Fort Scratchley

Fort Scratchley stands on the headland above Newcastle's harbour entrance, a historic coastal-defence fort with a genuinely remarkable story — it's one of the few places in Australia to have fired on an enemy during wartime, returning fire on a Japanese submarine in 1942. Now a much-loved museum, it offers a fascinating window into the city's military history.

The appeal is that combination of military heritage, dramatic clifftop views and a great setting: exploring the gun emplacements, the underground tunnels and the exhibits, all while taking in sweeping panoramas over the harbour, the coast and the city. It's an engaging, family-friendly destination with a genuinely unique history.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,600 reviews, it's a much-loved landmark. The site is often free to explore, but guided tunnel tours, opening hours and any events have their own arrangements and can vary, so it's worth checking current details before you go — and allowing time to take in both the fort's history and the spectacular views from the headland.