It’s probably not the first place you’d choose, but I want a holiday house in Newcastle. Yes, yes, Bryon is lovely, Bateman’s probably rocks and I know Sawtell is superb. None of them hold a candle to Newcastle. I grew up in Newcastle (so shut your gob). I was dead keen to leave when I was 21. Now I fantasise about moving back (when not dreaming about becoming Doctor Who’s assistant, being thinner, having a pool and assorted home renovations). But a holiday house would do quite nicely. Sure, there are disappointing things about Newcastle: the southern hemisphere’s largest KFC. There are funny things about Newcastle: the pub with carpet on all the table tops. And there are scary things about Newcastle: bald guys with tattoos of one-finger salutes on the back of their heads. Actually, there seem to be a surfeit of tattoos generally, especially on strapping young gentlemen’s forearms. There are bad things about Newcastle: the semi-derelict main street is depressing. And there are impossible things about Newcastle: entering a licenced venue after midnight (local grog law to avoid drunken violence). But I reckon the good outweighs the bad. It’s so easy compared to Sydney. Brilliant houses way under a million bucks, speedy work commutes, sensible working hours, parents to babysit, gorgeous beaches, great parks … I spent three glorious days in Newcastle last week and loved every minute. I took the Sprogs to the beach; parked right beside it. I took the Sprogs for preservative-free burgers (with my best friend when I was 4); parked just around the corner. I went out for drinks and dinner (with my best friend when I was 10); parked the Sprogs with my parents. Mum even drove me to the pub. Score! The pub was great too. A big, old converted warehouse, right on the harbour. Awesome views. It was a bit annoying when they ran out of Diet Coke – who runs out of Diet Coke? – but other than that, lovely. Mum and I hit the sales at Garden City (or whatever its Westfieldy name is now) – they had Mimco and everything. We went to the movies – Tower Heist – only $9.95 and parking (again) was a breeze. If I’d had more time, I could have dined at Good Food Guide approved restaurants. As it was I enjoyed some very nice oysters above the fishermen’s co-op and survived a $7 pasta at the bowling club. What’s not to like?
DIET LOG: Groggy, but basically good.
WHAT THE SCALES SAID: 68.9kg. Bah humbug.
TONIGHT’S MENU: Might keep it simple, steak with dijon mustard and salad. Or perhaps a mushroom sauce (fry thinly sliced garlic clove and chilli flakes in a splash of olive oil. Add sliced mushrooms, cook until soft. Toss in some fresh thyme sprigs, add a dash of lactose-free cream. Simmer very gently for one minute. Serve.)
housegoeshome 
iv never been keen to leave… my 14 months “away” was in maitland!! 15 minute commute for me for work, 10 minutes to the beach & never a problem with parking anywhere… oh… & westfield??? yeah, rite – its still called ‘gardo’ to locals (or for the real oldies like my mum, that still call it “kotara fair”)!!!
I reckon you’re just about spot on with that sentiment! Am almost convinced to do the same!
Zaara St and Stephensons Place were fun as first rentals and I knew Garden City as Kotara Fair!
It was nice to go back for the week of Christmas, and catch up with old friends and family, but I can’t see myself ever living there again. My commute to work blew out from 20 minutes to 40 minutes over the course of 4 years, shopping at Christmas was a nightmare (got a park at my local shopping centre 2 cars from the door on Christmas Eve here) and it’s so humid! Was glad to get back on my side of the mountains last Friday.
I can see why it may be more appealing than Sydney though. I’ve lived there too. I first escaped Newie when I was 18. Took me 9 years to go back then another 16 to leave again – apart from another brief Sydney hiaitus in 2000.
And Megz is right, it’s still Gardo.