HUNTER ,

this great  area encompassing  region of Newcastle , as well the grape vineyards of Hunter River and the holiday play ground of Nelson  is a place  to visit and  enjoy its  attractions. Already 1790^th first Europeans were exploring that region and some. When in  stormy , wintery weather of June 1796 fishermen  sheltering from  rough conditions found coal here  the place was called Coal River , but officially in 1797  area was re- named Hunter, after Captain John Hunter who was Governor of the British colony in New South Wales at that time.So coal was found  so soon start to creating the industrious region started  and continued until today .  Major town  of the district , Newcastle , well positioned , with  solid buildings of formidable era when  the town  was holding prime position as an industrial centre  presents many interesting sights to visit .  Monumental Cathedral representing great faith of the parishioners of that town is truly solid symbol of Catholic faith. This  house of God   constructed  in such  impressive  concept of the building , positioned on the hill , solid edifice , definitely  symbolizes  great trust in GOD  . Newcastle  is the town where the  adventure  of  exploration of the area , truly begins .  From here the Hunter Valley River vineyards are  easily accessible . There in this picturesque  area top wines are produced .  The produce of that  excellence  invites itself to be taken to  Port Stephens  to enjoy it  with   “ sea food “ of these  pristine  waters of  holidaymakers  paradise.  Oysters , prawn and wide range of  fish delights one pallet with Hunter Valley wines  in one of many restaurants or simply  on the beach while enjoying  dolphins watching  during romantic evening  of colorful sunset.  Great beaches  like Shoal Bay , Fingal Bay , for swimming , snorkeling . Nearby sand dunes are used by 4 wheel  drive cars for wild adventures .  Boat or ferry can be used to cross the waters ,  while meeting dolphins, to Tea Gardens .It is rather pleasant, peaceful  place  where the  adventure  of kayaking of the  Myall lakes waterways can begin .

In Port Stephens one  of many walks leads  to the Nelson Head  , Inner harbor lighthouse  which was constructed  in  1872  and in these days operated on four kerosene lamps. Great history of that light house and Port Stephens which in WWII was the training ground  for the troops of Australia and US  preparing  themselves  to fight the enemy , can be learned in small but rich in information museum .

There is also Tomaree Head  which being  161m  high provides great exercise while walking to summit a and also present  attractive  vistas  and one more lesson of WWII history of area. During that time Fort Tomaree  was placed on the head there  , to defend the access to Nelson Bay , being  important  strategic place  for the security of the whole region . On the side of the Mount Tomaree there are emplacement of the guns which were placed there in this time  off WWII when in the Bay were 500 military personnel positioned.

Out of the  Port Stephens   being major  town  of Nelson Bay one can visit Boat Harbor to  enjoys short bush walks  and swim in the pretty horseshoe  shape bay. Anna Bay with the historical grave stones on the sand against the Stockton Beach on horizon is also interesting spot to come , relax and reflect on the mighty nature of the place .

Accommodation is plentiful . Camping , caravan parks , motels and also first class  Anchorage  Hotel present wide range  to overnight  places  .

The Hunter region can be reached by car , train from Sydney . Also international traveler while flying to Sydney on Singapore  Airlines  , Qantas Airlines, or Thai International  who connect with Polish Airlines out of Europe  can use  air services and fly to Williamtown Airport , which serves the  Newcastle and Hunter region .

December 2013

WMIG