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Like Coals to Newcastle Trivia Quiz

Like Coals to Newcastle....let's see what you know about the History of Newcastle, NSW, Australia

A multiple-choice quiz by danarani. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
danarani

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
314,338

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
399

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. When did it all begin? In what year was Newcastle, New South Wales, *first* founded? Hint

1842

1793

1801

1804

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Question 2 of 10

2. Newcastle has a beautiful coastline and many resources, but what was the reason for establishing a colony in Newcastle? Hint

To look for gold

To search for coal

To make another port for shipping goods to and from England

As a harsh penal settlement for the worst convict offenders

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Question 3 of 10

3. Who discovered the Hunter River, and is credited with discovering the harbour of Newcastle? Hint

Captain William Bligh

Governor Arthur Phillip

Capt Lachlan Macquarie

Lieutenant John Shortland

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Question 4 of 10

4. What is the Port of Newcastle's major claim to fame? Hint

It has the safest approach for ships

It has more ships loading than any other port in Australia

It is the only port with a surfing beach nearby

It is the largest exporter of coal in the world

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Question 5 of 10

5. Newcastle has the oldest of which of the following? Hint

Coal loader

Museum

A public school with a continuous existence

Public building

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Question 6 of 10

6. What was the aboriginal name for Newcastle? Hint

Nikkinbah

Awabakal

Maneela

Muloobinbah

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Question 7 of 10

7. What happened in Newcastle on 28th December, 1989? Hint

An earthquake killed 13 people

The post-Christmas sales began at David Jones, Hunter Street Store

The second bridge opened at Swansea

Not much, it was a public holiday

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Question 8 of 10

8. The BHP company closed its operations in Newcastle in 1999. How long had the BHP been producing steel in Newcastle (give or take a few months)? Hint

88 years

100 years

78 years

67 years

9. Nobby's was an island just off the coast of Newcastle, until it was joined to the mainland by a wall built by the convicts, which served to make the harbour safer for shipping. What was the aboriginal belief about Nobby's island? Hint

It was the home of an angry kangaroo that had been chased into exile

It was a place for gathering and celebration

It was a burial ground

It was haunted by evil spirits

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Question 10 of 10

10. The Bogey Hole is a popular place for swimmers during the hot summer. What was the original name of the "Bogey Hole"? Hint

The commandant's baths

The epiphany baths

The water hole

Death wish baths

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. When did it all begin? In what year was Newcastle, New South Wales, *first* founded?

Answer: 1801

Newcastle was first founded in June 1801. The settlement was abandoned in 1802 and re-established in 1804.

2. Newcastle has a beautiful coastline and many resources, but what was the reason for establishing a colony in Newcastle?

Answer: As a harsh penal settlement for the worst convict offenders

Newcastle was founded as a place for the re-offenders, the 'worst of the worst' that had been sent to Australia from the United Kingdom. They were put to work mining coal and exporting lime for building projects in Sydney.

3. Who discovered the Hunter River, and is credited with discovering the harbour of Newcastle?

Answer: Lieutenant John Shortland

Lt John Shortland discovered the mouth of the Hunter River, and an abundance of coal, while looking for escaped convicts in 1801.

4. What is the Port of Newcastle's major claim to fame?

Answer: It is the largest exporter of coal in the world

The city of Newcastle is the largest exporter of coal in the world. It is the second largest city in New South Wales, and the 8th largest in Australia. (ABS 2001).

5. Newcastle has the oldest of which of the following?

Answer: A public school with a continuous existence

Newcastle East Public School is recognised as the oldest continuing public school in Australia. It was founded in 1816 and has had enrolments ever since, despite a change of address.

6. What was the aboriginal name for Newcastle?

Answer: Muloobinbah

The aboriginal word for the place we now know as Newcastle was Muloobinbah, meaning 'place of the sea ferns'.

7. What happened in Newcastle on 28th December, 1989?

Answer: An earthquake killed 13 people

At 10.28am on 28th December, 1989, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale devastated parts of Newcastle and killed 13 people. It is the only earthquake recorded in Australian history that has been responsible for claiming human life.

8. The BHP company closed its operations in Newcastle in 1999. How long had the BHP been producing steel in Newcastle (give or take a few months)?

Answer: 88 years

The BHP began operations in Newcastle in 1911 and kept producing steel for the next (approximately) 88 years.

Answer: It was the home of an angry kangaroo that had been chased into exile

The island of Nobbys was believed to be the residing place of a kangaroo that had been chased into exile by a group of angry wallabies. At intervals he was said to jump up and down in anger inside his prison. Some believe this is anecdotal evidence of earthquakes in Newcastle prior to European settlement.

10. The Bogey Hole is a popular place for swimmers during the hot summer. What was the original name of the "Bogey Hole"?

Answer: The commandant's baths

The Commandant of Newcastle, Commander Morisset, ordered the baths be cut out of rock by the convicts in the 1820's. It is still a popular swimming location, and is used by the Greek Orthodox community for their epiphany celebrations, when young men dive into the baths to seek a cross.

Source: Author danarani

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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