The multi-stage facelift for Newcastle’s iconic Macquarie Pier is now finally complete, featuring a heritage walk that commemorates the city’s rich maritime history.
Local historians and archivists from Hunter Living Histories were consulted in the making of the audio tour and signage along the newly revitalised Macquarie Pier Heritage Walk.
The heritage walk explores everything from volcanic activity 300 million years ago that created Nobby’s Headland to the period when Newcastle was shelled in wartime.
The interpretive signage and audio guide complete the Port Authority’s overall revitalisation of Macquarie Pier.
In the first stage, the walkway was reconstructed with features such as a widened waterside footpath, a space for gathering and relaxing, sandstone seating and maritime-style fencing.
Minister for Transport and Veterans, David Elliott, visited Newcastle on April 6 to officially open the Macquarie Pier Heritage Walk.
“Novocastrians should be proud of their city’s rich history and this $1.85 million project is just another way we can pass the tales of the past onto another generation,” Elliott said.
“From kids to history buffs, tourists to locals, this walkway with new signage and an interactive audio tour captures the importance of the harbour and maritime industries.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin, congratulated the Port Authority of NSW for the creative initiative.
“Stage 2 of the Macquarie Pier Revitalisation Project provides the finishing touch on an iconic walk visited by hundreds of people daily,” Martin said.
Port Authority CEO, Philip Holliday, said this project was about giving back to the people who live, work and enjoy the areas around the harbour.
“It’s been terrific to collaborate in developing this immersive audio tour and informative signs packed with historical facts and photos – we hope others love it as much as we do,” Holliday said.
The Macquarie Pier Revitalisation Project is jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Port Authority of NSW, and has been supported by contributions from Port of Newcastle.
Hayley McMahon