Hamilton Heritage Walk launched ahead of the iconic Newcastle suburb's 150th birthday

The launch of the Hamilton Heritage Walk, which is available on an app, comes ahead of Hamilton's 150^th birthday on December 11.

Heritage Now created the walk with sponsorship from the City of Newcastle. It includes historic photos and an audio tour.

Nicole Naisby, of Heritage Now, said the heritage walk takes pedestrians on "an evolutionary journey from the beginnings of Hamilton, through the devastating earthquake of 1989, to the beautifully unique, resilient and multicultural community that it continues to be today".

It includes a variety of landmarks including the post office, Gregson Park canons, fire station, Donald's Corner, the Exchange Hotel, First Wesleyan Church, Gow and Co, the Northern Star Hotel, Dietz and Son Hardware and the mechanics' institute.

The Kent hotel is also featured.

"It's hard to imagine a Beaumont Street without the Kent," Nicole said.

Established in 1924, the Kent is one of the oldest buildings on the iconic street.

It's been known for its pub feeds and night life for almost a century.

"However, the Kent is extremely lucky to still be standing here today," Nicole said.

"In 1989, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Newcastle, crumbling the original facade of the building."

The Kent was at risk of demolition, but the owners sought to restore it.

"The survival of the hotel is testament to the ongoing importance of the Kent in the Hamilton community from the early 20th century to today," she said.

In 1901, attending the opening of a new community building was quite the spectacle.

"In March 1901, hundreds of Hamilton locals gathered on James Street to see the grand opening of their new fire station.

"The local news claimed that almost every child in town was there for the occasion."

There was a parade of more than 150 firemen in the streets, with the city band playing.

Photographer Ralph Snowball captured the fanfare, providing "a rare insight into these community celebrations of the past".

The walk was designed to take people on "a journey through the 19th century settlement of immigrant coal miners".

It can be accessed through the walking trails' link in the City of Newcastle app.

The app guides the walker to each place of significance. At each location, the app will display modern and historical images.

Each stop contains audio recordings with a brief historical summary about the landmark being viewed. There are florists, delicatessens, food, retail and fashion shops and "tantalising aromas coming from the various cafes and restaurants".

The walking tour includes the standing historic buildings and businesses, but also those that have been lost or affected due to time or natural disaster, such as the first Wesleyan Church, Gow's Drapery and Donald's Corner.

The walking trail runs for 3.2 kilometres. It is estimated to take about 40 to 120 minutes to complete, depending on whether you're a strolling ambler or an earnest strider.

As well as the Hamilton project, Heritage Now is working on walks in the Wallsend and New Lambton precincts.

The Hamilton Heritage Walk is available on the Newcastle City Council app. More details at heritagenow.com.au/hamiltonwalk.

We went to Paris to see a landmark. It was quite an Eiffel.

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