NEWCASTLE

Waratah is a suburb about six kilometres north-west from Newcastle’s CBD in the Hunter region of NSW. The city of Newcastle has a population of more than 155,411 people and is about 160 kilometres north of Sydney. The Worimi and Awabakal people are the traditional owners of the land and a penal settlement was developed after Lieutenant John Shortland recognised the deep port and coal resources of the area in 1797. Mining, agriculture, copper and steel fuelled its growth and Newcastle remains the largest coal export port in the world. Now regarded as an innovative cultural and education centre, it was voted by National Geographic Traveller as one of the top ‘Smart Cities’ in the world in 2017. With a stunning coastline and natural beauty, great food and proximity to Hunter Valley wineries, Newcastle is a popular holiday destination.