Property - New South Wales, Hunter

Growing for the Future

Newcastle and Maitland are located in the coastal growth corridor between Sydney and Brisbane. As a result they are attracting billions of dollars of investment in community services, economic infrastructure, businesses and homes.

The two cities are attractive destinations for migrants because they:

• provide economic opportunity
• are affordable places to live, run a business and raise a family
• are closely connected to Sydney
• offer a high quality lifestyle

Newcastle and Maitland are situated in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, two hours north of Sydney by car and train and half an hour by air. The Hunter Region has a population of 650,000 people and is the largest urban area in New South Wales outside of Sydney.

The majestic Hunter River named after Governor John Hunter flows through the region. The Hunter River gave birth to development in Newcastle and Maitland. Ports were established at Newcastle and Maitland on the Hunter River in the early 1800s to export agricultural and forestry products, minerals and coal to Sydney, allowing Sydney to develop and grow.

Newcastle is a port city that was established 200 years ago. The Port of Newcastle is the largest exporting port in Australia in bulk terms. Newcastle is situated at the mouth of the Hunter River and is renowned for its beaches and harbour waterfront. Nature reserves, parks and farmland cover more than 40 percent of Newcastle’s land area.

Maitland is situated on the banks of the Hunter River and is acknowledged for its heritage and country setting. In recent years Maitland has become one of the fastest growing cities in Australia. The availability of land for businesses and residences has allowed employment and housing to grow rapidly.

On average, house prices in Newcastle and Maitland are 40% more affordable than in Sydney. Within a 20 to 40 minute radius it is possible to taste the produce of the world famous Hunter Valley wine region, or explore the Port Stephens blue water wonderland, or sail on Lake Macquarie the largest coastal lake in Australia or trek across the Barrington Tops National Park world heritage area.

The cities have a vibrant art, culture and sporting scene and are considered to be breeding grounds for emerging musical talent. The regional art galleries and museums have outstanding collections.

The university and technical education system produce 20,000 graduates every year. Up to 2,000 foreign students attend Newcastle University at any given time. The public and private health system provide 2,000 hospital beds and receive 100,000 admissions annually.

With an average maximum summertime temperature of 27^ºC and an average maximum wintertime temperature of 17^ºC, Newcastle and Maitland have a comfortable climate, which allows families to enjoy the outdoors all year round.