One of greater Newcastle’s western suburbs, about 13km from the CBD and just to the east of the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, Wallsend is named for the small town famous for its proximity to Hadrian’s Wall, built in Northumberland, England, by the Romans in 120-123AD as a defence against marauding northern tribes. The southern Wallsend was originally a coal mining town, established in 1858 by the Newcastle-Wallsend Coal Company. In the 1860s, disputes between this company and miners resulted in a co-operative mine being opened at the site where the Wallsend High School now stands. The town developed to house and service the influx of miners, most of whom came from the United Kingdom. Wallsend is close to the Awaba State Forest which is a popular escape for the bush-walking fraternity. A short drive takes you into Newcastle’s CBD - which provides all the pleasures of a progressive, big city - and its superior beaches. Wallsend is also a convenient base from which you can explore Lake Macquarie and its shoreline and the Hunter Valley, with its abundance of wineries, eateries, horse studs and spelling paddocks.

Maryland is an outer suburb of Newcastle close to the Sydney Newcastle Freeway. The area is a large residential estate that is home to many families and professionals in the area. There are a few public parks for picnics and sports and the Newcastle CBD is only ten minutes east.

Birmingham Gardens is located amongst residential suburbs and the University of Newcastle. The suburb is small but features a local park and a small cinema as well as convenient access to major roads in the area. It is within minutes of 2 major shopping centres.

Residents of the area tend to live in the suburb for more than five years and it is mainly populated by families with school aged children, although it does have a retirement village. The suburb is enjoyed for its suburban housing and pleasant surrounds.

According to the 2006 Census there are 4,730 people in 1,756 dwellings (in 2001 there were 4,822 people in 1,708 dwellings).

Elermore Vale houses one of Newcastle’s suburban gyms. The Viking Aquatic and Fitness Centre is located on Wallsend Road. A number of reserves are located in the area and sporting fields and parks are also available.

is a residential suburb situated near the university.

According to the 2006 Census there were 4,180 people in 1,509 dwellings (in 2001 there were 4550 people in 1514 dwellings), mostly separate houses.

The Shortland Wetlands area provides walking trails and picnic areas. Other recreational facilities in Shortland include, Shortland Waters Golf Course, netball facilities and sporting ovals. The area is home to a number of parks and reserves such as Tuxford Park, Alister Street Reserve, Northcott Park and Coral Sea Avenue Reserve.