- The NSW Government is looking to grow cruise in Newcastle.
- This follows the success of the extension of Eden Wharf.
- After Eden’s port upgrade, it has seen visits from bigger ships.
Following the success of Eden’s cruise terminal upgrades, the Port Authority of NSW is targeting Newcastle as its next stop for cruise growth. Eden has seen an instant influx in visits from ships since completing its redevelopment, and following the signing of a 10-year license agreement last year, the Port Authority is hoping for similar success for the former steel city.
On the success of Eden, a spokesperson for the Port Authority of NSW spokesperson said: “Port Authority is very proud to have supported significant cruise growth to Eden as a gateway to the beautiful Sapphire Coast.
“The opening of the Eden Welcome Centre, opened in 2021, was a significant step in fostering the cruise economy, welcoming thousands of tourists each year to showcase the region’s attractions.
“This year, a further expansion of cruise in Eden allowing for bigger cruise ships and more frequent visits, was made possible under NSW Government planning and regulatory modification to the existing Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension.”
The timeline of events shows how sustained planning and development can help ports grow over the years, similar planning has seen Brisbane convert itself into one of the country’s premier cruise terminals.
Furthermore, cruise lines generally book their port calls around three years in advance, making planning ahead and industry communication a critical element of fostering cruise growth for particular ports.
The Port Authority of NSW said it’s hoping to see more cruise ships heading to Newcastle and is currently working closely with the region to try and make the port more attractive for cruise lines and cruisers.
“Port Authority’s new 10-year license agreement with Port of Newcastle signed last year will see more transit cruise ship visits into the Hunter and Central Coast region in the future.
“Port Authority is working with the region to build on the success already achieved in Newcastle by offering cruise lines more opportunities to add Newcastle as a destination on their cruise itineraries.
“Port Authority collaborates with key agencies as well as directly with cruise lines to promote NSW destinations and showcase the many offerings across our ports and regions.”
Last season Newcastle saw 16 cruise ship arrivals, with more than 20,000 passengers bringing more than $6 million to the local economy.
Short cruises
Short ‘getaway’ cruises are currently rising in popularity across Australia. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have been offering more and more three and four-day cruises out of Sydney and Brisbane.
After Eden’s cruise makeover, a few Royal Caribbean short cruises were diverted to Eden, when previously they didn’t have port visits.
Newcastle is also a port that is well positioned for short cruises out of Sydney to visit, meaning that if the port coordinates with industry, more short cruises from Sydney that visit Newcastle would be a prime opportunity.
Most of the ships scheduled to visit Newcastle over the coming season are smaller luxury ships that have capacity for a couple of hundred people. The foot traffic from larger Carnival, Princess or Royal Caribbean ships could provide a larger economic injection if they were to visit Newcastle.
Working on new shore excursions
Destination NSW’s ‘cruise hub’ works with port destinations to help develop shore excursion offerings for cruise passengers.
It was previously revealed that the cruise hub was walking with agencies in Newcastle to develop new tours, suited for cruise passenger day visitors.
Newcastle is most notably situated next to the Hunter Valley, a famous wine region known for its wine, cuisine, and scenery.
Other possible shore excursions offered from the port include quad biking tours across the dunes,
