Goal 11:
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Public Access to Buildings
In 2024, the University of Newcastle remained committed to preserving and sharing its cultural and built heritage, and we provided free access to a number of buildings, galleries, landscapes, and facilities of cultural significance. These buildings have always been free to access and will remain that way.
Museums, Galleries & Cultural Venues
- Senta Taft Hendry Museum
The Senta Taft Hendry Museum, housed in the University Gallery, is a dedicated knowledge‑keeping place. It holds a culturally significant and diverse collection of objects from Oceania. These items are available for free public viewing, both on‑site and online. - Conservatorium & Harold Lobb Concert Hall
Our Conservatorium is open to the public, and we host free culturally significant events that invite community participation. The venues within the Conservatorium — including the Harold Lobb Concert Hall — are accessible by the public and are frequently used for concerts by local, national, and international artists. - Heritage Buildings & Galleries
We open a number of our heritage‑listed buildings for public use, including:- University House — a heritage‑protected theatre that is used by community groups (e.g. for the annual Writers Festival)
- Watt Space Gallery — a heritage building functioning as a public exhibition space, featuring student work and community cultural events
Libraries, Sports & Landscapes
- University Library
Our libraries welcome public visitors (subject to University access conditions) and offer reading spaces, exhibitions, and sometimes public programs. - Sports Facilities
Certain sports facilities on campus are open to community use or host public events, allowing the public to engage with the campus environment beyond academic access. - Walking Trails & Grounds
The campus grounds, including walking trails and landscaped spaces, are accessible to the public, enabling community members to enjoy the natural heritage landscapes and open green spaces embedded within our campus.
Heritage & Conservation Register
We maintain a Heritage and Conservation Register (October 2023 edition) that identifies and protects our buildings, monuments, and open spaces of cultural significance. This register ensures that heritage assets are preserved, maintained, and made accessible where possible to the public.
Download The University of Newcastle Arts and Culture Strategy 2025–2030
Scenic Walking Trails
Nestled in bushland, Callaghan is home to some beautiful walking trails. Why not put on your walking shoes and explore?
Birabahn Cultural Trail
Commencing on the pathway between the Chancellery and the Shortland Union Building on the Callaghan Campus, you can take a leisurely 100 metre walk amongst the bushlands of the Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal Nation. The walking trail will lead you to the Birabahn Building which houses The Wollotuka Institute. With signage panels along the way, you will gain historical and cultural knowledge of the long association that Aboriginal people have with the University of Newcastle – Callaghan Campus site.
Don Morris Walk
Behind the Engineering Precinct, you'll find a walking trail through the wetlands and bushlands of Callaghan campus.
Don Morris was originally a lecturer at the University and was eventually appointed as University Planner in 1975. When Planner, he was able to preserve the character of the University's bushland campus through careful planning, which maximised retention of the existing native vegetation.
The Don Morris Walk was opened in his honour and commemorates Don's contribution to the campus grounds. It also provides an opportunity for environmental studies, as well as, offering a relaxing stroll through a section of beautiful Australian bushland and wetlands.
Welcome to Newcastle Conservatorium of Music
Watt Space Gallery
A gallery at the heart of Newcastle with a community and student-led ethos that features emerging and established cross disciplinary artists and curators
University Gallery
A dynamic cultural and educational hub presenting ideas-driven contemporary exhibitions across a range of artistic practices.
Senta Taft Hendry Museum
The Senta Taft Hendry Museum is a dedicated knowledge keeping place, located underneath the University Gallery, which houses a culturally significant and diverse collection of items from Oceania.
Find out More:
The University Art Collection
The University Art Collection is a growing collection of over 3,000 individual works of art and culturally significant material.
Student Engagement
We support Career-ready placements and have a number of opportunities available each semester. These opportunities can be cross disciplinary, engaging with the Galleries, our Museum and the Art Collection.
Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocol
The Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocol sets out how ethical and respectful research is to be conducted across all academic activity.
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Sign UpThe University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.