Fast facts
- 12 km south of Newcastle
- A key town centre at the northern end of Lake Macquarie
- 158 km north of Sydney, population 3,320
Why go there
Charlestown is in a fabulous location for exploring the surrounding region – the regional capital city of Newcastle is only 20 minutes away while the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast are an easy 40-minute drive. It has all the amenities and services of a big town but has retained a holiday atmosphere, and that, added to the natural beauty of the area, makes for a great place to relax. The city is flanked by beautiful beaches, mountains and the ocean.
History
The early days saw mines develop in the area and the town had various names – Raspberry Gully, The Gully Pit and South Waratah – before it was named Charlestown. Coal was mined until the end of World War II.
In 1877 Charlestown had 40 houses; by 1879 it had a post office. The first picture theatre was built in 1928 and the Charlestown Square was opened in 1979.
Things to do
- Enjoy sailing and other water sports on the largest coastal saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere.
- Head for one of the funky cafés in town.
- Catch a wave at one of the four patrolled beaches in the area.
- Venture into the mountains for sightseeing and a picnic lunch.
Don’t miss
- The Charlestown Diving Academy, a PADI 5-star dive centre and TDI Instructor Training Facility. It offers both SCUBA divers and spear fishers a large range of services.
- Discovering the cosy holiday towns around the lake which include Wangi Wangi, Belmont, Cooranbong and Swansea.
- Hopping on one of the many boats that grace the vast stretch of water.
