Newcastle is without a doubt the nastiest place in Australia I have lived once the sun goes down. In my experience it is safer to walk about Cabramatta, Kings Cross, Parramatta, or Bankstown area at night.

The paranoia / xenophobia in Newcastle is something I have never experienced anywhere else. Great place and people during the day but once the sun goes down and the alcohol starts flowing look out.

Doesn't matter if you are gay or straight. Newcastle simply isn't a friendly city after dark.

Council playing the Gay and lesbian card on this issue simply shows how out of touch they are with the reality.