A nineteenth-century coastal fortification perched on the headland above Nobbys Beach, with sweeping views over the harbour entrance and the ocean. The tunnels and gun emplacements are open for self-guided exploration, and the military museum inside the fort tells the story of Newcastle's role in both World Wars. Entry to the grounds is free; the tunnel tours charge a small fee.
Fort Scratchley
Coastal fort that fired back at a Japanese submarine in 1942
A story
In June 1942, Fort Scratchley became the only Australian mainland fortification to fire its guns in anger during World War II, exchanging shells with a Japanese submarine that surfaced to shell Newcastle Harbour.