Merewether Live Cam

Immerse yourself in the rich lifestyle of Newcastle. With a talented and skilled workforce and a large student population from around Australia and the world, you will understand why many people choose to call Newcastle home.

Newcastle boasts some of Australia's best surfing beaches. These have proved a fertile breeding ground for several world champions - among them, Mark Richards, Matt Hoy and Luke Egan.

Enjoy a surf at Merewether, Dixon Park, or any one of the other inner city beaches and you may find yourself sharing a wave with one of our champions who still call Newcastle home.

Newcastle also boasts a large working harbour, the entrance to which is guarded by Nobby's Breakwater and Lighthouse - probably the most famous Newcastle icon.

The adjacent Harbour Foreshore area is the perfect place to while away the hours watching the busy harbour traffic while enjoying a drink or meal in one of the harbourside cafes, bars or restaurants.

Mingle with the hundreds of Novocastrians who flock to the foreshore area each weekend for recreational activities such as kite flying, roller-blading, jogging and bike riding.

For the energetic types, the Great North Walk takes you on a scenic trip, from Queens Wharf on Newcastle Harbour, to Circular Quay, Sydney.

Newcastle hosts a colourful and expansive array of cultural events and performances each year and has gained a solid reputation for the wealth of talent emanating from the city (such as teen band silverchair).

Annual events such as the Shoot Out Film Festival, the National Maritime Festival, the National Young Writers Festival and the Christ Church Cathedral Music Festival are just some of the cultural happenings which attract worldwide attention.

The spectacularly restored Civic Theatre is a world-class venue in the heart of Newcastle which regularly plays host to performers and performances from around the world.

Art enthusiasts are also well catered for in Newcastle. The Newcastle Regional Art Gallery regularly attracts major exhibitions from around Australia and the world. There is also a rich variety of commercial galleries.

Take a self-guided tour of Newcastle East and you will take a journey that traces the great changes that have occurred in this city since the first European settlement.

Or step back further and realise this city has a history long before white settlement.

There is also a fabulous Hunter wine to suit any meal.

And gourmands will love Café Albion and the Scott Street Café - both winners of coveted chef's hats awards in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

If it's spectacular seafood with stunning views you're after, then look no further than Scratchley's On The Wharf - a unique restaurant that literally sits right on Newcastle Harbour.

And a visit to Newcastle would not be complete without sampling our world-famous Hunter Valley wines.

Newcastle enjoys a solid reputation in all fields of sporting endeavour including all codes of football, golf, swimming, surfing, sailing, tennis, bowls, netball and basketball.

View the brave aerobatics of the kite surfers or get the adrenaline pumping by taking flight. Hang gliding is a must - the best view in town!

So whether you're a sportsperson or a spectator, all your sporting needs are well catered for in Newcastle.