About Newcastle

Newcastle sits in the upper Thukela region of KwaZulu-Natal, founded in 1864 and named after the Duke of Newcastle. It grew into an industrial hub on the back of the surrounding coalfields and is home to the ArcelorMittal steelworks, one of the largest integrated steel plants in the country. The town lies on the Battlefields Route, within reach of Anglo-Boer War sites such as Majuba and Ingogo, and is bordered by the Drakensberg foothills and the Ncandu River. Its history is a mix of coal mining, rail, and steel that shaped much of KwaZulu-Natal's inland economy.

Newcastle's nightlife and festival calendar runs hot into December. Madadeni hosts The link up Festival this weekend, while families can book into the NEWCASTLE TNE CAMPING at Thokomala Nathi Entertainment. Spinfest Newcastle answers with Spin Fest Newcastle in late November, and the same month brings the Polo Nation Fest 2026 to a car wash turned carnival ground. December closes out the year with the All White Newcastle Summer Fest at the Newcastle Showgrounds.