Enjoy a fun family day out at Newcastle Museum where kids can play and learn! A small gem of a museum in Newcastle NSW, Newcastle Museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the region’s history. Compared to other museums, Newcastle Museum isn’t large but it’s packed with lots of interesting exhibits. With free admission, it’s worth a visit. You’ll find it in Honeysuckle in the heart of the city.
As admission to the museum is free, a visit makes for a fun excursion It’s especially popular with families as there are loads of fun activities to keep kids of all ages occupied. On a rainy day, you’ll find lots of parents with babies, toddlers and preschoolers here.
It’s one of our favourite spots in Newcastle and thus it’s not surprising that we’ve created a Newy with Kids Newcastle Museum scavenger hunt to discover the hidden (and not so hidden) gems of the museum. Download and print the scavenger hunt before you go.
Newcastle Museum Scavenger Hunt (PDF, 2 pages, 1.9 MB)
Supernova Hands-on Science Centre
For older kids, the interactive Supernova science exhibits will keep entertain as well as educate them on science. There are all kinds of interesting subjects to learn about including magnets, velocity, vacuums and much more.
Want the kids to learn about pulleys and then brag about being able to lift a car? Have a go at lifting this old car!
Those interested in history will enjoy the Newcastle exhibition which educates visitors on the history of the region including the role of coal and steelmaking as well as the lives of early settlers.
BHP Steelmaking Show
If you’re interested in Newcastle’s industry, don’t miss the 6 minute BHP Steelmaking Show featuring special sound and smoke effects. The hourly light and sound show is the centrepiece of the Fire and Earth exhibition.
Against a backdrop of industrial machinery, this six-minute show replicates the gritty atmosphere of a steelworks complete with its deafening noise. It’s quite an experience. Visitors can watch steel pour from the furnace into a 75 ton ladle before the ladle transits across the room.
Steelmaking was once a dominant industry employing 11,000 people and producing two million tons of steel a year. When the BHP Steelworks closed in 1999 after 84 years of operation, it irrevocably changed the city and its people but also provided an unexpected windfall. Upon its exit, BHP donated $2.5 million, the largest ever sum to a regional museum. This money was earmarked for an exhibition, which captured the BHP steelmaking experience.
With this gift, Newcastle Museum commissioned an innovative feature ‘Big Harry’s Place’, a moving account of life at the steelworks. Research for the project involved reviewing the steelworks history, visiting Bluescope Steelworks at Port Kembla and interviewing ex-BHP workers. Employees and BHP also donated objects including uniforms, equipment and photos which are on display.
Check out the old tram carriage which was once part of Newcastle’s thriving tram network.
Newcastle Story
To learn more about Newcastle, spend some time in the Newcastle Story area. You’ll learn about the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake, the history of famous Beaumont Street as well as Novocastrians (Newcastle residents) who have made their mark. Go into the room and see memorabilia from famous residents including Mark Richards and Ray Baartz.
Newcastle Museum Events
The Museum also offers great school holiday fun so be sure to check out their website. The free Science Shows are always a popular event during the holidays. During the holidays, Newcastle Museum is open 7 days a week.
Don’t leave Newcastle Museum without visiting Newcastle Shop. It offers a range of Newcastle books and souvenirs including those made by local artists and artisans.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Open seven days during school holidays.
Cost: Free. Additional costs for special exhibitions
Address: Workshop Way, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Phone: (02) 4974 1400
Website: Newcastle Museum
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Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.