Wayay mon, ah'm in Noocas'l etc. etc. From big city to smallish town.

More interesting than sharing a name with somewhere in the UK, Newcastle is an old coal mining town, founded by those infernal con's. Small but with some pleasant beaches and a lovely waterfront.

Spent time here doing a free walking tour - tough in the heat, must have been 30 ot more....ran by a local student, he had some interesting, if not always reliable, stories to share. Highly recommended!

Stroll to Nobby's head, look out at the sea. Hear the lifeguard on the PA shouting at people about the blue bottles (jellies) - still not going in that bloody sea.

Visited Fort Canning - sight of the only Oz-based skirmish in WWII - shot at a jap sub, which escaped. The port was lucky as the Brit-bought torpedoes fired at the bay only yielded a one in three explosion result. Some windows got blown out and that was about it. I think some Oz soldier scraped his knee?

Have a famous Pie on wheels thing - or two. The next day back on the bus to Port Macquarie.