The wreck of the Sygna on Stockton Beach (© Hunter Image Bank)

 

Stockton
Newcastle's only northern suburb with an interesting history
Newcastle's only northern suburb, Stockton has an intriguing history and a unique character. Location is Stockton's best feature. It is only five minutes from the city centre by ferry and yet it is far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Stockton has long been a secret hideaway for holiday makers from the Lower Hunter Valley.

Known to the local Worimi Aboriginals as "Burrinbingon", Stockton was a land of plenty, with oysters, pippies, myriads of fish species in the surrounding waters and abundant wildlife in the forested areas.

In 1797 Lieutenant John Shortland searching for escaped convicts, discovered the Coal River (later the Hunter) and came ashore in three places on Stockton. By 1799 a sawpit was operating here to supply timber to Sydney. In 1800 convicts in the seized sloop "Norfolk" were washed onto the point of this peninsula which was officially known as Pirate Point until 1862.

Stockton became an industrial suburb with lime kilns, salt works and foundry in 1838, vitriol works in 1853, tin smelter in 1872 and the colony's biggest textile factory (which burnt down in 1851). There were also several shipbuilders and slipways along the river. The Stockton Coal Company was fully operational by 1886. A dreadful mine disaster in which 11 men died is commemorated by the Memorial Gates at Lynn Oval. Stockton Borough Council began in 1889 and its imposing Council Chambers stood where the RSL Club is now.

Stockton Beach and the Oyster Bank were notorious for shipwrecks. The most well-known was the "Adolphe", wrecked in 1904 and still visible on the breakwater. During the late 1800s and early 1900s sailing ships were tied up, sometimes three abreast at dolphins along the Stockton river bank and their ballast helped form what is now known as the "Ballast ground".

Notable extant heritage sites and buildings include the slipway and boat harbour opposite the Boatrowers Hotel; the "thorn tree" (acacia karoo), whose seed probably came from ballast; the old Police Station, in use before 1882; St Pauls Church and old Rectory, and "The Laurels".

Today Stockton is a fisherman's paradise, with river, beach, harbour and deep sea fishing all on our door step. Two top class boat ramps further add to the fishing experience. It is also an ideal destination for surfers with 30km of beaches.

Cycling is very popular on the hill-less peninsula. A designated cycleway runs from the Sailing Club to the Breakwater offering safe and easy riding for the whole family. Further extension of the cycleway along the riverside are being planned, creating a link all the way around Stockton.

Stockton is a maritime suburb. The Shipwreck Walk, Pirate Point, the Ballast Grounds and the two visible wrecks, the Adolphe and Sygna are constant reminders of Stockton's historic past. Timber and metal from old ships lying in the bight still sometimes wash onto our beach.

Stockton has retained an old fashioned, country atmosphere with its leisured pace and warm friendliness. Its mix of 19th century cottages and old mansions are complemented by the simple architecture of the newer buildings. The main street and shopping centre are practical and unpretentious. The town is surrounded by wide open spaces which prove popular with picnicers and fisherfolk alike.

Things to see:  

 

Stockton Bridge and mangroves (© Hunter Image Bank)

 

Birdwatching on Stockton sandspit
Located north of Stockton Bridge, this is possibly the best area in NSW to view large numbers of migratory wading birds. It is part of Kooragang Nature Reserve, a designated "Ramsar" site for its significance for migratory wading birds. Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project and the NSW NPWS manage the site. Curlews, whimbrels, godwits, sandpipers ... In fact some 30 species of migratory birds flock to the Hunter estuary in their tens, hundreds and sometimes thousands during summer (October to April). While here they build up fat reserves, eating delicacies found on and in mudflats of Fullerton Cove at low tide. At high tide they roost on nearby high ground, particularly along the Stockton dykes and sandspit conserving energy for the long flight north.

For those interested in birdwatching, an observation hide has been built. Keys for the hide are available from the Fern Bay Store, open 6.00 am to 7.00 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 7.00 am Sunday - just mention the name of the Kooragang Project.

 

Other Activities
Stockton is famous for its excellent fishing facilities and its beaches are ideal for surfing. It is a popular holiday resort with the added attraction that it is both close to the facilities of Newcastle yet far enough away for holidaymakers to feel that they are far removed from the bustle of city life.

 

 

 

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Stockton