6 - 10 September 2008
Newcastle City Hall
Newcastle, NSW AUSTRALIA
General Information
Conference Secretariat
PO Box 180
Morisset NSW2264
Tel:02 4973 6573
Fax:02 4973 6609
Email:anzsn2008@willorganise.com.au
Contact
Destination
Newcastle is Australia’s 7th largest city and one of its oldest. It has a fast growing reputation as a conference destination as it offers a unique blend of big city facilities and country town friendliness. It is the capital of the Hunter Region and the most popular tourist destination outside of Sydney in NSW.
Newcastle is the gateway to the attractions of the region including Hunter Valley Wine Country, Lake Macquarie, the wilderness of the Upper Hunter or the Shores of Port Stephens, renowned for its dolphin population and whale watching opportunities.
Getting There
Flights out of Newcastle on Wednesday afternoon are limited and are likely to fill quickly.
For information on the direct flights OUT of Newcastle on Wednesday evening – click here.
Newcastle is an easy 2 hour drive from Sydney or 2.5 hours by rail. Alternatively, direct flights are available from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Canberra, into Newcastle (Williamtown airport). It is then a 30 mins taxi ride from the airport, into the city centre of Newcastle.
Venue
You will find Newcastle City Hall located close to the centre of Newcastle's CBD, a short walk from Newcastle's picturesque harbour. Newcastle is built around a large working harbour, the entrance to which is guarded by Nobbys Lighthouse and Breakwater. The adjacent foreshore area is the perfect place to while away the hours watching the busy harbour traffic while enjoying a drink or meal in one of the harbourside cafes, bars or restaurants.
HUNTER VALLEY
The Hunter Valley is only an hour South of Newcastle and whilst Hunter Valley Wine Country's main attraction is the wine, it isn’t the only thing you will be able to discover. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, you won’t be lost for things to do. There are full day and half day wine tours that you can book which will take you to a number of different wineries for tastings and some even include a trip to the Chocolate and Cheese Factories! The Hunter Valley Gardens is a must to see if you are visiting the Hunter Valley. The property spans over 300 hectares and includes Harrigans Irish pub and Accommodation, Roche Wines, Grapeview Villa’s,BBQ and picnic grounds and of course, the Gardens themselves. For more information log onto the www.winecountry.com.au or www.hvg.com.au
ART GALLERIES
The Newcastle Region Art Gallery is located directly behind civic park, only a 2min walk from the conference venue. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am until 5:00pm. The major exhibits that will be on during the ANZSN Conference are John Turier: Songs from the night train and Face to Face: digital portraiture. For more information on this gallery, log onto www.ncc.nsw.gov.au/discover_newcastle/region_art_gallery There are also many boutique galleries to discover around Newcastle – most within walking distance from the conference venue.
PORT STEPHENS
Port Stephens is only a short 45min drive north of Newcastle. There are many wonderful bays and beaches along the coastline hosting beautiful landscape views. There is much to see and do here, including a dolphin or whale watching cruise, fishing tours, dining in one of the many seafood restaurants or even parasailing for the brave.
For more information about things to do and see in Port Stephens log onto the website www.portstephens.org.au or phone their information office on 02 4980 6900
CAROLE FRAZERS WALKS AND TALKS
Discover what makes Newcastle unique and discover Newcastle’s best hidden treasures with Carole Frazer’s Walks and Talks. You may be surprised that Newcastle has many fascinating walks in and around Newcastle city. Included are the spectacular Bogey Hole, Leadlight Tower and historic houses, Art Gallery and cultural buildings. All walks include commentary on many city topics and especially of local Newcastle history. There are a number of different types of walks you can do catering for a diverse range of areas and interesting locations.
Prices start at $10 per person for a 1 hour tour.
For more information, log onto www.walks-talks.com.au or phone Carole on 02 4952 1537
BLACKBUTT RESERVE
Blackbutt Reserve provides nature trails, wildlife exhibits, children’s playgrounds and recreational facilities. It is the perfect place for a relaxing family picnic or to explore the wonders of nature. Wildlife Exhibits open 9.00am to 5.00pm every day of the year.Picnic and recreation facilities open from 7.00am to 5.00pm and entry is free.
For more information log onto the website www.ncc.nsw.gov.au/discover_newcastle/blackbutt_reserve or phone 02 4904 3344
NEWCASTLES FAMOUS TRAM
Everything about Newcastle’s Famous Tram is unique. Built from scratch in 1994, the tram is a genuine replica of the original Newcastle working tram, which was in service in 1923. Newcastle’s Famous Tram is a very novel and nostalgic way to visit the historical city of Newcastle. The Newcastle tour is a 45 minute tour of our city, beaches and historical sites. A full commentary is provided. This service in the heart of Newcastle reveals to its passengers the beauty of the city and beach areas as well as an astonishing blend of history and current changes to the city lifestyle. Detailed information is provided about many historic sites. The tour is great value at $12 an adult and $6 and operates weekday tours from Newcastle’s Railway Station and the Crown Plaza in Wharf Road. The Tram operates at 11am and 1pm, with a special pick up at the Brewery Wharf Rd at 12.55pm, and during school holidays between 10am 11am 12 noon and 1pm, but please ring to confirm operating times.
No Service on Weekends or Public Holidays
For more information log onto the website www.famous-tram.com.au or phone 02 4977 2270
DARBY ST PRECINCT
Conveniently situated and only 5 minutes from Newcastle Harbour and Foreshore, Darby St Precinct offers a diverse, friendly, and relaxed cosmopolitan destination. Consisting of over 20 cafes, outdoor dining and cosy retreats. Including some award winning restaurants that boast the fine cuisine with friendly prices. Shoppers lookout for unique fashion boutiques, art and gift galleries. You also have photography studios, home-wares, everyday living, music and professional services.
For more information log onto the website www.darbystreet.com.au or phone 02 4929 6883
Please see below some useful links to websites:
Sponsorship is available to companies wishing to support the event and a trade exhibition will be held during the conference. For companies interested in being part of this event, contact the conference secretariat for more details.
02 4973 6573
02 4973 6609
anzsn2008@willorganise.com.au
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
