This thriving commercial centre was named after Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom. It has links with 27 sister Newcastle towns dotted about the Western World. The cosmopolitan character of Newcastle is celebrated annually, in the first week of September, when The International Village Festival is held.

Located on the alternative route linking Gauteng and Durban, between The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefield Route towns of Volksrust and Ladysmith, Newcastle visitors can inspect the sites of some of the major battles fought during The first War of Independence, including The Battle of Majuba, where the British suffered their final defeat. O'Neil's cottage, where the peace treaty was signed signalling the end of hostilities (for a few years) is situated just outside the town on the road to Volksrust.

Having all the sporting and leisure amenities enjoyed by major cities, Newcastle also offers its visitors the chance to experience the wonders of the countryside, with the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains being a short ten minutes drive away, in any direction.

A wide variety of accommodation establishments and conference facilities are available in the city of Newcastle.