Once one of Newcastle’s largest municipalities, Waratah’s history was shaped by industrialisation, with the forces of coal mining, urbanisation, transport, religion and education, impacting the development of the north-western Newcastle suburb.
Waratah’s history extends back to the 1820’s. Early industries include coal mining and brickmaking. The Great Northern Railway was built through the area in 1856 and the Waratah Coal Company developed in 1862. The company owned 1,467 acres in the area, which became popular with workers. A residential area was developed, and Waratah grew rapidly through the opening years of the 20th century.
Much of Waratah’s charm and character remains in its streetscapes and remnant buildings, despite the recent impact of aggressive commercialism, urban consolidation and an expanding educational facility.
Today the suburb is a conveniently located residential area providing commercial facilities to residents.
Waratah has good access to public transport facilities. The suburb is served well by buses linking to the University and the city. The suburb’s train station was originally opened in the 1850’s and is a stop on the Hunter line of the NSW Trainlink, linking the suburb to the Newcastle Interchange and the upper hunter via Maitland.
The suburb also contains several schools, such as the Technology Campus of Callaghan College Waratah and St Philip’s Christian College. There are also a couple of hospitals and a nursing home. The Waratah Oval and local park are great recreational spots for families with kids.
Location
Waratah
Waratah West
Real Estate Property: Waratah, Newcastle
Waratah has a rich history which is evidenced in the many properties in the area built in the late 1800’s. These include Victorian Manor homes such as ‘Carclew’, (which holds the suburb’s record sale price), Magnificent Queen Anne Federation Homes such as ‘Braeside’ (Designed by renowned local architect Frederick Menkens), ‘Yelverton’- Built circa 1880, and prominent Victorian Italianate residences.
High Street has many of these Grand homes, several of which retain their generous original land parcels, some up to almost 3,000 sqm with extensive gardens. Also, in the suburb is a beautiful example of Art Deco and Art Nouveau homes built Circa 1930’s with the Spanish Colonial Revival home thought to be the only one of its style in Newcastle.
Waratah is a popular residential suburb for families as demonstrated by renovated and extended homes in the area, as young families move in and are reluctant to leave the area even when their families outgrow their existing residences, as well as new homes that demonstrate the growing popularity of “knock down rebuilds”.
The suburb also caters to residents looking for a smaller footprint with townhouse and villa developments. Modern design compliments indoor/outdoor flows, with a gated community also in the suburb.
According to Core Logic, Houses in the area are selling quickly while still off market. The suburb reports a median house price of over $550,000, but this figure looks like it could drop over the next few months. In the February 2019 quarter, values slipped by 5.2%. Even then, houses are still being snapped up in an average of 37 days.
Waratah Houses: Median price $545,000, Annual capital growth 5.60%, Number of sales 65, Weekly median advertised rent $430
Waratah Units: Median price $385,000, Annual capital growth 6.77%, Number of sales 15, Weekly median advertised rent $333
For an up to date analysis: https://www.yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au/top-suburbs/nsw-2298-waratah.aspx
Real Estate Property: Waratah West, Newcastle
Suburb Profile Report For Waratah West, NSW, 2294
The area known as Waratah West, is bounded by the railway line in the north, Maud Street, Lorna Street, Villa Road, the suburb of Waratah, Edith Street and Clarence Road in the east, Acacia Avenue and Alnwick Road in the south, and Avoca Close, the suburb of North Lambton, University Drive, the Chichester Pipe Line and the suburb of Callaghan in the west. As such, it is only a small suburb, housing a population of under 3,000. Its close proximity to the University of Newcastle, has attracted investors to the north western streets, with many houses having been extended and redesigned to cater for student housing.
The suburb is home to a diverse style of properties, with weatherboard and brick homes to be found, as well as modern pole homes situated high in the hill. Developers also like the suburb with townhouse and duplex properties appearing amongst family homes.
