Newcastle is New South Wales’ second largest city behind Sydney.
The modern beachside city boasts an intriguing colonial and maritime history, spectacular coastline, vibrant cultural life and a Mediterranean climate.
The city has some of Australia’s best surfing and swimming beaches as well as the unique ocean baths – the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Newcastle is the gateway to the world famous wine region of the Hunter Valley. Other attractions include pristine waterways and sand-dunes, gracious historic buildings and World Heritage listed rainforests.
These diverse attractions are all located within easy one hour access of the port and offer visitors a wide-ranging choice of activities - from the wine connoisseur to the thrill seeker.
The Port of Newcastle has employed a Cruise Co-ordinator responsible for developing and servicing the local cruise industry under the title, Cruise Hunter. C
ruise Hunter assists the cruise industry (free of charge) with all aspects of cruising including marketing, pre-planning port calls, providing cruise lines and Ground Handlers with the latest tourism product information, and providing landside services that ensure passengers have a memorable experience in Newcastle.
Cruise ships are choosing to visit Newcastle because of our great mix of tourism experiences, the friendliness and welcoming nature of our people, and the cooperation of local stakeholders to make sure each port call is successful.
For shore excursion options and port information visit: www.cruisehunter.com.au or check out the flip-book brochure at www.sharethesecret.com.au
With an ideal climate all year round, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley are great places to swim or surf, play golf or just get lost in nature with bushwalking, horse riding or dolphin watching. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the region’s unique art galleries, shopping districts and cafe clusters await.
The Hunter Region offers an array of attractions all located within an hour drive of the port. The Hunter is a passenger’s delight with much to see and do. All the following sightseeing attractions offer full or half day options:
Sightseeing Opportunities (Full Day)
- Hunter Valley Vineyards & Gourmet Food - sample some of the world’s most famous wines from over 120 wineries located within the Hunter Valley and taste the many gourmet delights.
- Hunter Valley Gardens – 25 hectares of amazing sights, colours and fragrances in stunning feature gardens.
- Stockton Sand Dunes - explore one of the worlds largest sand dune systems by 4wd or quad bike. Sandboard down dunes over 30 metres in height or try your luck at pippi catch and release.
- Dolphin Watch Cruise – watch Port Stephens very own bottlenose dolphin colony
- Play a round of golf at one of the regions golf courses nestled among the backdrop of Hunter Valley vineyards or pristine beaches.
- Barrington Tops - travel the upper Hunter Valley to this rugged World Heritage national park
- Lavender Farm – visit lavender farms boasting all things lavender; beauty and body products and lavender-infused foods including cakes, vinegars and jams.
- Deep Sea Fishing - fish for famous Australian seafood such as snapper, jewfish, kingfish, morwong and flathead
Sightseeing Opportunities (Half Day)
- Newcastle Highlights Tour – discover the inner city attractions of Fort Scratchley, Christ Church Cathedral, the Maritime Museum and regional Art Gallery providing an interesting understanding of the history of Newcastle.
- Blackbutt Reserve - see Australia animals such as koalas, possums, wombats, echidnas and emus.
- Maitland Gaol – experience life behind bars at one of Australia’s most notorious gaols. Learn what prison life is really like from one of the prisons former in-mates.
- Morpeth – visit the quaint village of Morpeth and shop for arts and crafts
- Learn to Surf – learn to surf at some of Australia’s most well-known beaches. Ideal for people of all ages and ability.
- Walking or Cycling tours of Newcastle – take in the historic past of the city and the stunning coastline past many beaches, ocean baths and rugged cliff faces.
- Helicopter joy flight – take a view of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley from luxury of a helicopter.
More shore excursion information can be viewed at www.cruisehunter.com.au or www.visitnewcastle.com.au
Working hours |
|
| Customs Officers | 24 hours |
| Quarantine Officials | 24 hours |
| Immigration Officials | As for Customs |
Customs and Immigration |
|
| Passenger Manifest | Three copies at the first port of call with one copy to Immigration with the passengers card one copy to Customs and the third copy to remain on board the ship. |
| Embarking Passenger Manifest | 3 copies - 1 to Customs 1 to Port 1 stays |
| Crew Manifest | 2 - 1 at first port to Immigration 2nd stays. |
| Stores List | 2 (Aust. Customs Service and Sydney Ports Corporation |
| Customs Declaration (Ship) | 1 (Australian Customs Service) |
| Customs Declaration (Crew) | 2 (Australian Customs Service) |
| Forms Comments | All forms listed above are produced at the first Australian port of call and then one copy of each form travels on board the ship to be produced at subsequent ports. |
| Customs Declaration (Passengers) | One at first Australian port of call only. |
Port health |
|
| Health Declaration | One (pratique) at first Australian port of call only |
The following Ground Handlers are CDU members and supply superior ground handling services throughout Australia.
Approach |
|
| Arrival Departure Restrictions | Yes |
| Tidal Variation | 1.5m average |
| Prevailing Currents | n/a |
| Prevailing Winds | |
| Length of Channel | 1.9 nautical miles |
| Depth of Channel | 15.2 m |
| Comments | Movements subject to ship handling guidelines |
Depth and breadth of turning basin |
|
| Location of Turning Basin | n/a |
| Diameter | n/a |
| Depth | 15.2m |
Pilotage |
|
| Pilotage Name | Newcastle Port Corporation |
| Pilotage Address | Wharf Road, Newcastle, New South wales, 2300, Australia |
| Pilotage Phone No | +61 2 4985 8292 |
| Pilotage Fax No | n/a |
| Is Pilotage Compulsory | Yes |
| Position of Pilot Pickup | 3.5 nautical miles bearing 125 degrees of Nobbys head |
| Distance from Berth | 5.4 nautical miles |
| Pilot VHF Channel | n/a |
| Description of Pilot Boat | aluminium hull, yellow superstructure |
| Pilot Hours | 24 hours |
| Pilotage Fees | Available from Newcastle Port Corporation |
| The following ACA member offer superior service throughout the region. | |
Port Operations/Services |
|
| Inchcape Shipping Services - Newcastle Office | |
| Address | Suite 3, Level 1, Cowper Street |
| Carrington NSW 2294 | |
| Telephone |
Tel: +61 2 4940 0251 |
| 24 hour contact |
Tel: +61 2 4940 0251 |
| Fax |
Fax: +61 2 4940 0812 |
|
Newcastle@iss-shipping.com |
|
| Contact | Karlie Taylor |
Towage |
|
| Are tugs available | Yes |
| Are tugs compulsory | Yes |
| Tug operators name | Svitzer |
| Tug operators fax | +61 2 4940 0428 |
| Ship or tug lines | Tugs |
| Tug working hours | Available 24 hours |
Linesman |
|
| Working hours | 24hours |
Port officials |
|
| Working hours | 24hours |
| Overtime | yes |
Stevedoring |
|
| For details of suitable stevedores, please contact the Shipping Agent | |
Provedoring |
|
| Yes. Refer to Shipping Agents for details. | |
Telephones |
|
| Telephones | Yes |
| How many | 1 |
| Notice required | Yes |
Bunkering |
|
| Fuel Grades | All |
| Quay or barge | Quay |
| Suppliers | Several, all by road |
Water |
|
| Fresh Water | Yes |
| Exquay or barge | Quay |
| No of hoses | 2 connections |
| Capacity per hose/hour | n/a |
| Tonnes per hour guaranteed | n/a |
| Type of connect | Female |
| Connect size in inches | Various |
Dry garbage |
|
| Dry garbage | Yes |
| Barge alongside | No |
| Containers available | No |
| Size of containers | n/a |
| Number available | n/a |
| Incineration or dump | Subject to contractor |
| Facilities to transport | Subject to contractor |
Wet garbage |
|
| Wet garbage | Yes |
| Ship or shore pump | Subject to contractor |
| Sludge disposal | Yes |
| Sludge details | Subject to contractor |
Charges |
|
| Port Charges | n/a |
Repair facilities |
|
| Nearest dry dock | In port, Forgacs, Newcastle |
| Length | 205m x 33.5m |
| Maximum Tonnage | 45,000 dwt |
| Divers Available | Yes |
| Engineering facilities | Yes |
Dredging |
|
| Dredging undertaken | Yes |
| Dredging when | 45,000 dwt |
Port operator |
|
| Name | Newcastle Port Corporation |
| Address | Cnr Scott & Newcomen Street, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 2300 |
| Telephone | +61 2 4985 8222 |
| Facsimile | +61 2 4926 4596 |
| Web Site | www.newportcorp.com |
| Email Address | mail@newportcorp.com |
Berth details |
|
| Berth | Throsby Wharf |
| Maximum draft | 10.0m |
| Tidal variation | 1.5m average |
| Berth length | 210m |
| Guaranteed berthing for cruise ships | Yes - Advance booking required |
| Are other ships able to dock | No |
| Cargo ships at dock | No |
| Security fences | Yes |
| Berth | Dyke Point |
| Maximum draft | 12.8m |
| Tidal variation | 1.5m average |
| Berth length | 238m (300m LOA ships facilitated for) |
| Facilities | Dolphin Berth tie up |
| Guaranteed berthing for cruise ships | Yes - Advance booking required. |
| Are other ships able to dock | No |
| Cargo ships at dock | Yes |
| Security fences | Yes |
Nearest Ports |
|
| Australia | Sydney (71 Nautical Miles) |
| Brisbane (486 Nautical Miles) | |
| Nearest Major Overseas Port | Noumea, New Caledonia (1053 Nautical Miles) |
| Auckland, New Zealand (1245 Nautical Miles) | |
Terminal facilities |
|
| Terminal Building | Temporary facility provided free of charge |
| Meet and Greet Facilities | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Telephones | No |
| Availability of Maps and/or Brochures | Yes |
| Souvenir Shopping | Yes |
| Money Exchange | No, in city centre |
| Is the US Dollar Accepted? | No |
|
A permanent multi-purpose cruise terminal facility will be built at the Channel Berth within the Port’s Carrington Precinct which meets current and future cruise industry requirements including berthing for vessels up to 320m in length. Estimated completion late 2018. Transport |
|
| Closest Airport to Pier | Newcastle Airport |
| Distance to Airport | 30km |
| Transport to Airport | Taxis [approx $Aud50] |
| Can Passengers Walk to Town | Yes |
| Drive Time from Pier to Shuttle Stop | not applicable |
| Distance from Pier to Town Centre | 500m |
| Are Shuttle Buses Necessary | No, but are provided free of charge by Port Authority |
| Suggested Shuttle Stop in Town | Central Business District, harbour foreshore & beaches |
| Availability of Taxis at Pier | Yes |
| Availability of Public Transport at Pier | Yes |
| Other Forms of Transport at Pier | Yes |
Tour buses |
|
| Distance from Ship to Tour Buses | 50m |
| What is the Normal Coach Capacity | Wide range depending upon requirements |
| Are Tour Buses Air Conditioned | Yes |
| Are Refreshments Provided on Buses | No-but on request |
| Are Cold Towels Provided on Buses | No |
| Are Step Stools Provided on Buses | Yes |
Tourism operators in New South Wales: