Newcastle is the major commercial and industrial centre of northern kwaZulu-Natal. It was the fourth town to be founded in Natal after Durban, Weeneen and Pietermaritzburg. Founded as a trade and administrative centre for the northern part of Natal in 1864 and named after the British colonial secretary, the Duke of Newcastle. The famous battles of Majuba, Laing’s Nek and Ingogo were fought in the vicinity of Newcastle. Newcastle has extensive coal and steel related industries - Iscor’s third steelworks is located in Newcatle. Newcastle is well watered and receives over 900mm of rainfall per year. The tributaries of the Buffalo River that rise in the district are filled with trout. Newcastle is boasts the largest Hindu temple dome in the southern hemisphere. To the east of Newcastle there are two large black townships namely the Madadeni and oSizweni township.


Attractions and Things To Do in Newcastle

Town Hall
The town hall was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee

Fort Armiel
A Cultural History Museum

Carnegie Art Gallery