Originally an island, this headland at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour was joined to the mainland by a stone breakwater built by convicts between 1818 and 1846; many of those poor souls were lost to the wild seas during construction. The walk along the spit towards the lighthouse and meteorological station (open on Sundays) and beyond along the long breakwater is exhilarating, but don't do it in high seas.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Newcastle attractions

1. Nobby's Beach

0.49 MILES

Surfers should goofy-foot it to Nobby's Beach. The fast left-hander known as the Wedge is at its northern end, which can also offer good kitesurfing…

2. Fort Scratchley

0.65 MILES

Perched above Newcastle Harbour, this intriguing military site was constructed during the Crimean War to protect the city against a feared Russian…

3. Newcastle Beach

0.98 MILES

Surfers and swimmers adore this picturesque patrolled beach at the eastern end of the town centre. Nearby accommodation and eating options mean that you…

4. Lock-Up

1.03 MILES

These days artists in residence, rather than prisoners, occupy this former police station (1861). There’s a dynamic contemporary-art program, artists…

5. Christ Church Cathedral

1.26 MILES

Dominating the city skyline, Newcastle's Anglican cathedral is filled with treasures like a gold chalice and a remembrance book made from jewellery…

7. King Edward Park

1.48 MILES

This magnificently landscaped ocean-side park offers sweeping views, lots of grass and plenty of shady spots for lounging around. The best views are from…

8. Newcastle Museum

1.6 MILES

This attractive museum in the restored Honeysuckle rail workshops tells a tale of the city from its Indigenous Awabakal origins to its rough-and-tumble…

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