It is a place where you can grow your business, raise your family, and enjoy all that art, culture, sport and nature have to offer.
Local culture is enriched by diverse communities. For generations, people from China and elsewhere in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa have been drawn to Newcastle and the Hunter. Also living and working in our region are 7,000+ international students who are studying at the University of Newcastle. The Hunter has long welcomed students from overseas and today the University’s alumni hail from more than 150 countries.
Newcastle is also one of the most inclusive cities in Australia for LGBTIQ+ communities. We were the first regional city to host Mardi Gras, and we delivered one of the highest ‘yes’ votes of any city during the marriage equality vote.
At a glance:
- Newcastle is a 30-minute city with work, school and services within easy reach
- Central location with easy access to surrounding regions and Sydney
- Diverse, inclusive and welcoming community
- Affordable and diverse choice of housing close to jobs, shopping and services
- Public transport and walking and cycling networks
- Flourishing art, culture, entertainment and food scene
- Scenic national parks, pristine beaches and waterways.
Housing
Newcastle and the Hunter offer a choice in housing to meet every need and budget:
- a contemporary apartment with city views
- lakeside living in Lake Macquarie
- a new home in a suburban estate
- a base among the natural beauty of Port Stephens
- a cottage or patch of land in a rural setting
… and everything in between.
On average, this region's housing is 20% more affordable than our closest capital city. Whether buying or renting, you will find the region’s housing options are diverse, affordable and close to the amenities and services you need.
Indigenous heritage
The region deeply respects First Nations people in the Hunter and their connection to land and sea. Newcastle and the Hunter span six Aboriginal nation groups:
- Awabakal
- Biripi
- Darkinjung
- Geawegal
- Wonnarua
- Worimi
Major organisations in Newcastle and the Hunter have made a public commitment to working in partnership with the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the path to reconciliation. There is also a solid commitment to providing greater economic and social opportunities for First Nations people.
Notably, the University of Newcastle enrols the most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the country, and half of Australia’s Indigenous medical doctors are university graduates.
There is also a solid commitment to providing greater economic and social opportunities for First Nations people.
Arts and culture
Whatever piques your cultural interest, you will find it in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Newcastle has more artists and art galleries per capita than anywhere else in Australia. The painter and sculptor William Dobell (1899–1970) and artist John Henry Olsen AO OBE (1928 – 2023) were both born in Newcastle, and the band Silverchair claims the city as its own, as do many other artists.
Newcastle and the Hunter are notable for our vibrant music scene. From international headline acts in a Hunter Valley vineyard to a night with a symphony orchestra or discovering new talent at the local pub, endless opportunities exist to indulge your music appetite.
We are also home to a huge variety of festivals and markets. Every week there’s something new to explore. The Newcastle Writers Festival, Newcastle Pride Festival, Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival, Handmade in the Hunter Markets, Olive Tree Markets, Lovedale Long Lunch, plus numerous farmers markets across the region – the options are endless.
Sport and recreation
Newcastle and the Hunter is a playground for lovers of sport and recreation.
You can head to a home game of the city’s cherished national rugby league team, the Newcastle Knights, at Ausgrid Stadium. Soccer fans can catch the national A-League team, the Newcastle Jets in action.
For those who like to do rather than watch, there are triathlons and marathons; surfing, ocean swimming and rowing; local clubs covering every possible sport; yoga and wellbeing studios; and gyms with all the bells and whistles.
For recreation, Newcastle and the Hunter are spoiled for choice: adventure and Indigenous heritage in the Worimi Conservation Lands, whale and dolphin watching along the coast, hot-air ballooning in the Valley, hiking in state and national parks, running or walking the lake, or simply sampling the produce at one of the 20-plus wineries in the Hunter Valley – Australia’s oldest continuous wine region.
