On a Floating World is focused on the coastline and waterways surrounding Newcastle, stretching from Lake Macquarie to Port Stephens and around the Hunter Valley.
While the project borders are somewhat mutable, they are primarily defined by the following landmarks: Fingal Bay Lighthouse to the north, Nobby’s Lighthouse to the east, Walka Water Works to the west, and Catherine Hill Bay Jetty to the south.
Aside from being a fascinating region in itself, with a rich maritime history, it provides a microcosm for understanding water-related human activity. There is almost every type of marine ecosystem to be found here — including the largest coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere and Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake — and a wide-ranging spectrum of cultures and industries that have emerged from them. On a Floating World offers a global perspective through a local focus.
