Fort Scratchley
About For Scratchley
Fort Scratchley, situated in Newcastle East, is a historical landmark and museum that offers a glimpse into Australia's military past. Established in 1882, the fort was originally constructed as a coastal defense installation and has stood sentinel over the city's coastline for well over a century. It gained prominence during World War II when it engaged a Japanese submarine during the shelling of Newcastle in 1942. Decommissioned as a military fortification in 1972, Fort Scratchley now serves as a museum, managed by the Fort Scratchley Historical Society. The society conducts guided tours that delve into the fort's military history, including visits to the Parade Ground, gun emplacements, and a network of underground tunnels. The site is open to the public six days a week and features daily gun firings as a tribute to its historical significance. While it offers educational tours, the fort's location also provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape, making it a place of both historical learning and scenic beauty.
Overall Recommendation Level
Price: Low
Children are only $7.50 and adults are $14.00
Audience
Great for families
Location
At Newcastle city centre.
Reviewed & written by Joe C. Read about Joe and more of his recommendations.
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MY REVIEW
Our family visit to Fort Scratchley was a step back in time that none of us will soon forget. Nestled in the heart of Newcastle East, the fort stands as a sentinel with stories etched into its walls, and we were eager to uncover them.
As we approached the historic site, the kids were abuzz with anticipation. The fort's commanding view over the Hunter River and the ocean was breathtaking, and we all took a moment to soak in the panoramic vistas of Nobbys Beach and the distant Port Stephens.
Our tour began with the enthusiastic volunteers of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society, whose passion for the site's history was evident in every story they shared. They led us through the Parade and Ceremony Grounds, and as we explored the galleries and museum collections, the fort's past came alive. The children were particularly fascinated by the historic guns, their imaginations fired by tales of the 1942 shelling of Newcastle.
The Tunnel Tour was an adventure in itself. The dimly lit passageways whispered secrets of the past, and we felt a chill as we thought about the soldiers who once walked these tunnels. The guide's flashlight cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the kids clung to us, wide-eyed, as we navigated the narrow stairs and hallways.
One of the most memorable moments was the field gun firing. The anticipation built as we stood on the grounds, and when the gun finally boomed, the sound echoed through our chests.
My wife and I appreciated the depth of information, and the children were captivated by the historic weapons.