Fort Scratchley, originally erected in 1882 as a coastal defense installation, has transformed into a museum in Newcastle. Initially constructed to safeguard the city from potential Russian threats, the fort's cannons remained silent until June 8, 1942, when it played a pivotal role during the shelling of Newcastle. In 2004, the site underwent closure for renovation, aiming to elevate Fort Scratchley into a significant tourist attraction for the city. However, progress faced setbacks due to escalating costs attributed to vandalism and the need for extensive site decontamination. To overcome these challenges, the Australian government stepped in, reaching an agreement with Newcastle City Council in 2004. Subsequently, in 2007, an additional agreement led to a substantial increase in funding from an initial estimate of A$5.5 million to nearly $10 million. The government's commitment to ensuring the proper restoration of Fort Scratchley underscores its recognition of the site's significance in Australia's military history. This museum stands as a testament to the resilience and historical importance of coastal defense installations in the country.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Historic Treasures
• Knowledgeable, Passionate Staff.
Best Places To Visit in Newcastle
Expert recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in Newcastle, New South Wales. All of our places to visit actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence.
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FORT SCRATCHLEY REVIEWS
Very interesting tunnel tour completed our visit to this historical place that we had never heard of - but should have. And ... what a beautiful location! We saw 3 whales & a pod of dolphins cruise by.
I had been wanting to visit Fort Scratchley, I finally did and had an amazing time there. The place has great views, military uniform displays, weapon displays and a great spot to whale watch. The spot next to the guns gives you almost a 360 view of the city as well as of the lighthouse, nobby's beach and the Newcastle beach. Place is free to visit, no tickets required. Although the tour of the underground tunnels would require a ticket. There are toilets available as well. There is free parking available. The guards are also very accommodating and helpful.
One of the best historical attractions in the country 1 pm the fire the gun for the harbour based ships to sink time. Volunteers are just so helpful. The grounds are perfect views spectacular and the history is just so well preserved. The shop is limited though not many souvenirs and no warm food not even a pie. But the place it self makes up for that. A most visit and a credit to the people of Newcastle. Well done the volunteers.
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Newcastle Museum, established in 1988 as a significant Bicentennial project in Newcastle, has a unique history rooted in collaborative efforts. The conceptualization of a museum in Newcastle took shape through a plan devised by a consortium of stakeholders, including the Institution of Engineers and Supernova Inc., during the 1980s. This collective was dedicated to championing the concept of a regional museum. The Blacksmith and Wheel Shop played a crucial role in the museum's early years, undertaking all wheel shop and smithing tasks required by other on-site workshops. This integral part of the museum's operations continued for 55 years, extending until 1937. In 1920, the New Erecting Shop emerged as an addition to the Old Erecting Shop, which was subsequently demolished. The New Erecting Shop played a vital role in the repair process for locomotive engines or rolling stock. Items due for repair were disassembled, sent for necessary repairs, and then returned to the New Erecting Shop for re-assembly. This historical journey reflects the evolution of Newcastle Museum and its contribution to preserving the region's industrial heritage.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Knowledge Learn
• All Kinds Of Experiments.
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NEWCASTLE MUSEUM REVIEWS
Great museum with interactive exhibits and displays with all sorts of interesting science or forces at play ranging from magnetic field interactions to lever systems that allow the user to casually lift a car with one arm. There was no queue, no wait, and friendly staff were at the door to direct us where we needed to go. 10/10 would visit again.
I really enjoyed the exhibits here - great place to spend time and learn a few things. I especially loved the photography exhibits with the animals.
A great place to bring toddler there, even as adults we learned a lot about Newcastle's history and other things. The day we visited was free, no tickets were required.
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Fighter World, situated at RAAF Base Williamtown north of Newcastle, New South Wales, serves as an Australian aviation heritage center under the umbrella of RAAF Aviation and Heritage. Operating with the mission to safeguard the history of fighter operations within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Fighter World has strategically moved beyond the concept of a conventional museum. The decision to evolve beyond a simple museum framework was motivated by considerations of tourist appeal and a conscious effort to avoid conflicting with the goals of the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. Fighter World distinguishes itself by centering its focus on fighter aircraft and their operational history. Through a meticulous exploration of the component systems of the air defense environment, the center achieves a dual purpose—satisfying the goals of tourism attraction and maintaining harmony with the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. This tailored approach not only makes Fighter World unique to RAAF Base Williamtown but also aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Tactical Fighter Group (TFG). As an integral part of RAAF Aviation and Heritage, Fighter World stands as a dynamic testament to the evolution and significance of fighter operations in the RAAF's storied history.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Friendly Staff
• Modern Marvels.
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Family (2 Adults plus all dependent children under 18): $45
Senior/Pensioner: $16
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FIGHTER WORLD REVIEWS
Great place view historic Australian military aviation. Friendly staff will gladly talk about the different pieces they have in the museum. Cafe has good food and delicious coffee.
Fantastic museum with great staff, great little cafe and the opportunity to chat with an ex-fighter pilot was an amazing experience. Also brilliant to have an almost constant air show going on outside with F35’s taking off and landing right in front of the observation deck. The day we were there, they had just unpacked a very impressive F35 flight simulator and were getting it ready for public use. A huge thumbs up for this fascinating display.
The collection of historic fighter aircraft is nothing short of impressive. Walking among these incredible machines, you can feel the rich history and the passion of those who have preserved them. The knowledgeable staff adds a layer of depth to the experience, providing fascinating insights into the world of aviation. From vintage classics to modern marvels, Fighter World Museum offers a captivating journey through the evolution of fighter aircraft. It's an absolute must-visit for anyone with an interest in aviation history.
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