Today we travel to Newcastle enjoying morning tea on arrival at Fort Scratchley.

With its commanding position guarding the Hunter River Estuary, is undoubtedly Newcastle’s most spectacular vantage point.

The site was originally named Braithwaite’s Head by Lieutenant John Shortland. Convicts created Australia’s first coal mine here in 1801. To protect the coastline in the event of an attack in 1828 an earthen battery named Fort Battlesticks was constructed, and the site, became known as Signal Hill. Further fears of an enemy attack saw a permanent facility completed and it was renamed Fort Scratchley after Lieutenant Peter Scratchley who was responsible for planning the permanent facility.

We then meet our Guide for a Site and Tunnel Tour of this Historic complex.

After our Tour we reboard our Coach and descend to the Waterfront area for you to enjoy a picnic lunch or you can purchase fish & chips or maybe a famous Harry de Wheels pie.

Whilst having lunch you can take in the sights of the working Newcastle Harbour before we set off home via the Newcastle headland beaches.

Tunnel into 200 years of History

Includes Coach travel, morning tea and full site & tunnels tour.