What do I need to know about Newcastle NSW?

[Pootlingalong]

That's it really. We're moving there with work later this year with two DCs aged 8 and 7. I'm feeling the fear right now as we get our UK house on the market and ebay our stuff. It looks fab from here but I have to confess to have never visited Newcastle on previous trips to Australia. Done loads of googling but it's just not the same. So please tell me all the great things about Newcastle and what I need to watch out for! Any school recommendations?

I am afraid I am not of much help as have only ever lived in Sydney but have spent a little bit of time in Newcastle. For generations Newcastle was a town that relied on heavy industry for employment but 15-20 years ago that all disappeared leaving the town struggling. However it has done an amazing job of regenerating and getting back on its feet. it has a great cafe and live music scene, probably as a result of the Uni. There are some great beaches both in Newcastle and the surrounding areas. your not far from Sydney, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie for days out with kids. Not sure about shopping but you could catch the train to Sydney. I really enjoy spending time there and would def consider living there when we move back to Aus but DH is a Sydney boy through and through and will not consider living anywhere else. I hope someone comes along who is more helpful. just remembered there has been some terrible flooding in Newcastle at times so worth checking on councils website which areas are flood prone if you are going to buy a house .

Thanks so much for replying, really useful info about the flooding, will definitely check that out!

Bumping for the Australian contingent, anyone out there?

DH works in Newcastle, well Cardiff really. I don't know anything about it except for the great fish and chips takeaway on the beach front and the beach walk!
We live on the Central Coast as DH also gas to work in Sydney.

Can ask DH if you have any questions. Not sure if he could help much with schools. But he knows his trains lol.

Dh has done work in Newcastle too. He liked it. Great uni! So hopefully it follows there are good schools there too. Better cost of living than Sydney at least! But it will depend what you want with regard to lifestyle. I think a great place to start!

I liked Newcastle but the jobs aren't there for me or DH. If you can find work nearby I'm sure it's a great place to live. Beautiful beaches, nice feel to the area. I wouldn't want to commute daily to Sydney but visiting is definitely doable for a day trip or weekend etc. I love Sydney, just wouldn't want to live there. Great weather in the Newcastle area too.

Phew! All sounding positive, thanks for all the info. Bonza, we looked at the Central Coast, it looked beautiful, but the job wasn't there. Not really sure about our priorities lifestyle wise, but I suppose being able to be outdoors, run, cycle, swim. Plenty for the kids to do, safe parks and public spaces and great coffee would be a start. Schools are the main focus right now though because that will determine where we plan to live. So much to think about

Good luck. I check here everyday so shout out I will try to help.

There is definitely some great coffee in Newcastle. Much better than anything you will find on the UK high street. I found these links to whet your appetite.
[http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/the-new-newcastle/story-e6frg8rf-1226435915196]
[http://www.smh.com.au/travel/holiday-type/beach/hot-city-cool-life-20110218-1ayx9.html]

www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/the-new-newcastle/story-e6frg8rf-1226435915196
www.smh.com.au/travel/holiday-type/beach/hot-city-cool-life-20110218-1ayx9.html

I grew up in Newcastle. (live in the UK now) Absolutely love the place. Cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne, but still a reasonably sized city. Whereabouts would you be working?

job is in New Lambton which looks like a good place to be, but bit pricier than some other suburbs. Thanks for that bonza, I'm sure more questions are going to keep popping up, they mostly seem to occur to me in the middle of the night, along with the cold sweat of panic! Definitely feeling more confident about it though, thanks

Ooh! We're in the process of applying for visas right now to move to Newcastle in the summer. It's good to hear it's a nice area. I'd also like to hear about schools as I'm a secondary teacher.

What suburb are you looking to live in pootling? We are considering new lambton, kotara, merewether, Stockton and a couple of others that are escaping me.

Have PM'd you tiger