The Newcastle Regional Show is the kind of event not to be missed if you want a taste of rural Australia. We were able to attend the stock car races, woodchopping competitions (photo) and stock horse events. The show is held annually in Newcastle, and has been for over 100 years!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Newcastle Regional Show.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership between iPhoneography Oz and Fit n Fast, a chain of health clubs located mainly on the eastern coast of Australia. In the coming weeks we will be able to use their facilities in order to review the services offered in their different locations and share it with you.

This week we begin with Fit n Fast Charlestown. The gym is located on the ground floor of Charlestown Square, a large shopping centre in the suburbs of Newcastle, just ten minutes away from the city centre. No problems with parking as the centre has a massive car park (the first three hours are free). Once again, as it was already the case at Ezyfit, we are pleasantly surprised by the facilities and the cleanliness of the place. The equipment is modern and in perfect condition. They even thought to group it into different sections depending on the type of exercises desired, facilitating the workout (quotes printed in large letters on the walls are there to remind you). The membership fees, in our opinion, are excellent value for money. It is also possible to choose a no commitment membership, which is always good to know when traveling! All information is available on Fit n Fast website.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Fit n Fast.

All ways are good to reach the beach to go surfing in Australia. It is very common to meet most of the surfers on the sidewalks, their boards in hand. But in Cadel Evans's homeland (winner of the Tour de France 2011), we must admit that some of them are ingenious (photo). The most difficult part must be taking 90° turns when the wind blows. Anyway we trust them!

It is never a nice feeling to be robbed. It is even less when it occurs during a long-term trip abroad and when the thief leaves with 95% of your personal belongings. This is what we experienced (a first time for us) this week in Adamstown, a district of Newcastle reputedly quiet. This lowlife even left with food and petrol! We will make no comment about the New South Wales Police here even if we would have a lot to say about it. Our initial impressions upon arriving in Newcastle were negative (popular city without character). We are leaving it (certainly extremely light) with an evidential confirmation of our doubts. Run away from Newcastle and prefer the surrounding area (Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie) which are, in our opinion, the only valid reason why Newcastle is ranked in Lonely Planet's Top 10 cities to visit in the world.

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You will find Nobbys Beach (photo) in a quiet neighborhood northeast of Newcastle (just steps away from the YHA Newcastle Beach Hostel). From the lighthouse overlooking the bay, you can walk along the 5 kilometres Bathers Way coastal walk. If you are afraid of sharks (which are not a myth in Australia!), it is possible to swim in the Newcastle Ocean Baths, large salt water pools located near Nobbys Beach behind an Art Deco pavilion.

The weather has not been kind since we arrived in Newcastle area. As seen on the Sunshine Coast, it can change within a few minutes in Australia. This afternoon it was sunny at the National Surfing Reserve of Merewether Beach (an extension of Bar Beach). Surfers had fun in the waves of the Tasman Sea before massive clouds arrived in a few seconds. Time for them to get out of the water. Here is the result!

Let's continue our investigations to confirm Newcastle's ranking in the 2011 Lonely Planet's top 10 cities in the world to visit. We took part in a sand dune safari in Stockton Beach with Dawsons Tours. Breathtaking! The landscape is incredible and sometimes reminds us of Fraser Island. The area is usually known for beach camping but the small 4WD expedition also provided some unexpected moment. Tin City emerging out of the sand like a mirage (where parts of Mad Max have been made), vestiges of the World War II and sandboarding are the highlights of this experience. Taking part in a safari is a must when you are in the area. Andrew, the Dawsons Tours guide, is in love with the place and does not hesitate to extend the journey if time allows it.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Dawsons Tours.

We are heading south continuing our route along the North Coast of New South Wales. After Port Macquarie, here is Newcastle. Expectations are high as Newcastle was ranked 9th in the Lonely Planet's top 10 cities for 2011. It will take some time to prove it. Let's start with the most favorite activity of Australians: the beach. The city has a few. Bar Beach (photo) is a huge beach popular among families and surfers. It is located south of Newcastle City Business District. For a quieter time, you should climb some rocks to reach Susan Gilmore Beach, located below a large cliff at the northern part of Bar Beach.

What do you think? Have you been to Newcastle? What's your favourite beach in Newcastle area? Do you think Newcastle deserves its Lonely Planet ranking? Let us know in the comments below!