Newcastle, Australia 

A holiday in Newcastle will also immerse you in its history. The city has been transformed from a convict town to the industrial centre of the Hunter Valley. Its heritage architecture, great beaches, riverside gardens and emerging arts and cultural scene make this port city a perfect launch for a Central Coast holiday.

A gateway to the Hunter Valley vineyards, Newcastle is situated where the Hunter River flows into the sea. Explore the walking trails, bike paths or try canoeing in the Hunter Wetlands Centre. For something a little more laid back, head for the Hunter Valley and sample some of the world’s best Semillion grape varieties.

Your Ship docks at Throsby Wharf in the Port of Newcastle, which is a 20 minute walk from the city.

Taxis are widely available.

There are shops of all kinds in Newcastle, as befits a city of its size. Start in the city centre, but don’t be afraid to venture into the inner suburbs in a search for something unusual. Newcastle is an old city, so you may find that unique antique or curio you’ve wanted for ages. Darby Street in Cooks Hill, just south of downtown, has some interesting galleries and shops that feature the work of local designers. And don’t forget to consider purchasing a selection of fabulous Hunter Valley wines.

The café culture arrived in Newcastle some years ago and there are plenty of fine restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels offering everything from the humble meat pie to a sumptuous gastronomic wonder. A few areas to consider are the harbour waterfront downtown, particularly Honeysuckle, where old wharves have been turned into entertainment precincts featuring dining experiences with views. Darby Street in Cooks Hill, Beaumont Street (in the inner suburb of Hamilton, west of the city centre) and The Junction (south of downtown) all have cafes, pubs and upmarket restaurants. The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises. With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume this food, they do so entirely at their own risk.

Newcastle enjoys a temperate climate, very similar to Sydney’s. In summer it can get quite hot and humid, particularly from January to March. Winters are mild to cool, with some cold days and nights. Autumn and spring are delightful. The Hunter Valley can be quite crisp in winter and hot in summer.

If you’re pleased with the service you receive in a restaurant, a reasonable tip would be around five to ten percent of the bill.

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted.

Public telephones are widely available.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, ‘layered’ clothing (to allow for changes in temperature, particularly in autumn and winter) and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella on overcast days and a warm jacket in winter.

There are a number of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in and around Newcastle.

Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.