Blackbutt Reserve occupies approximately 182 hectares of land being located six kilometers from Newcastle city centre. It offers visitors many opportunities to link recreational activities and environmental education with conservation and research programs.
Major James T. Morriset, the military commandant in Newcastle (1819-1822) had a hole cut into ocean rocks by convict labour, for his personal bathing.
Known for many years as 'Commandant's Bath', it became a public pool in 1863. It is still a popular swimming hole in a spectacular scenic location.
Now, recognized as an early example of a convict industrial site, the Convict Lumber yard is a symbol, not only of early Newcastle, but of the development of the nation as a whole.
An exquisite array of unique and collectable paintings, sculptures and ceramic pieces together with works of colonial impressionism and the modern period can be found adorning the walls and exhibit spaces in this beautifully restored cottage-style gallery.
It holds monthly exhibits of quality art works by professional artists from the Hunter region and beyond.
Dixon Park Beach provides you the facility of swimming and also of Council Lifeguard Services during swimming season from Monday to Saturday. Also, it provides beach patrols on Sunday by the volunteer members of Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club.
There is a sheltered picnic table area and change room facilities available. Plus free electric barbecue's and picnic tables facilities available in adjacent park area.
We have various other
Tourist Attractions in Newcastle such as Fort Scratchley Historic Site, Harrys Cafe De Wheels Newcastle, Honeysuckle Precinct, Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia, James Cook Memorial Fountain, John Miller Galleries, John Paynter Gallery Our Place in Space and so on.
