Sygna is 8.8km from the southern end of the beach.
Stay at the Oriental Hotel!
Somewhat more upmarket: The Ibis Hotel!
You can prepare meals in the communal kitchen (I could buy some ingredients from Delikacies!
Don't stay there in the middle of winter!
RESTAURANTS
Sham's Afghan Kebabs: .
Vistana Malaysia Restaurant: 115 Pacific Highway, Charlestown. Website: website here.
Serves nasi lemak, Malaysia's most iconic dish, as well as roti canai.