The arrival into this working harbour is one of the best in Australia as your ship glides towards booming surf beaches,then through a narrow entrance overlooked by a lighthouse. The whole cathedral-topped city is showcased to port,where the foreshore is marked by long promenades. Locals will wave at you. On the right-hand side are the weatherboard houses of Stockton,then gritty industrial zones where you’ll see Chinese and Korean container ships being loaded.

Berth rites

Ships dock at the Channel Berth quay at Carrington,adjacent to the city,in the middle of a working port. You can’t walk out of the port in this restricted zone,but a free 10-minute shuttle ride gets you into town. Plans to build a cruise terminal have been shelved. There are no port facilities,but the volunteer meet-and-greet service is exceptionally friendly and informative.

Going ashore

Newcastle is Australia’s second-oldest city and has an impressive Victorian-era city centre with some fine architecture,including the prominent Christ Church Cathedral. You can follow several themed historical walks,or seek out the street art. The free Newcastle Museum gives you a rundown of the local history and the importance of the nearby Hunter Valley,and Newcastle Art Gallery has extensive collections of Indigenous and Australian art. Walk out to Nobbys Lighthouse along the harbour breakwall,a favourite spot for locals with their dogs.