Weddings at Fort Scratchley

Nice views and great to explore its history. Staff were friendly.

One of the best historical attractions in the country 1 pm the fire the gun for the harbour based ships to sink time. Volunteers are just so helpful. The grounds are perfect views spectacular and the history is just so well preserved. The shop is limited though not many souvenirs and no warm food not even a pie. But the place it self makes up for that. A most visit and a credit to the people of Newcastle. Well done the volunteers.

I recently visited Fort Scratchley in Newcastle and it definitely did not disappoint. It's a fantastic place to explore and learn about Australia's rich military history. The museum was very impressive, with lots of interesting exhibits and photographs of the past. The fort itself was fascinating to explore, with its turrets, fixed defences and artillery pieces from the 1880s era. It was an educational and enjoyable experience, and I would highly recommend visiting Fort Scratchley to anyone with an interest in Australian military history.

Wonderfully looked after by a dedicated historical society. Tours run several times a day in a set timetable. They go for 60-90 minutes. The chap who took us through was very knowledgeable and made the experience very pleasant and interesting, would highly recommend the tour. The cannon firing is most days at 1pm except when the weather stops them.

Entry is free to the fort and all the display rooms and bits and pieces. To see in the tunnels inside the fort is paid,not all that expensive. A fellow who was in the military had the tour for free as far as I can tell so if you are a service person they must let you in for free.

While there are toilets on site, once you are on the tour you are toilet less for the duration
Although I'm sure they would let you out if you asked

A brilliant way to spend the morning in Newcastle. We visited with 3 kids aged between 6 and 14 and they were all totally enthralled. I would highly recommend the tour of the tunnels and the fort which goes for about 90 minutes. There are also parts of the fort that you can explore by yourself. Make sure to be there at 1pm for the firing of the cannon. The gift shop has some nifty little gifts and memorabilia.

Its amazing how this place is kept promptly and engaged by volunteer veterans. Fort is free to access, the tunnel tour is guided and need a paid ticket.
Several museum rooms depicting the old ways of working is free to view. You will get a map by the gate that will help with the tour.
-> there is gun firing session every day by 1pm. Its a traditional practice that aligns with customs house time ball.
A must visit in Newcastle

Beautiful and historic places by the Newcastle coast. Well kept and maintained by the veterans and gives us a nice peep into the history of the area and the fort's significance in maintaining security. The highlight is the cannon firing at the stroke of 1 pm.

Nice visit. You must do the guides visit with the volunteers so you can go inside the fort.

Well worth a visit, lots of history, fantastic views. At times there are special events held as it was on our latest visit, sculpture displays

Wonderful to see the fort preserved and interpreted by a committed group of volunteers.

The sculptures were great

First time I have been there. A great asset of historical value to our great city

Fort Scratchley shares a fantastic wealth of historic treasures! We did the tour with Wayne and he was brilliant, extremely knowledgeable, passionate and friendly. We got to see the 1pm gun firing, which was very cool! Watching the gun firing is free and the tour is cheap, no need to buy tickets online, but maybe check the tour times. We paid for the tour on the day of and we already knew the time so there was no wait at all! We will definitely be back on one of the dates where they fire more guns. There are heaps of displays and some really unique stuff in the store. All of the staff were super nice, making jokes and just seemed to be really fun people. The views of the surrounding areas and ocean are beautiful too. The fort is awesome and the people make it fun! Highly recommend!!

The volunteers are so knowledgeable that we did the tour, and our guide was excellent. I totally recommend this tour.

Very interesting, lot of history concerning war1and war2 also great views .

Fantastic Venue for an Art Exhibition

Beautiful outlook point and historic site!

Busy place with school groups but important for them to go.

Great place. Decent food.

One of significant sites in Australia.
Should visit once. Nice and friendly volunteers helping around. Gold coin donations needed.

Lovely place to visit. Free entry. Great display items.
We took the tunnel tour, which was only $13.50 per adult. I highly recommend doing this. Our tour guide was lovely and so informative.
Also, amazing views and whale watching spot.
Regards to the volunteers who keep it going for people to see.

Wonderful views and a very interesting historical site.

Lovely people at the gates. very kind and helpful. Had Ross as the tour guide absolutely loved it. He had a great sense of humour and knowledge of the forts history. Stayed around for the cannon fire which was cool. W place must go if in Newcastle!

This spot is definitely a highlight. I was greeted by an older gentleman who has worked there for 31 years. He explained everything to me in detail. I was very grateful for his meet and greet and enjoyed this beautiful place afterwards! A must do in Newcastle. Also for whale and dolphin watching.

Well worth a visit and taking a guided tour of the tunnels! The volunteers are very knowledgeable

Very friendly and excellent historical display :) loved it

Great piece of history, amazing views and worth paying for the underground tour. Extremely interesting place.

Had a good time. All the artifacts and history of the fort was very knowledgeable. The firing of the cannon was really loud. Loved the statue of the whale made out of timber. Highly recommend a visit when visiting Newcastle.

I had been wanting to visit Fort Scratchley, I finally did and had an amazing time there. The place has great views, military uniform displays, weapon displays and a great spot to whale watch.

The spot next to the guns gives you almost a 360 view of the city as well as of the lighthouse, nobby's beach and the Newcastle beach.

Place is free to visit, no tickets required. Although the tour of the underground tunnels would require a ticket.

There are toilets available as well.

There is free parking available. The guards are also very accommodating and helpful.

Very interesting tunnel tour completed our visit to this historical place that we had never heard of - but should have.
And ... what a beautiful location! We saw 3 whales & a pod of dolphins cruise by!

Panoramic view of Newcastle is truly unbeatable

Good place for a get away in Newcastle and overhead view of the coastline

Free fort with very friendly site guides. Good history and pretty views

Fort Scratchley has beautiful views and was such an interesting and educational experience for all of us in regards to our military history. Was lovely speaking to the volunteers that work there who shared their own military experiences and stories. Next time will definitely do the tunnel tour!