Women Embrace Walk & Sculptures@Scratchely 2024

We're excited to get a bit of culture on and visit the new sculpture by the sea at the historical Fort Scratchley's right on Newcastle's foreshore. 

We'll meet at Bar Beach and walk along the shore to Fort Scratchley's, which is about a total of 7 km roundtrip.  We'll join a tour of the sculptures and tunnels under the fort, have a browse around the museum, and then share a delicious morning tea. Sounds like a fantastic Friday morning to us!

Adventure Details: 

Date: Friday, May 17th, 2024

Meeting Time: 9 am for 9:15 am start 

Meeting Point: We will meet the Bar Beach (the exact meeting spot will be emailed once booked)

Fitness Level:  Moderate To see if this activity is fit for you check out our Activity / Fitness Guide

For women with moderate fitness levels and mobility levels, the walk is on paved and unpaved, uneven ground with some hills and stairs. The walkway is not handicapped accessible at this time and pets are not allowed.

Experience: No experience necessary

About the Sculpture Prize:

The second annual Sculpture Exhibition, held on the grounds of Fort Scratchley, Newcastle, NSW, showcases a selected number of international, national and local artists' works. The exhibition is open to the public with the chance to nominate a Sculpture for the main prize of the Peoples Choice Award. The 1880s Fort at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour will play host to an international sculpture prize with a $40,000 pool. With brutalist architecture and magnificent coastal vistas, Fort Scratchley is an exciting venue to preview chosen artist’s works.

About Fort Scratchley:

Fort Scratchley is situated on the eastern end of Newcastle, NSW, on the site originally named Braithwaite’s Head by Lieutenant John Shortland. Convicts created Australia’s first coal mine here in 1801.

To protect the coastline in the event of an attack in 1828, an earthen battery named Fort Battlesticks was constructed, and the site became known as Signal Hill.  Further fears of an enemy attack saw a permanent facility completed, and it was renamed Fort Scratchley after Lieutenant Peter Scratchley, who was responsible for planning the permanent facility.

Facilities: There are toilets at the start, middle and finish of the walk.

Parking: There is a car park at the beginning of the walk.  

Cost: $45  (Complimentary for WEA VIP Members as part of the benefits package)

Inclusions: 

• Entry to the museum
• Eco Pass, Parks Licencing Fees, Full Insurance 
• Wilderness First Aid qualified leader
• Entries for Sculpture and Tunnel Tour
• Morning tea with home-baked goods (We cater for most dietary requirements; please let us know of any needs when booking) 
• Photos of your adventure will be posted on our Facebook event page for you to save

What do I need to bring/wear?

• small day pack  (to carry your personal belongings)
• joggers
• comfortable, sun-protective clothing
• hat
• sunscreen 
• bug spray
• any personal medications you may need (asthma puffer/epi-pen etc)
• waterproof jacket (in case of cold/ wet weather), umbrella
• an extra warm layer in case of cold/windy weather
• water bottle

FAQS

I'll be coming on my own, is that ok?  

Not a problem at all!  Lots of women come on their own to our adventures. Your Women Embrace Adventure host will make sure everyone is introduced before we set off on this beautiful hike. We always have lots of fun; there is no pressure, no judgment, and lots of encouragement from everyone.  By the end of the hike, you may have just found some new adventure friends!

How fit do I need to be for this walk? The walk is on paved paths; there are stairs and some steep sections, and the distance covered is approx 7km. You will need a moderate fitness level to walk the distance covered. 

Tunnel tour? What will that be like? 

It will be fantastic! However, it will have narrow walkways, cramped spaces and limited lighting in parts. The tunnel tour part of the day is completely optional; you can continue to enjoy the view, the sculptures, the gift shop, and we'll meet you back at the top after the tour if you'd rather not participate. 

How many will be on our walk?  We keep our adventures quite personal. On this adventure, there will be no more than 12 women plus your WEA guides.

Stay Safe Procedures: 

*Read our full Covid-19 T&C's for full details https://www.womenembraceadventure.com.au/t-c 

*Terms and Conditions apply

By making a booking, you agree to, understand and accept our terms and conditions Terms and Conditions, our Covid-19 Policy and the Waiver of Liability.

Your booking is final once your payment is processed and a confirmation email is sent to you. 

No refunds will be given but you can pay it forward to another lady over the age of 18. Please email us at least 24 hours before the adventure and provide her contact details. This is an all-weather event. If cancelled by Women Embrace Adventure, a credit or full refund will be provided.

This is a women's only adventure. Valid for sale until sold out. Advertised prices are per person. Prices are correct as of 12 May 2024 and are subject to availability, withdrawal and change at any time without notice due to fluctuations in charges and currency.

All current government safety and health guidelines at the time of booking and departure must be adhered to, including all Covid-19 requirements. Any additional costs related to but not limited to government travel restrictions are the responsibility of the individual traveller and not Women Embrace Adventure. If this trip is undersubscribed or in circumstances where external events affect the viability or safety of this trip to go ahead, Women Embrace Adventure reserves the right to cancel or reschedule and to exclude/remove any participants from this trip.