To the east of the suburb, however, closer to Braye Park and the Mater Hospital, homes are popular amongst families, however, with the median house price still within reach of many First Home Buyers the suburb has the potential to attract younger families.
Waratah West House: Median price $507,500, Annual capital growth 6.13%, Number of sales 42, Weekly median advertised rent $390
Waratah West Unit: Median price $445,000, Annual capital growth 22.08%, Number of sales 11, Weekly median advertised rent $380
For an up to date analysis: https://www.yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au/top-suburbs/nsw-2298-waratah-west.aspx
Sport and Recreation: Waratah & Waratah West, Newcastle
A large recreational area, Braye Park is located in Waratah West. The park provides views of the city, walking areas and picnic facilities. Other parks in the suburb include, Waratah Park, Allowah Street Reserve and Thomas Percy Oval.
Recreation Attractions: Waratah Area, Newcastle
Braye Park
Address: 68 Clarence Road, Waratah 2298
Facilities: Playground, Bubbler, Seating, Tables
Activity: Playground and large open grass area with sheltered picnic tables. Time Restricted Off Leash Areas (Dogs): Sunrise to 9am, 5pm to sunset.
Cameron Park
Address: 148 Christo Road, Waratah 2298
Facilities: Playground, Public Toilets
Activity: Playground and open grass area.
Coolamin Road Reserve
Address: 33 Coolamin Road, Waratah 2298
Facilities: Playground, Seating, Playground (Shaded)
Activity: Playground.
Waratah Park
Address: 2 Young Street, Waratah 2298
Facilities: Parking, Playground, Seating, Public Toilets
Activity: Playground with open grass area.
Recreation Attractions: Waratah West Area, Newcastle
Morpeth Road Reserve
Address: 44 Morpeth Road, Waratah West 2298
Facilities: Playground, Seating
Activity: Playground with large open grass area.
Thomas Percy Oval
Address: 36 Allowah Street, Waratah West 2298
Facilities: Playground
Activity: Playground.
Neighbouring Suburbs: Mayfield Area
Avon Street Reserve
Address: 3 Avon Street, Mayfield 2304
Facilities: Parking, Playground, Seating
Activity: Avon Street Reserve features a playground with a small netball court and ring, two spring riders, a swing set and slide. There is also bench seating nearby.
Bull and Tourle Street Reserve
Address: Shelley Close, Mayfield 2304
Facilities: Playground
Activity: Located on Shelley Close this small playground features equipment including a fort with slide and a set of swings. There are also park benches nearby.
Cowie and Usk Street Reserve
Address: 23 Cowie Street, Mayfield 2304
Facilities: Parking, Playground, Seating, Tables
Activity: A small playground offering a netball ring, swing set, slide and spring rider. There is also a picnic table nearby.
Webb Park
Address: 84 Waratah Street, Mayfield 2304
Facilities: Parking, Playground
Activity: Webb Park offers a small playground on a softfall area with equipment including a slide, climbers and a spring rider. There is also a picnic table and bench seating scattered throughout the park.
Mayfield Skate Park
Address: Dangar Park, Maitland Road, Mayfield.
Facilities: A variety of concrete blocks, ¼ pipes, hips and banks. Designed by skateboarders, this skate park is a popular destination. Located on a main road and close to food
as well as a skate shop, it provides a service to the community.
Hillcrest Tennis Courts
Address: Usk Street, Mayfield 2304
Enquiries on availability and bookings are managed by Hillcrest Tennis Club
Mayfield Swimming Pool
Address: Ingall Street, Mayfield,
Facilities: Solar heated 50m and learners pool, playground equipment and grassed areas, BBQs and shaded seating, heated showers, kiosk and off-street and disabled parking.
Accessible features: Steps with handrail into the pool (not a ladder).
Neighbouring Suburbs: Mayfield West Area
Stevenson Park
Address: Stevenson Avenue, Mayfield West 2304
Facilities: Parking, Playground
Activity: This small playground features some climbers and a park bench. Sports facilities available nearby.
