Discover WWII history at Fort Scratchley
Newcastle, Australia • 
Must Do
Must DoNewcastle, Australia
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Jun, Jul
20°C – 26°C, warm and humid with occasional rainfall, high crowds, peak season
20°C – 26°C, warm and humid with occasional rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Some areas have stairs; ramps available; uneven terrain.
Some areas have stairs; ramps available; uneven terrain.
Value for money
High
Free entry and engaging tours provide excellent value.
Free entry and engaging tours provide excellent value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Stunning Views
Couples loved the panoramic coastal views, perfect for romantic moments and photos.
Fascinating History
Travelers found the tunnels and exhibits captivating, a unique shared experience.
Informative Guides
Visitors praised the passionate guides, enhancing the historical immersion for couples.
Tunnel Inaccessible
Couples with mobility issues were disappointed by the tunnel tour's inaccessibility.
Limited Privacy
Some couples felt the busy areas and tours limited private moments.
Uneven Terrain
Travelers noted the uneven ground could make walking challenging for some couples.
Hours of operation
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
-
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience a tour of Fort Scratchley through the lens of a visitor.
Immerse into a virtual tour of Fort Scratchley.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
LOW
15-23°C
Mild temperatures with increased rainfall.
Mild temperatures with increased rainfall.
Open
High availability with minimal restrictions.
High availability with minimal restrictions.
Recommended
April's mild weather and lower tourist numbers provide a relaxed experience at Fort Scratchley, though be prepared for occasional rain.
April's mild weather and lower tourist numbers provide a relaxed experience at Fort Scratchley, though be prepared for occasional rain.
May
LOW
11-20°C
May in Newcastle experiences mild temperatures with average highs around 19.5°C and lows near 10.5°C. The chance of precipitation is moderate, making it a comfortable month for outdoor activities.
May in Newcastle experiences mild temperatures with average highs around 19.5°C and lows near 10.5°C. The chance of precipitation is moderate, making it a comfortable month for outdoor activities.
Open
Fort Scratchley is open six days a week, from 10am to 4pm, closed on Tuesdays. General admission is free, and guided tunnel tours are available with prior booking.
Fort Scratchley is open six days a week, from 10am to 4pm, closed on Tuesdays. General admission is free, and guided tunnel tours are available with prior booking.
Recommended
May offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to visit Fort Scratchley. Ensure to check the Fort's operating hours and book tours in advance.
May offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to visit Fort Scratchley. Ensure to check the Fort's operating hours and book tours in advance.
June
MEDIUM
12-20°C
June sees slightly cooler temperatures with average highs around 20.0°C and lows near 11.9°C. The chance of precipitation remains moderate.
June sees slightly cooler temperatures with average highs around 20.0°C and lows near 11.9°C. The chance of precipitation remains moderate.
Open
Fort Scratchley operates six days a week, from 10am to 4pm, closed on Tuesdays. It's advisable to book guided tours in advance due to increasing demand.
Fort Scratchley operates six days a week, from 10am to 4pm, closed on Tuesdays. It's advisable to book guided tours in advance due to increasing demand.
Recommended
June offers comfortable weather and moderate crowds. Visiting Fort Scratchley during this time is recommended, but plan ahead to secure tour bookings.
June offers comfortable weather and moderate crowds. Visiting Fort Scratchley during this time is recommended, but plan ahead to secure tour bookings.
July
HIGH
12-18°C
July features cool temperatures with average highs around 18.4°C and lows near 12.4°C. The chance of precipitation is relatively low.
July features cool temperatures with average highs around 18.4°C and lows near 12.4°C. The chance of precipitation is relatively low.
Open
Fort Scratchley remains open six days a week, from 10am to 4pm, closed on Tuesdays. Due to high demand, booking guided tours well in advance is essential.
Fort Scratchley remains open six days a week, from 10am to 4pm, closed on Tuesdays. Due to high demand, booking guided tours well in advance is essential.
Recommended
July is a popular time to visit Newcastle, including Fort Scratchley. Expect larger crowds and higher prices; early planning is crucial.
July is a popular time to visit Newcastle, including Fort Scratchley. Expect larger crowds and higher prices; early planning is crucial.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Bus route 23 stops at Nobbys Road before Wharf Road, a short walk to the entrance.
Metro
Recommended
The Newcastle Beach light rail station is a 8-9 minute walk from the fort.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-sharing services offer direct drop-off at the site.
Bike
Bike racks are available near the entrance.
Car
Complimentary parking is available along Nobbys Road.
Ferry
The Stockton Ferry docks at Queens Wharf, a 15-minute walk from the fort.
Walking
Walking from nearby areas, including the Newcastle Beach light rail station, is a convenient option.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
