TheNewcastlemetropolitan area is the second most populated area in the Australian state ofNew South Walesand includes most of theNewcastleandLake Macquarielocal government areas.It is the hub of theGreater Newcastlearea which includes most parts of the local government areas ofCity of Newcastle,City of Lake Macquarie,City of Cessnock,City of MaitlandandPort Stephens Council.
Located 162 kilometres (101mi) north-northeast ofSydney, at the mouth of theHunter River, it is the predominant city within theHunter Region. Famous for itscoal, Newcastle is the largest coal exporting harbour in the world, exporting 154.45 million tonnes of coal in 2013–14.Beyond the city, theHunter Regionpossesses large coal deposits. Geologically, the area is located in the central-eastern part of theSydney basin.