Seaham

Postcode: 2324

Seaham is a village in the Hunter Valley Region of New South Wales, Australia, in the Port Stephens LGA. It is located on the Williams River which flows into the Hunter River some 10km downstream from Seaham. Seaham is about a two and a half hours drive from the state capital of Sydney and a half hour drive from Newcastle,

It is rural community supporting a small but expanding population. While relatively compact and composed of only a handful of streets, Greater Seaham covers a very broad area and incorporates East Seaham, Brandy Hill, Eagleton and Eskdale Estate.

Settled during 1822, the village boomed during the 1850s from growing river trade and by 1920 supported a hotel, School of Arts, public school, and three churches. It also offered running water to its moderate population. The town became recognized during the 1890s for its excellence in winemaking, the local vineyard, "Porphyry" sweeping up medals and awards in not only Australia but also in Europe.

In the 19th century, growth in the township had been concentrated around the riverside, particularly on North Crescent Street. Devastating floods during 1893 and 1913 highlighted the impracticality of a low-lying town centre, and by the 1920’s the town had been moved to higher ground. At a time, North Crescent Street, had supported a hotel, post office, wharf and Mechanic's Institute with library. The principal street in Seaham from about 1902 onwards was Warren Street, which has been the address of three former post offices, two churches, the public school, general store and School of Arts Hall.

For more information about this town, click here