Neighbouring Suburbs: Lambton North Area
Hillview Playground
Address: Morehead Street, Lambton North 2299
Facilities: Playground, Seating, Tables
Activity: A small playground with equipment including a swing set, fort with slide, climbers and monkey bars, and spring riders. There is also an unsheltered picnic table.
Pilkington Street Reserve
Address: Cnr Pilkington and Michael Streets, Lambton North 2299
Facilities: Parking, Playground, Seating, Tables, Enclosed Grounds
Activity: Fenced off from the road, this playground features a fort with slide, a swing set and two spring riders. There is also a picnic table and bench seat.
Sporting Grounds: Waratah Area, Newcastle
Waratah
Waratah Park No. 1 – 5
Address: 2 Young Street, Waratah 2298
Features: Rugby League Field, Cricket Wicket (Turf Wicket), Rugby Union Field, Oz-Tag Field, Touch Field, Football (Soccer) Field, Cricket Field (Synthetic Wicket),
Facilities: Toilets, Parking, Canteen, Dressing Sheds, Grandstand, Floodlights, Enclosed Grounds
Waratah West
Thomas Percy Oval
Address: 36 Allowah Street, Waratah West 2298
Features: Football (Soccer) Field
Facilities: Toilets, Canteen, Dressing Sheds
Neighbouring Suburbs
Dangar Park
Address: Maitland Road, Mayfield 2304
Features: Rugby Union Field
Facilities: Toilets, Canteen, Dressing Sheds, Floodlights, Public Toilets
Litchfield Park
Address: 27 Myola Street, Mayfield 2304
Features: Cricket Field (Concrete Wicket)
Facilities: Toilets, Accessibility Toilet
Mayfield Park
Address: 136 Crebert Street, Mayfield 2304
Features: Football (Soccer) Field, Cricket Wicket (Turf Wicket)
Facilities: Toilets, Canteen, Dressing Sheds, Floodlights, Enclosed Grounds
Stevenson Park
Address: 559 Maitland Road, Mayfield West
Features: 4 Main Football (Soccer) Fields, 1 Main Rugby League Field, 1 Baseball Diamond, 1 Softball Diamond
Shopping: Waratah & Waratah West, Newcastle
Waratah Village: located on Turton Road, the shopping centre is on the original site of a brickyard established by Storekeeper David Watson in 1886, which operated until 1969, when it closed to make way for a new K-Mart store. Something local residents welcomed. A local sculptor was commissioned by the centre owners to create a bronze artwork that represented the old brickworks and the many workers associated with what once was a major industry in of Newcastle.
The Village has K-Mart and Coles and a variety of small shops catering to local shopping including Post Office, banking, bakeries, chemists, MyCar (formerly Kmart Tyres Centre), cafes, Hairdressers and a Medical surgery.
Additional services in the form of Hair Salons, Podiatrists, Beauty Salons and Car Sales and Repairs are situated within the suburb’s residential streets, including Bridge St and Station St.
Neighbouring Suburbs
Mayfield: Maitland Road shopping precinct (2.2kms/5 mins)
Georgetown: Georgetown Road shopping precinct (750m/2 mins)
Jesmond: Stockland Chopping Centre, Bluegum Road (4.1kms/9 mins)
Large Suburban Shopping Centres are located at Newcastle West (Marketown – 5.6km / 12 mins).
Westfield Kotara (5.1km /11 mins); Charlestown Square (9.3kms/15mins)
Entertainment: Waratah &Waratah West, Newcastle
Pubs/Bars/Clubs: Waratah and Waratah West, Newcastle
Waratah
The Royal Inn: A local pub welcoming to family and friends, with community spirit. Bistro has a range of meals with Daily specials.
