Newcastle Information Booklet
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Hunter New England Local Health District Newcastle Information Booklet March 2016 Disclaimer While Hunter New England Local Health District (HNE Health) has attempted to make the information in this booklet as accurate as possible, the information is for personal and/or educational use only and is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. There is no guarantee given as to the accuracy or currency of any individual item in the booklet especially in relation to external agencies. HNE Health does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage occasioned by the use of the information contained in the booklet nor from any access to the site. All access and use is at the risk of the user. HNE Health has provided hypertext links to a number of other web sites as a service to users. This service does not mean that HNE Health endorses those sites or material on them in any way. HNE Health is not responsible for the use of a hypertext link for which a commercial charge applies. Individual users are responsible for any charges that their use may incur. 1 NEWCASTLE – A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE & WORK ............................................................................................ 3 OVERVIEW OF GREATER NEWCASTLE SECTOR ................................................................................................ 7 JOHN HUNTER HOSPITAL .............................................................................................................................................. 7 CALVARY MATER NEWCASTLE ...................................................................................................................................... 7 ROYAL NEWCASTLE CENTRE ........................................................................................................................................ 8 BELMONT HOSPITAL ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 GP ACCESS AFTER HOURS - 1300 130 147PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE AFTER HOUR’S PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE FOR PATIENTS OF THE HUNTER URBAN REGION. ............................................................. 8 GETTING TO NEWCASTLE.......................................................................................................................................... 9 RENTAL OR PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION ................................................................................................... 10 PURCHASING A PROPERTY .................................................................................................................................... 11 UTILITIES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11 FURNITURE ................................................................................................................................................................... 11 SECOND HAND FURNITURE STORES: .................................................................................................................. 11 SUBURBS TO CONSIDER .......................................................................................................................................... 12 CHILD CARE .................................................................................................................................................................. 13 CHILD CARE ACCESS HOTLINE – FREE CALL 1800 670 305 ......................................................................... 13 LOCAL BANKING OPTIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 14 EDUCATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 15 NEWCASTLE - THINGS TO DO AND SEE .............................................................................................................. 20 SHOPPING ..................................................................................................................................................................... 25 MARKETS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27 HEALTH AND FITNESS .............................................................................................................................................. 28 GYMNASIUMS ............................................................................................................................................................... 28 WALKING AND CYCLING .......................................................................................................................................... 28 SWIMMING POOLS ...................................................................................................................................................... 29 OCEAN BATHS ............................................................................................................................................................. 29 PARKS & PICNIC SPOTS ........................................................................................................................................... 30 SPEERS POINT PARK ................................................................................................................................................ 30 RESTAURANTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 31 FAMILY ACTIVITIES NOT JUST FOR KIDS ............................................................................................................ 32 PLACES OF WORSHIP ............................................................................................................................................... 33 WEATHER ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34 2 Newcastle – A Great Place to Live & Work Only two hours drive north of Sydney on the M1 Freeway, you will find Newcastle, a modern city boasting a rich heritage and stunning coastline. How many other cities offer the opportunity to leave the office at lunchtime and enjoy refreshing surf or swim only minutes from the city centre? The following beaches - Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether and Stockton are all within 5km of the city centre. Newcastle is Australia’s second oldest city. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony, Newcastle is a city rich in history, the arts and culture. From our intriguing 200 year story has arisen a dynamic city of contrasts, with a mix of agriculture, natural attractions and industry. Newcastle boasts a diversified commercial, cultural, trade and industrial economy. This robust economy ensures Newcastle continues to cement its position as one of Australia’s key business destinations. As Australia's seventh largest city, Newcastle offers all the benefits and amenities of a large city but with all the friendliness of a regional town. With excellent medical facilities; first class educational opportunities and easily accessible transport, there are many reasons why Newcastle is a Great Place, Great Lifestyle, Great Future. Click here to discover our suburbs, look at maps and read about the character and history of the area. Click here to download the Newcastle Relocation Guide- an invaluable source of information for those considering a move to Newcastle. Or for more information on Newcastle check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au or click here for more useful links 3 About Lake Macquarie The City of Newcastle is made up of Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie with 2 separate Local Government Authorities Location Lake Macquarie is Australia’s largest coastal salt water lake. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches, mountains, and the ocean. Lake Macquarie is located 90 minutes north of Sydney, 10 minutes from Newcastle, and 40 minutes from Hunter Wine Country and the NSW Central Coast. Population Lake Macquarie is one of the fastest growing cities in the Hunter, and one of the largest cities in New South Wales. Lake Macquarie’s population is fast approaching 200,000. Lake Macquarie is the Hunter’s largest city, accounting for 37% of the Lower Hunter population. Lake Macquarie is the fourth most populous city in NSW, and the eighth most populous city in Australia. 4 Lake Macquarie The population of Lake Macquarie is expected to grow by 60,000 – 70,000 people over the next 25 years, which will create a demand for 36,500 new dwellings. The percentage of our population aged 55+ will increase from 29% to 39% of our total population over the next 20 years. Landscape Lake Macquarie has mountains, beaches, and a spectacular lake. On the western side of Lake Macquarie, the Watagan Mountains incorporate 13 forests, and numerous lookouts, picnic spots, camping areas, and magnificent waterfalls. Our centrepiece, the lake, has 174 kilometres of foreshore providing little sandy lake beaches, hidden coves, and secluded bays. Lake Macquarie is about twice the area and volume of Sydney Harbour. Lake Macquarie is one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in Australia. Lifestyle Lake Macquarie’s natural playground