Newcastle Port is a bustling hub for trade and commerce on the east coast of Australia. Located just two hours′ drive north of Sydney, it is the world′s largest coal export port and handles a range of other cargo, from grain to containers. The port also welcomes cruise ships and boasts a marina for recreational boaters. Visitors can explore the city′s rich history and culture, enjoy the stunning beaches, and discover the thriving arts and culinary scenes. Newcastle Port is a gateway to some of the best experiences that New South Wales has to offer.
On the east coast of Australia in the state of New South Wales stands the small town of Newcastle.
Modern Newcastle is full of parks, museums, art galleries, art exhibitions, outdoor concert venues and theaters. Lee Wharf is home to a maritime center. The history of aviation is introduced by exhibits at the World Fighters cultural complex. See the city's panorama on hot air balloon trips. Make fascinating boat trips offer owners of yachts. In the city for tourists organize excursions to pristine forests, which are protected by UNESCO.
Its history began in 1804. The settlement was originally founded as a colony with a prison for British criminals. The gloomy casemates serve as a reminder of those times. Tourists can take a tour through the tunnels for the curious tourists.
The Awabakal people, the traditional owners of the land on which Newcastle stands, have a creation story that tells of the formation of the land and the birth of the Hunter River.
According to the story, the Awabakal people believed that the creator spirit, Baiami, made the world in six days. On the seventh day, Baiami rested and on that day, a great flood swept across the land.
As the floodwaters receded, Baiami created the land, mountains, and valleys. He then created two snakes, one male and one female, and told them to move across the land, creating rivers and waterways as they went.
The male snake made his way up the coast, creating rivers as he slithered along. When he arrived at the site of present-day Newcastle, he found a large rock blocking his path. The male snake used all his strength to push the rock aside, creating a gap in the mountain range and allowing the Hunter River to flow through.
The female snake made her way down the coast, creating the rivers and waterways that flowed into the Hunter River. When she met the male snake at the site of present-day Newcastle, they mated and gave birth to a great serpent that slithered along the river, creating the many tributaries that feed into the Hunter.
This creation story of the Hunter River and the land around Newcastle is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Awabakal people and continues to be passed down through generations.