1. The ocean baths

The city's historic baths were the thing that sealed the deal for us moving from Melbourne eight years ago. I'd swum laps at Merewether Baths, one of the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere, a few times before we took the plunge (literally) and moved north. Now we live a stroll from the historic Newcastle Ocean Baths with its gorgeous Art Deco facade. There's also the Bogey Hole, a heritage-listed ocean pool hand-built by convicts in 1819. It's a Newcastle icon and a bit of a hidden gem.

2. The Hill

It's a historic suburb, and gorgeous old terrace houses and grand homes line its steep narrow streets. The Hill overlooks the harbour, from Stockton all the way to the ocean. It's home to Australia's oldest school, Newcastle East Public School, which my nine-year-old daughter attends. It's small [250 students] with a strong community feel. [Actor] Miranda Otto and [yacht designer] Ben Lexcen went to school there. The Hill is also home to the Obelisk [the site of a former windmill that served as the city's first navigational marker] and King Edward Park, with a beautiful rotunda overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Newcastle's Merewether Baths , one of the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere. Photo: Quentin Jones

3. The East End

This is another special enclave with a rich and fascinating history. The East End is like The Rocks in Sydney, with rows of historic terrace houses and old bond stores converted into swanky apartments. This is where we live. We're literally a barefoot stroll to two beaches, the ocean baths and the city (although you probably should put thongs on if you're going into town).

4. The Breakwall and Nobbys Lighthouse

A stroll along this man-made spit takes you to the entrance of bustling Newcastle Harbour, the largest export port in the Commonwealth. Nobbys Lighthouse invites visitors to explore its nautical past and its sweeping views over the city and out to sea. The breakwall is a terrific spot to watch huge freighters enter and leave port, hustled by tug boats. You often see dolphins and whales, and the occasional seal sunning itself on the rocks.

Lords Cafe, run by Dan (Brownie) Brown and his brother Josh, in Hamilton. Photo: Quentin Jones

5. The cafe culture

When we first moved here in 2008, there was a burgeoning coffee scene. Goldbergs Coffee House on Darby Street had been there forever but slowly other terrific cafes started opening. Suspension Espresso, Rolador and One Penny Black were followed by Good Brother Espresso Shop, Welsh Blacks, Esther C, Hubro and Xtraction Espresso. The most recent addition, Lords Coffee & Associates, is run the by proud mullet-sporting Dan "Brownie" Brown.

6. You can park at the beach for free

I know it's no biggie if you live in Port Macquarie or Yamba, but I'm originally from Sydney where it costs a motza to park anywhere near the beach. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum and the Newcastle Art Gallery for free.

7. Nobody cares what school you went to

I remember moving to Melbourne, and this question came up frequently, as it does in certain circles of Sydney. Here there's a lack of pretension that's refreshing. That's not to say there aren't great schools (there are), and a terrific university, but Newcastle is a working-class city with people from all walks of life.

Sheriden Rhodes is a travel writer and photographer who made Newcastle her home eight years ago.
rhodeswelltravelled.com