Back to nature: Black Hill, Beresfield, Tarro, Lenaghan, Minmi, Rankin Park, Fletcher, New Lambton, Kotara.
There is little doubt that Newcastle is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
From gorgeous coastline to tranquil bushland, there are many Newcastle suburbs that take full advantage of this natural beauty, making them perfect for nature-lovers looking for a permanent tree or sea change.
If having 182 hectares of natural reserve in your own backyard sounds appealing, then New Lambton makes perfect sense.
One-third of the picturesque suburb, located just six kilometres from the Newcastle CBD, is comprised of Blackbutt Reserve (also incorporating Richley Reserve) – one of the jewels in Newcastle’s natural asset crown.
Blackbutt Reserve boasts a restored rainforest, comprising Eucalypt Forest and pockets of significant remnant vegetation that provides habitat for numerous rare and vulnerable species.
You’ll also find wildlife exhibits, state-of-the-art children’s playgrounds, a myriad of nature trails and picnic and barbecue facilities.
Kotara also sits on the doorstep of this natural wonderland, making this equally attractive suburb an ideal location for nature lovers.
Suburbs on the western edge of the Newcastle LGA such as Minmi, Fletcher, Lenaghan, and Black Hill are ideal locations for people chasing a more relaxed tree-change lifestyle.
Sitting at the gateway to the Hunter Valley and with views to Mount Sugarloaf, these suburbs offer quiet and peaceful community-focused living, with plenty of open space for the family to get out and about including Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in Minmi and the Pambalong Nature Reserve in Lenaghan.
Minmi also plays host to the Treetops Adventure Park, where you’ll literally find a home among the gum trees with unique tree rope courses and ziplines.
The area around the suburbs of Shortland, and Sandgate also encompasses the Hunter Wetlands National Park, which is a great place to meander through the mangroves on short hikes or bike rides and, given the park is home to more than 200 species of birds, it’s a true ornithologist’s delight.
The Hunter Wetlands Centre also offers a range of activities including guided tours, canoeing, feeding talks, school holiday programs and much more.
So, if you’re looking to get back to nature while still having the convenience of the city at your doorstep, there are plenty of enticing options in Newcastle.
For more information about the suburb that’s right for you, checkout the City of Newcastle Community Profile or Newcastle Social Atlas.
