Around 100 miles north of Sydney, Newcastle, Australia’s seventh largest city, sits at the mouth of the Hunter River just a short drive from the famed Hunter Valley vineyards.
When the shifting sands of the global economy saw the local steel, copper and coal industries begin to wind down, Newcastle adopted a creative, new, education-focused tack.
The renowned surf-city with a burgeoning artisan scene transformed run-down spaces into pop-ups for makers -- milliners, writers, painters and furniture designers -- and brightened the walls of large buildings with artistic murals a la major global capitals.
This cultural vitality has preceded the arrival of smart city hardware set to make things better for locals and tourists alike. The University of Newcastle’s landmark city campus is set to open in mid-2017, and will provide a technology-rich, next generation learning environment for students and the community.
Within this precinct, an Innovation Hub will nurture home-grown research, innovation and activity to drive the region’s economic and cultural success.
Alongside these innovation-led developments, light rail and tech investment are hastening the postindustrial step of the city that inspired the hit musical Tap Dogs.
Green energy research, eclectic cafés, restaurants, bars and bakeries, plus growing numbers of cyclists on sparkling coastal pathways, confirm a new Zeitgeist.
“We are on a global hunt to find cities where innovation meets imagination and are quickly becoming
the next great travel destinations,” says National Geographic Traveler editor in chief, George W. Stone.
“Newcastle has done just that. The coastal city has re-invented itself restoring its colonial-era buildings
and becoming a base to explore all this city has to offer— from the Merewether Ocean Baths, superb
coastline and working harbour to internationally-acclaimed live performance and exhibitions - the city is
brimming with activity."
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said tourism was part of Newcastle's transition from a great
regional city to an emerging global city with spectacular natural assets and relaxed lifestyle.
"Last year visitor numbers increased by 1.25 million people to 10.1 million,"
Councillor Nelmes said.
"Many are being drawn by the re-invention of our coastline which now rivals any coastal walk in
Australia and by the new urban chic many tourists might more readily relate to Brooklyn, New York. But
instead, think of pristine beaches with golden sand and whales often in view only a short stroll from topshelf
cafes and restaurants. "Soon, tourists will be able to access free wi-fi in the inner city thanks to a
project that will also produce a digital hub for sharp-thinking entrepreneurs to make Newcastle and the
Hunter even better travel destinations."
University of Newcastle’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the University, together
with partners in Council, business and the community, is playing an important role in shaping the
economic and cultural future of the city.
“By developing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, and encouraging the creation of new
businesses, we are positioning Newcastle as a magnet for talent and innovation from across the globe.”
To learn more about Newcastle visit National Geographic Traveler’s Smart City online hub at
www.nationalgeographic.com/smart-cities
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