Newcastle Memorial Walk : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Newcastle Memorial Walk is an incredible way to connect with history, pay your respects and get to know one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved cities. Situated in Newcastle, this stunning memorial and walking path offers interesting facts about WWII, poignant memorials and a fascinating insight into one of the nation’s must-see locations. Come and explore the Newcastle Memorial Walk with us, and discover everything you need to know about this incredible space, from historical information to travel tips.

Interesting Facts About Newcastle Memorial Walk

, Australia

1. The Newcastle Memorial Walk is a 2.4km trail that follows a former rail line along a historic section of the Hunter River.

2. The walk was completed in 2013 and it commemorates the men and women from the Newcastle area who served in the First World War (1914-1918).

3. The walk begins near The Laman Street entrance of Newcastle Library and meanders along the foreshore towards the Memorial Gates at Queens Wharf.

4. Along the way, there are 16 plaques with information about the soldiers who served in the war. Each plaque also includes personal photos and short bios of the soldiers.

5. At the beginning of the trail there is an etched glass archway that features four symbolic trees; a gum tree, a bloodwood tree, a boab tree and a white gum tree.

6. These trees represent the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between past and present soldiers.

7. At the end of the walk there is a sandstone memorial wall inscribed with the names of 763 Newcastle soldiers who gave their lives during the First World War.

8. The memorial walk also features the Dawn Service monument, which is a tribute to those who served and a reminder of the sacrifice of those who died.

9. The annual Yonder Grind event is held on the memorial walk each April, with teams racing from Newcastle Library to Queens Wharf by both running and kayaking.

• National Zoo and Aquarium : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Newcastle Memorial Walk

The Newcastle Memorial Walk is a 5.8km track located along the foreshore of Newcastle, New South Wales. It commemorates the men and women of the Newcastle District who served their country in wars and other conflicts.

The Memorial Walk was constructed in honour of those who had served Australia in its wars – as well as other conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq War. It began in 1979 to pay tribute to the 1600 + servicemen and women who had lost their lives in World War I and II and officially opened on Anzac Day 1982.

The walk was extended in 2004 to include a section dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Boer War, Korean War, Vietnam War and all conflicts from the early days of Federation to the current. This means that it now serves to honour the memory of those buried in nearby Sandgate Cemetery.

The Memorial Walk features a granite and sandstone memorial wall which is inscribed with the names of 8582 fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines from the Newcastle District. It also includes two bronze sculptures, an illuminated sundial and a serpentine style wall to recognize the unique landform of the Foreshore.

The Memorial Walk is a place to remember the lives of those Newcastle district servicemen and women who fell in service of their country. It is also a place for those living in Newcastle to remember those of their community who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

• National Rhododendron Gardens : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Crown Melbourne : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting Newcastle Memorial Walk

The Newcastle Memorial Walk is a scenic riverside park and memorial in Newcastle, New South Wales, dedicated to the fallen servicemen and women of World War I. It has been operating since 1916, and features a series of grand and moving monuments and sculptures alongside a peaceful riverside walkway.

Getting There:

The best way to reach the Newcastle Memorial Walk is to catch a bus or a train from the city center. Bus numbers 303, 316, 358 and Xlink344 are all connected to the Memorial Walk, and will take you there in 10 minutes or so. The nearest train station is Civic Station, which is only a few minutes away from the Memorial Walk.

Things to See and Do:

At the Newcastle Memorial Walk, you will find a series of impressive monuments and sculptures honoring the fallen servicemen and women of World War I. The main monument is the Sailors’ Memorial, honoring the self-sacrifice of the brave merchant seamen who lost their lives at sea during the war. Other monuments and sculptures you can see here include the Royal Australian Air Force Monument, the Navy and Boer War Memorials, and the World War 1 Liberty Bell.

The Newcastle Memorial Walk also features a peaceful riverside walkway and park, perfect for quiet contemplation and reflection. The walkway curves along the banks of the Hunter River, providing stunning views of the water, the trees, and the surrounding cityscape. You can also explore the nearby Merewether Baths, a beautiful recreational area and swimming pool by the river’s edge.

Things to Keep in Mind:

The Newcastle Memorial Walk is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is important to remember that the site is a place of remembrance and respect, and visitors should be mindful of this when they visit.

For added convenience, you can park your car at the adjacent carpark for a small fee. The carpark is located behind the monuments and sculptures and is within easy walking distance of the Memorial Walk.

• Kakadu National Park : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Newcastle Memorial Walk

Q. What is Newcastle Memorial Walk?
A. The Newcastle Memorial Walk is a public walking path located in Newcastle, New South Wales. The walkway is dedicated to remembering those who have served in the Australian armed services, from conflicts from World War I onwards.

Q. What is the purpose of the memorial walk?
A. The memorial walk serves as a place to honor those who have served in the armed forces. It provides a place to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those who have served and those who have lost their lives in battle.

Q. How long is the walk?
A. The walk is approximately 2.6 kilometers in length and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace.

Q. What features does the walk contain?
A. The walk contains many features, such as memorial walls and seating areas. It also contains informative plaques and sculptures dedicated in honor of the servicemen, telling their stories and their sacrifices.

Q. Are there any restrictions on the walk?
A. Pets and unaccompanied children under 16 are not allowed on the walkway. Motorised vehicles are also not allowed and bicycles can only be used in designated areas.

Q. Is the walk accessible for disabled people?
A. Yes, the walk is wheelchair and pram friendly with designated access points and pathways.

• Kakadu National Park : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Australia’s Best-Kept Secrets: Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations