Fort Scratchley
Undoubtedly Newcastle’s most spectacular vantage point, Fort Scratchley Historic Site is a unique nationally significant heritage site that has unrivaled panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean, north to Nobbys Lighthouse, Headland and the Harbour, south across Newcastle Beach and Ocean Baths.
You can now enjoy a stroll around the site to soak in the history, taking in the breathtaking views, enjoy dolphin and whale-watching with a picnic.
Visit our image galleries of the official opening of Fort Scratchley and the Military Parade on 29 June 2008 .
Open Hours
The Fort is open 6 days a week every day, except Tuesday, from 10am to 4pm, with Free General Admission and Self Guided Tours. Also available are Paid Guided Tours of the Site and the amazing underground Tunnels. The Fort Scratchley Historical Society volunteers operate the guided tours and
a small on site shop which sells gifts, souvenirs and light refreshments.
Full Site and Tunnel Guided Tour Information
Full site and tunnel guided tours are available at regular intervals, every day the fort is opened, with the last tour at 3pm. Other times are available by appointment. The daily tour times are displayed on site.
Group Tour Bookings
To register your interest in Group Tour Bookings please download Group Tour Application Form and return to Newcastle City Council.Event Bookings and Room Hire Information
The Fort Scratchley Historical Site will be available to hire for events outside of normal open hours. These events may include: photography, wedding ceremonies and filming.
Some rooms within the Site will be available for hire in the near future, along with the Multi-Purpose Centre, which is currently undergoing a Development Application assessment for the future use.
Further information in relation to costs and use will be provided as soon as possible.
To register your interest in conducting an event or hiring of rooms at the Site contact mail@fortscratchley.com.au or phone (02) 4974 5000.
Some of the Fort's History ...
Fort Scratchley is situated on the eastern end of Newcastle on the site originally named Braithwaite’s Head by Lieutenant John Shortland.
The Fort is a remaining example of late 19th century closed work fort complexes in NSW.
To protect the coastline in the event of an attack in 1828 an earthern battery named Fort Battlesticks was constructed, and the site, after being handed over to the Army in 1843, became known as Signal Hill.
Further fears of an enemy attack saw a permanent facility completed and it was renamed Fort Scratchley after Lieutenant Peter Scratchley who was responsible for planning the permanent facility.
The first guns were mounted in 1866 to protect the Newcastle Harbour entrance. They were 32 pounder smooth bore guns and were replaced in 1874 by 68 pounder guns. 1877 saw recommendations for three 9 inch rifled muzzle loading and four 80 pounder guns to be installed.
In 1881 construction of the fort commenced. Construction was of reinforced concrete and brick, and blended into the hillside to expose a minimal area to attack. Designed by G.A Orell, the Fort was built by a local builder James Russell. In 1886, additions such as a new soldiers’ barracks and stockade were made.
1942 saw action, when a Japanese submarine, which attacked Newcastle on June 8th, 1942, was repelled.
The years 1945–1978, saw movement and relocation of guns and Army units to other sites.
For more information about the history of the Fort Scratchley Historical Site visit: Fort Scratchley, The Living History.
For information about the Fort's Historical Society and becoming a member visit Fort Scratchley Historical Society.
Go to Newcastle's Landmarks and Historic Sites for more information about some of the region's interesting landmarks.
