Tag Archives: NSW

Leaders Chart Regional Cruise Growth Course in Newcastle, Australia

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Leaders Chart Regional Cruise Growth Course in Newcastle, Australia

Seven councils and two peak tourism organizations from the Hunter and Central Coast met on June 12 as part of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding.

The aim is to unlock new opportunities for local businesses that can then benefit from the regional cruise industry in NSW.

The Port Authority of New South Wales said in a press release that the meeting marked the official launch of the three-year partnership led by the port.

The meeting was attended by:

  • Newcastle Council
  • Lake Macquarie Council
  • Cessnock Council
  • Singleton Council
  • Port Stephens Council
  • Maitland Council
  • Central Coast Council
  • Destination Sydney Surrounds North, and
  • Newcastle Tourism Industry Group.

The group aims to enhance cruise visitor experiences that support cruise growth and support local businesses to capitalise on increasing opportunities.

A key outcome of the agreement is joint funding for a part-time Cruise Coordinator. The individual will work with cruise lines to expand their itineraries, allowing passengers to experience the best of the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said the MoU agreement would support local businesses in developing tourism offerings tailored to capture the cruise market over the next decade.

“This partnership is about more than just welcoming cruise ships. It’s about showcasing the incredible experiences the regions have to offer, from the natural beauty of the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley’s world-class wine country to the vibrant energy of Newcastle itself,” said McKenna.

“It’s a win-win: Passengers get unforgettable experiences, and local businesses and communities benefit from the economic opportunities that come with a thriving cruise industry,” McKenna added.

Port Authority of NSW General Manager Cruise Martin Bidgood said: “This landmark agreement is a one-of-a-kind model for the Hunter and Central Coast region, drawing on the combined strengths of the local councils and peak regional tourism bodies.”

“It’s the natural next step following Port Authority’s planned expansion of cruise into Newcastle Harbour through a new 10-year license agreement with Port of Newcastle, announced in 2023,” Bidgood added.

Port Authority added that it draws on expertise from similar successful arrangements, such as at the Port of Eden.

Pacific Encounter Enters Sydney Harbour with Hero Tugs Salute

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P&O Australia Cruises’ Pacific Encounter has called into Sydney Harbour for the first time and made her entrance amid big jets from water cannon tugs, according to a press release.

When the Pacific Encounter arrived in Sydney for its brief stay, the words “hero tugs” flashed up on the top deck big screen as a tribute to maritime heroes, according to P&O Cruises.

“We are very proud to welcome Pacific Encounter to begin her P&O Cruises cruising career to offer our guests fantastic and memorable cruise experiences. It is wonderful that we can also use today’s arrival as an opportunity to salute the hero tugs of Sydney and everyone who does so much to support cruise shipping and the maritime sector in general. It is very exciting to see the rebuilding of cruise tourism in Australia and its economic benefits as we look forward to its revival in the wider Pacific region along with a near-normal summer cruise season here,” said Marguerite Fitzgerald, president of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia.

The Pacific Encounter was escorted by three tugs operated by Engage Towage. The operation to save the bulk carrier Portland Bay after it lost power in bad weather last month involved all three and their tenacious crews.

With local marine engineering and technical services joining the Pacific Encounter and more than half a million kilograms of locally sourced products being loaded to start the ship’s cruising schedule, the ship’s arrival in Sydney will also provide a significant economic boost to the city.

“Port Authority of NSW has a strong capability and history of responding to marine incidents such as this and working with a number of key agencies who stand ready day and night to spring into action when needed,” commented Philip Holliday, chief executive officer, Port Authority of NSW.

Newcastle Terminal Design Unveiled

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Newcastle Terminal Design Unveiled

Newcastle Cruise Terminal Rendering

The NSW Government and Port of Newcastle have revealed the design of the new Newcastle Cruise Terminal which will transform the cruise passenger experience in Newcastle, according to a prepared statement.

The purpose-built facility will cover approximately 3,000 square meters and will include facilities for passenger drop-off and pick up, coach parking and vessel provisioning.

Port of Newcastle’s CEO, Geoff Crowe, said the Newcastle Cruise Terminal would provide a professional transit experience for passengers arriving in Newcastle and a positive first impression of the city.

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“We are excited to share the concept design for the Newcastle Cruise Terminal which reflects Newcastle’s position as a world-class cruise ship destination. The traveller experience is central to GHD Woodhead’s design, with harbour views, ease of movement, natural daylight and a generous sense of spacing greeting passengers.

“The new cruise terminal, to be built at the Channel Berth, will enable the Port to receive more and larger cruise ships in the future. Importantly, it will position Newcastle as a home port where ships can start and finish their destination in Newcastle. Eventually, cruise visits could also be aligned with major events, such as the V8 Supercars, adding another dimension to the visitor and tourism experience,” said Crowe.

“According to the Australian Cruise Association’s estimates, cruise shipping in Newcastle currently injects around $11 million per annum to the local economy. Homeporting has the potential to deliver even more economic value to the region via more cruise ships and more visitors and the opportunity for local businesses to provide goods and services for the provisioning of vessels.”

The $12.7 million Newcastle Cruise Terminal is funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund.

The design was unveiled by the Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, the Central Coast and the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, who said the Newcastle Cruise Terminal would be a major boost for the Hunter’s tourism sector.

“The Newcastle Cruise Terminal is a big win for the region and a key part of Newcastle’s revitalisation. It cements the city as an international cruise destination and will deliver flow of benefit to the region’s already thriving tourism industry. Additionally, it complements the increased capacity of Newcastle Airport,” said MacDonald.

“The NSW Government has contributed $13.1 million towards the $13.5 million Newcastle cruise upgrades*. The Hunter Research Foundation has estimated the projects will contribute around $26.7 million to the local economy and an additional 76 jobs through construction and flow-on effects.”

Crowe said he was thrilled to share the design with the community after many months of detailed planning.

“Throughout the design process, Port of Newcastle has worked with the cruise industry, tourism representatives and Australian border agencies to factor in their requirements.

“Unveiling the design is a significant step and it is only going to get more exciting from here. Construction will commence in early 2018 and Novocastrians will have a cruise terminal to call their own by the end of next year,” said Crowe.

“We look forward to welcoming the Explorer of the Seas on her maiden visit to Newcastle in February 2019 – the largest cruise ship to visit our port carrying 3,900 passengers.”