Raymond Terrace

Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 (Pop 13 000)

Raymond Terrace is a Hunter River town 165 km north of Sydney. Due to its proximity to Newcastle (25 km), it has become a popular commuter belt township. Original inhabitants were the Worimi Aborigines with white settlement beginning 1820s. Raymond Terrace was named after an early explorer and for the terraced appearance of the trees. An aluminium smelter at nearby Tomago in 1980s helped boost the town’s flagging economy.

Tourist Attractions & Information: 
Historic Raymond Terrace abounds with beautiful churches, cottages and buildings including the Courthouse (1841), Muree Cemetery (with oldest grave dating back to 1845), Geer House (1845), St Brigid’s Catholic Church (1862), St John’s Anglican Church (1862), the Catholic Presbytery (1891). Riverbank Park, William St a pleasant recreation spot. Sketchley Pioneer Cottage Museum, Swan St (1850) fine early examples of furniture, farming equipment and handicrafts. Open (10am-4pm) Sun.

Nearby:
Grahamstown Lake (4 km n-e) pretty recreation area. Hunter Botanic Gardens (4.5 km south) beautiful grounds of wildflowers and native vegetation. Tomago House (8 km south) National Trust-listed elegant mansion (1843) and nearby sandstone chapel. Open (11am-3pm) Sun. Fort William Monarch Historical Museum (15 km s-e) interesting memorabilia collection. Tel (02) 4965 1641. Fighter World - Williamtown RAAF base (15 km s-e) (1941) display of 9 fighter aircraft as well as miniature aircraft models, weapons and missiles. Open (10am-4pm) daily.

Accommodation:
Raymond Terrace has 6 motels, 3 hotels, holiday cottages and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 240 Pacific Hwy. Tel (02) 4987 1211.

Airport:
Newcastle Airport (NTL) – Williamtown RAAF Base, off Nelson Bay Rd, Williamtown. Tel (02) 4928 9800. (16 km s-e).

Hospitals:
Mater Hospital, Edith St, Waratah. Tel (02) 4921 1211. William Lyne Day Hospital, 64 Harriett St, Waratah. Tel (02) 4985 3300. ( 21 km south) or John Hunter Hospital, Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights. Tel (02) 4921 3000. (24 km south).