Town Hall Hotel: Having operated continuously as a hotel since 1866, the Town Hall Hotel is a great suburban pub with a warm friendly atmosphere which has just undergone a complete refurbishment in 2019. There’s now something for everyone with a cosy Beer Garden, Public Bar, Bistro, VIP Lounge, TAB, KENO and off street parking.
Neighbouring Suburbs
Mayfield
Stag & Hunter Hotel: A well-known local pub that focuses on bringing live music to town. Tagline “We rock fine wine & delicious dishes.” Full advantage is taken of the pub’s historic charm to bring you a veritable gamut of unique dining experiences. In the downstairs part of the hotel is our lovely bistro area. The detailed ceilings, small bar & intimacy of this space makes it popular for birthday parties and family events. In the upstairs part of the hotel is our gorgeous function room. The floor-to-ceiling wall unit, blue brick fireplace and beautifully sculpted ceiling are all stand-out aspects of a room enriched with a sense of historical beauty.
The Mayfield Hotel: A hidden gem right here in the heart of Mayfield. A local pub offering restaurant quality food at every day pub prices. You can utilise a huge dedicated Functions space, drive-thru Bottle shop, daily specials and promotions.
The Beauford Hotel: A safe family orientated pub with a Convenient drive through bottle shop, famous for its great hospitality and friendly staff. Located on Maitland Rd. Mayfield.
Mayfield Bowling Club: Fondly known as Mayfield Bowlo, has something to offer for most ages, Entertainment, Cheap Bar Prices, Raffles, Pool Table, Juke Boxes. Bistro – Roy’s Kitchen @ Mayfield Bowlo offers dining experiences Wednesday to Sunday.
Wests Mayfield: Wests Mayfield in its various guises has been a focal point of Mayfield life since 1937, and today is an entertainment and dining hub catering for 1000s of people each week. Whether you want a quiet drink, a quick eat or family dining, Wests Mayfield has all bases covered. Choose from Texas Bar-B-Q Grill, the open-air Reload Café. Also enjoy the Balance gym and swim centre and the 76-room boutique hotel, The Gateway Inn.
Mayfield West Bowling Club: WESTSIDE BISTRO. Freshly prepared food including schnitzels, fish, popcorn chicken, sauces, desserts. Small menu but the old favourites are still there alongside the new or on the specials board.
Lambton
The Mark Hotel: Well liked local Pub with a well-priced Bistro that caters to all tastes.
Lambton Park Hotel: A community focused hotel, which aims to provide the neighbourhood of Lambton with a friendly, welcoming & relaxed hotel atmosphere that all can enjoy. Located opposite the beautiful gardens of Lambton Park, the perfect outlook to enjoy an afternoon drink on the terrace, or a quality meal from the Park Kitchen prepared by Head Chef Rupert Fagg.
Lambton Bowling Club: Located directly behind Lambton Swimming Pool, the LBC overlooks the prestigious Lambton park. The Club offers social and competitive Lawn Bowls, regular Bingo, Zumba and Pilates classes, Raffles and Darts competitions. The Bistro provides Club meals with the option of Takeaway available.
Restaurants/Cafes: Waratah & Waratah West, Newcastle
Waratah has a few local cafes within the Waratah Village, nearby in the Georgetown Road Precinct and Mayfield. Looking for something special, locals visit Lambton or venture into Newcastle for a night out.
Waratah Village
Gloria Jean’s Coffees: Coffee and cakes.
Snow’s Patisserie: Coffee and cakes, biscuits to eat in or take home packs.
Red Rooster: Dine in and Takeaway BBQ Chicken
Subway: Dine in and Takeaway rolls and drinks
Tasteful Creations: Dine in and Takeaway fast food
Waratah Sushi: Take away Sushi
Zo Riley’s Café: Relaxed café with great coffee and early morning breakfast.
Neighbouring Suburbs
Mayfield
There is a diverse range of cafes and restaurants along the Maitland Rd, commercial precinct.
