NEWCASTLE, Australia, November 25, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Football legend David Beckham will find out why an Australian beachside city two hours away from Sydney was recently named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 must-see global destinations during his visit to Newcastle on Australia’s east coast this weekend.
David Beckham joins LA Galaxy team mates for an exhibition match against local football team, the Newcastle Jets, on Saturday November 27, in front of an expected sell out crowd of more than 23,000 people.
New South Wales Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay said the LA-based team, which also includes football greats like Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle, will be treated to some famous Aussie hospitality during their visit.
“We have a number of activities on offer for the LA Galaxy visit, including surfing at Merewether Beach and a visit to meet the koalas at a local wildlife sanctuary, Blackbutt Reserve,” Ms McKay said.
“We also hope to take them for an unforgettable meal and wine tasting in our famous Hunter Valley, sand boarding at the incredible Stockton Beach sand dunes and jet boating on Lake Macquarie – which is four times the size of Sydney Harbour.”
Ms McKay said the team was arriving in New South Wales at a great time of year.
“We take great pride in the fact that New South Wales is a fantastic all year-round destination, but our summers are always particularly exciting,” Ms McKay said.
“Up and down the coast, people are heading back to the beach for summer, and local communities around our State come alive with outdoor festivals and events featuring music, activities and great food and wine.
Ms McKay said while regional NSW offers so much for visitors to see and do, most overseas visitors spend some time in Sydney on their trip.
“Sydney is Australia’s popular choice for international visitors, voted the world’s number one city for the ninth year in a row in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards.
“Everyone knows about Sydney’s stunning New Year’s celebrations and the festivities continue throughout our summer in a blaze of colour, light, music and exquisite food.”
Ms McKay said the match provided an opportunity to shine the international spotlight on Newcastle, which was renowned for its laid-back surf lifestyle, excellent restaurants and range of world class attractions within a short drive.
“This exhibition match, with such an illustrious line-up of international football talent, is a real coup for Newcastle and New South Wales,” Ms McKay said.
“According to latest figures, New South Wales remains the world’s favourite Australian destination, attracting more than half of all overseas visitors (52.7 per cent) and more than a third (34.6 per cent) of visitor nights.
For more information on things to see and do in Newcastle and the Hunter, go to http://www.visithunter.com.au. For information on Sydney and New South Wales go to http://www.sydney.com
