NEWCASTLE reaches out to the sea, creating Australia’s only city centre bounded by pristine beaches and an active working harbour. From our intriguing 200 year story has arisen a dynamic city of contrasts. Discover a port city in transition and delight in a mixture of the raw and refined. Working wharves are becoming places of play; the city hums with a vibrant arts culture and an emerging food scene is evident or take a dip in the Bogey Hole, which was cut into ocean rocks by convict labour in 1819. You will realise the convicts amazing achievement when you see the waves crashing into the pool. The Bogey Hole was constructed by order of Commandant Morisset in about 1820 for his own personal use. Morisset was Commandant of Newcastle from 1819 to 1822. It was known, originally as the “Commandants Baths”. The name “Bogey Hole” was applied afterwards and comes from the indigenous word meaning “to bathe”. Some things need never change – the surf is still world class, the pace remains relaxed and the friendly locals are proud of their city