Education: Waratah & Waratah West, Newcastle
Public Schools
Please refer to The Department of Education for specific school designated intake areas according to your residential address. https://education.gov.au/school-finder
Primary Schools
- Waratah Public School – Lambton Rd, Waratah
- Waratah West Public School – Leonora Parade, Waratah
- Neighbouring Schools that may include Waratah, Waratah West in their Intake Areas;
- Mayfield East Public School – 32 Crebert St, Mayfield East
- Mayfield West Public School – Gregson Ave, Mayfield West
- Hamilton North Public School – 34 Jackson St, Broadmeadow
- Lambton Public School – Croudace St, Lambton
- New Lambton Public School – Regent St, Lambton
Catholic Schools
- Corpus Christi Primary School – Platt St, Waratah
Neighbouring Suburbs
- St Columban’s Primary School – Church St, Mayfield
Private Schools
Waratah
- St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle – High St, Waratah
Neighbouring Suburbs
- Hunter Christian School – Kerr St & Bull St, Mayfield
- St John’s Primary School – Dickson St, Lambton
- St Therese’s Primary School – Burke St, New Lambton
Secondary Schools
NSW Public Schools
Designated High School for Waratah Primary schools:
- Callaghan College Waratah Technology Campus – Turton Rd, Waratah
- Newcastle Middle School – 151 Christo Rd, Waratah (Providing quality teaching and learning programs for students Years 5 to 8 with moderate to severe disabilities.)
- Newcastle Senior School – 66 Harriet St, Waratah (Creates quality educational pathways for students with significant disabilities.)
Neighbouring Suburbs
- Lambton High School – Young Rd, Lambton
Catholic Schools
- St Clemente High School, Mayfield –
Neighbouring Suburbs
- St Francis Xavier’s College (Senior College Years 11 & 12) – 286 Parkway Avenue, HAMILTON, 2303
Private Schools
- St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle – High St, Waratah
- St Philip’s Christian College DALE – 98 Georgetown Rd, Waratah (a Dynamic Alternative Learning Environment for students in Years 3 – 11 who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, social and emotional difficulties or a mild intellectual disability)
- St Philip’s Christian College DALE Young Parents – an accredited Special Assistance School for young mums and dads.
Neighbouring Suburbs
- Hunter Christian School – Kerr St & Bull St, Mayfield
Preschool Education
- Waratah Preschool – Lambton Rd, Waratah (Within Waratah Public School)
- Narnia Christian Preschool and Early Childhood Centre – High St, Waratah
Neighbouring Suburbs
- KU Mayfield Preschool – 9 Park St, Mayfield
- The Hub Preschool Mayfield -121 Hanbury St, Mayfield
- Jesmond Community Preschool – Janet St, Jesmond
- Kinda Kapers Tighes Hill
- KU Wickham Preschool – 18A Albert St, Wickham
Early Childhood Learning Centres (Long Day Care)
- Narnia Christian Preschool and Early Childhood Centre – High St, Waratah
- Bright Buttons Early Learning Centre – Kahibah Rd, Waratah
Neighbouring Suburbs
- Hunter Early Childhood Centre – Industrial Dr, Mayfield
- Mulberry Cottage Nursery – Maitland Rd, Mayfield
- Gowrie NSW Mayfield Early Education and Care Centre – Frith St, Mayfield
- Play Learn Grow – Maitland Rd, Mayfield
- Making Waves Early Education Centre – Rosegum Rd, Warabrook
- Awabakal Newcastle Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd – Childcare Centre – 5 Grey St, Wickham
Waratah and Waratah West have a lot to offer residents, with easy access to Newcastle city. The Calvary Mater Newcastle public hospital provides an Emergency Department open 24 hours seven days a week, an Intensive Care Unit, extensive Palliative Care services including the Mercy Hospice.
The area is a short drive to the city’s beaches, provides easy access to the Newcastle Link Road to access the Pacific Motorway and Hunter Expressway, and access to Newcastle Airport, making these suburbs an attractive place to live.
