Wedding Planning
Fort Scratchley
Currently open
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
(02) 4974 2996
Nobbys Rd
Newcastle, NSW, 2300
Fort Scratchley
Located on the south east headland at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour Fort Scratchley was built in 1882. Perched on a clifftop the location was thought perfect for defending the harbour.
The Fort has been restored and there are full tours of the site or just the underground tunnels running regularly.
If you just want to enjoy the rather stunning views you can pick up a snack from the kiosk and stare out to sea.
The Fort still houses the big guns which are fired four times a year - Australia Dar, Anzac Day, June long weekend and the October long weekend.
Check the website for more info.
Built in the 1800s as a defence fortress to guard the harbour against would-be invaders, Fort Scratchley stands to proud military attention on its clifftop perch. There’s a walking tour through the whitewashed wall maze of the underground tunnel system, where you can see original guns in their gun ports pointing out to sea, last fired in anger at a Japanese submarine that shelled Newcastle Harbour during World War II. Now you can enjoy a latte in peace at the café. ...read more
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Had a great time exploring fort Scratchley in the middle of Newcastle
Great place for family's or any age as something for everyone interested in history, the guides were friendly and knowledgable and the tour of the underground tunnels and disappearing gun was fantastic
Awesome views of the harbour and a favourite spot for whale watching
Lots of great places close by for coffee or lunch
Great local treasure spent most of the day here looking at the view, the old buildings and went on a tour of the tunnels ... Highly recommended our guide was a funny and knowledgable man
Saw a disappearing gun that was amazing
Great place to view whales
Open 10 till 4
With a time cannon going off at 3 most days in time with the customs clock
The real gem of this site is the Tunnel tours. our tour was lead by a extremely knowledgeable guide, who really gave us a feel of what it was like to be in the tunnels during war time. The architecture of the tunnels is a point of interest too, not to mention the cannons! Fort Scratchley is free to walk around the outside, but the Tunnel tours really bring this place to life. Its a shame they don't run tours or provide audio guides for the outside, as I'm sure visitors would be willing to pay for them.
