Cultural Attractions

Discover and enjoy Newcastle's rich cultural heritage by visiting the cultural attractions and collections, parks and ocean baths managed by City of Newcastle.

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre

The Centre is at the former Civic Railway Station which opened to passenger services in 1935. Immerse yourself in the rail heritage of the site; and access the latest visitor information, tourist maps, brochures, event details and souvenirs.

Newcastle Museum

Newcastle Museum collects, preserves and interprets objects for and about Newcastle in an innovative way to inspire, entertain and engage. Located in the historic Honeysuckle Railway workshops, the Museum is right in the heart of Newcastle.

Fort Scratchley

Tahlbihn (Fort Scratchley) has a fascinating history. Site of Australia's first European coal mine, a Fort built in the 1880s to protect against feared Russian attack, firing back at a Japanese submarine that bombarded Newcastle one night in 1942.

Newcastle Art Gallery

Nationally recognised as one of the finest public collections in Australia, the Newcastle Art Gallery holds over 7,000 works of art and the quality and breadth of its collection makes it a significant cultural asset for the city.

Newcastle Region Library

The Newcastle War Memorial Cultural Centre (Newcastle Region Library) is a powerful reminder of the role of Newcastle in two world wars and a gift to the city. Explore its history, which began in 1957.

Civic Theatre

The Civic Theatre has been our star attraction since it opened in 1929. A trip to the 'Civic' will reward you through the magic of its beautiful baroque interiors and fabulous location in the city centre.

Newcastle City Hall

Opened in 1929, Newcastle City Hall is an institutional landmark, the legislative and administrative hub of the city and one of Newcastle's most unique and prestigious venues.

Civic Park

Civic Park was once occupied by industrial warehouses and criss-crossed by the Burwood and AA Company railway lines, it now provides a beautiful, landscaped space for civic commemorations and events. The perfect spot for impromptu picnics.

Centennial Park

In the heart of Cooks Hill Heritage Conservation Area, the charming Centennial Park offers a Victorian rotunda, modern playground, fragrant flower beds and expansive grassy spaces shaded by Norfolk Pines and fig trees.

Convict Lumber Yard

Visit Australia's oldest recorded place of industrial activity, in the Convict Lumber Yard heritage park. Learn about the key heritage features of the site and nearby 'Coal River' precinct.

Cathedral Park

Explore the headstones and the colourful history of this fascinating burial site. A former Aboriginal campsite, and home to monuments of convicts, First Fleeters, founding families of Newcastle, infants, and the Cawarra ship wreck.

King Edward Park

King Edward Park was dedicated as a recreation reserve in 1863. Within the grounds are convict mine workings, several defence-related sites, Themeda grasslands and Aboriginal cultural landscapes; the focal point is a Victorian rotunda.

Lead Light Tower

The Lead Light tower with its castle-like parapet demonstrates the importance of trade and shipping to Newcastle and in turn the importance of Newcastle in developing the Australian economy.

The Obelisk

The Obelisk is one of our cherished heritage assets. Once the site of a windmill for grinding flour, this was replaced in 1850 by the Obelisk. Used as a navigational marker, it is a great place to explore the city skyline and coastline.

Newcastle Ocean Baths

Newcastle Ocean Baths, opening in 1922 and re-modelled by Pitt & Merewether Architects in 1927, are an iconic Art Deco pavilion and heritage site on the beach and have a special place in our city's rich heritage.

Merewether Ocean Baths

Merewether Ocean Baths were opened in 1935 as part of the Merewether Golden Jubilee Celebrations, and are the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere. Hugely popular among visitors and locals alike, they are perfect for a cooling off swim.