Fort Scratchley

Undoubtedly Newcastle’s most spectacular vantage point, Fort Scratchley Historic Site is a unique nationally significant heritage site that has unrivaled panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean, north to Nobbys Lighthouse, Headland and the Harbour, south across Newcastle Beach and Ocean Baths.
There is so much to do at Fort Scratchley Historic Site ….
Enjoy a stroll around the site to soak in the history, taking in the breathtaking views, enjoy dolphin or whale-watching with a picnic or immerse yourself in history and undertake a guided tour of the site and through the amazing underground tunnels.
Experience Newcastle’s History at its best.- National Historic Landmark
Europeans first settled in Newcastle for its readily accessible coal and the headland was initially used to display flags and navigational signals for shipping. It was the same coal, and the threat of a fuel hungry Russian fleet in 1877 which caused the British authorities to plan a series of strategic fortifications for national coastal defence.

The large and elaborate state of the fort built at Newcastle during the 1880’s reflected the importance of the region’s resources and the apprehension felt for their safety.

Sixty years later, Scratchley’s massive guns went into action against an attack by a Japanese submarine during World War II, earning it distinction as the only fort on the Australian coast to have fired against enemy attack.

These guns now have pride of place on the Historic Site. The military vacated the site in 1972, but the fortifications remain as a concrete record of the evolution of late 19th and early 20th century coastal defence strategy, until changes in modern warfare technology brought the fort’s defensive role to an end.

Today, the Fort’s Historical Society preserves the military heritage, providing exhibitions and guided tours of the site and it’s amazing tunnels.
Now that restoration works have been completed, the Fort will be open 6 days a week, Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday) from 10am to 4pm, with Free General Admission and Self Guided Tours, along with Paid Guided Tours of the Site and the amazing underground Tunnels available Saturday and Sundays at 11am and 2pm.
Paid Guided Tour Costs:

Full Site Tour:
Adult $10.00
Children $5.00
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $25.00
Seniors $8.00
Student Concession $5.00
Corporate Group Rate $15.00 (Limited to 15 people per Group & includes booklet)
Cruise Ship Group Rates $25.00 (includes 30 minute Fort Site Historical Presentation & Limited to 15 people per Group)

Tunnels Tours Only
Adult $8.00
Children $4.00
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $20.00
Seniors $6.00
Student Concession $4.00
Corporate Group Rate N/A
Cruise Ship Group Rates N/A

Operating Hours:
Open 6 days ‘Wednesday to Monday’ (Closed Tuesday) from 10 am to 4pm,.
Guided Tours of the Site and Tunnels are conducted Saturday and Sunday 11am and 2pm, other times by Appointment.