Newcastle Visitor Guide

Seek Off Beat

Artwork by Jordan Lucky artist of Playstate. © Lee Illfield Corner Union and King Streets, Newcastle

City of Newcastle acknowledges that we operate on the grounds of the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples.

We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship with the land,

and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.

City of Newcastle reiterates its commitment to address disadvantages and attain justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this community.

Always was, always will be

Welcome to Newcastle

We are not your typical holiday destination; we are quite the opposite. We are eclectic, interesting, sophisticated, and a perfect place for the curious traveller.

If you crave new, different and stimulating experiences and want to discover a destination with a fervent atmosphere, a creative and artisanal culture, a coastal

wonderland to reinvigorate your senses, and cuisine to tantalize your taste buds, you have come to the perfect place. Rather than check in and put your feet up, have your perceptions challenged and go exploring in our unique and quirky city. After all, we are a city that rewards curiosity.

Councillor Nuatali Nelmes Lord Mayor of Newcastle

Gimbay Gatigaan, a collaboration between Curious Legends and the Newcastle Worimi community, commissioned by City of Newcastle.

Top 10 things to do

Reward your curiosity in Newcastle

Bathers Way + ANZAC Walk

Do not (we repeat, do not) leave Newcastle without taking the time to experience the Bathers Way, and jewel in the crown, Anzac Memorial Walk. This 6 km walking path offers constant coastal views, an undulating walking track and the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales off the coastline.

After Dark

A coastal city by day, once the sun goes down there is plenty more to discover. Find yourself in an underground whiskey bar, sipping cocktails on a five-star hotel rooftop, rocking out to live music, whiling away the hours overlooking the harbour or singing the night away in an authentic karaoke bar.

Anzac Memorial Walk

Beaches

What’s better than a morning walk or swim and coffee at the beach? Dive in and enjoy the likes of Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar, Newcastle or Nobbys beaches. If you’re travelling with your puppy pal, head to Horseshoe Beach.

Glenrock State Conservation Area

Just a 10 minute drive from the CBD (or walk from Merewether Beach on low tide) lies this sanctuary of green space perfect for bushwalking and mounting biking. We love the 5 km Yuelarbah Track!

Street art

Colourful, big and bold is the name of the game when it comes to street art in Newcastle. You’ll find a tattooed girl holding a rose, a vintage inspired seaside scene, while a wedding alter awaits Newcastle’s most attractive couple.

Newcastle Surfest © Destination NSW

Museum Park, artwork by Fintan Magee

Glenrock State Conservation Area

Top 10 things to do

Explore with a local

One of the best ways to get to know any city is with a local of course. Join the likes of Newy Rides, Newcastle Afoot or Geotrail and Nature Tours on land, or hop aboard with CoastXP or Nova Cruises to uncover the coast by boat.

Seek boutique

Craft distilleries and breweries, artisan markets, independent galleries, an annual arts festival, high-end restaurants and hole-in-the-wall coffee haunts, you’ll find your fix in Newcastle.

Blackbutt Reserve

Often referred to as the ‘green heart of Newcastle’, Blackbutt Reserve is 10 minutes from the city and a delight to explore, especially for those travelling with kids.

Pappa Sven © Cassandra Hunter

Newcastle Afoot Walking Tour

Blackbutt Reserve

9

Newcastle Museum

Housed in the historic Railway Workshops and just steps from the harbour, we recommend stopping in at the museum to discover more about Newcastle’s past and to check out the latest exhibition. Pop into the Visitor Information Centre (next door) while you’re there and chat to a local or pick up a gift.

Extra, Extra!

Where Merewether meets Glenrock State Conservation Area is Newcastle’s best kept secret, Hickson Street Lookout. Follow the meandering track to reveal a secluded patch of grass with unmatched panoramic coastal views.

The lookout is the ultimate picnic spot best enjoyed on a sunny, calm day (so check the weather before you set off).

Hickson Street Lookout also doubles as a paragliding launch pad, so if the wind picks up you’ll get to witness a spectacular aerial show from some of the local paragliders.

The Harbour

Take a stroll or roll along the Foreshore and watch as ships, tug boats, tour boats, sail boats, dragon boaters and ferries make their way around the harbour.

Hickson Street Lookout

Newcastle Harbour

Newcastle Museum

Taste the extraordinary

Where once parmigiana at the corner pub was the height of culinary sophistication, Newcastle’s food scene has undergone a metamorphosis. Talented chefs and restaurateurs – many having shifted from the big smoke – are driving Newcastle’s foodie evolution.

An abundance of fresh meat, produce and seafood – not to mention Hunter Valley wines – lie on the city’s doorstep. From fish and chips beneath marquee lights to an 11-course Yakitori degustation, come experience the culinary revolution for yourself.

Family favourites

Have you even been to Newcastle if you haven’t shared a chip or two with hungry seagulls? Spread out a picnic blanket on the communal lawn at Scotties for fish and chips (or perhaps a lobster club sandwich) beneath the marquee lights.

Another popular post-beach option is The Kiosk at Newcastle Beach. Tuck into a family-sized fish and chip pack (ideal for hungry hoards) with a backdrop of rolling waves.

Relaxed bites

Looking for casual dining or a quick bite before a gig? These laidback eateries will have you sorted.

Savour Humbug owner-chef Michael Portley’s playful take on Italian fare accompanied by sustainable vinos and new age Hunter Valley wines. Opt for Portley’s ‘Feed Me’ menu accompanied by a mostly natural and organic wine list at this smart yet approachable Italian bistro.

On Watt Street, Lock’s Paddock pays tribute to a historic stonemason’s yard once home to National Trust treasure

Families love Napoli Centrale’s authentic pizzas fired with locally sourced, slowburning ironbark. Sit indoors and watch the pizzamakers at work or nab an alfresco table and people watch like a true Italian.

For dessert, wander over to Popolo Artisan Gelateria for authentic handmade gelato (both classics and contemporary flavours star) made fresh daily.

Other options for the whole brood include Lowlands Bowling Club, The Hood, Beach Burrito and Smokin Hot N Saucy.

Miss Porter’s House. The seasonal share menu includes the theatrical signature dish cacio e pepe served in a hollowed-out parmesan wheel.

Housed in a former dry-cleaning business in the post-industrial architecture of Newcastle’s West End, The Edwards’ ever-changing seasonal menu morphs easily from brunch to dinner accompanied by a varied wine list and stellar cocktails.

Antojitos, Parry Street Garage, Rascals and Newy Burger Co are other notable options.

Antojitos

Elevated dining

Âpé Yakitori Bar (sister restaurant to enduring favourite Nagisa next door) showcases the Hunter Valley’s best produce cooked over charcoal. Dine harbourside or take a seat at the yakitori grill for Âpé’s epic degustation menu paired with wine, Japanese whisky or sakes.

Inner-city Wickham is home to Flotilla - another venue spearheading Newcastle’s foodie revolution with its “refined yet casual” approach to dining. Lazy Sunday lunch here is a must.

At Signal Box almost everything on the modern Australian bistro menu is made from scratch. Dine inside a minimalist steel and concrete dining pavilion that pays homage to its industrial past.

Other culinary heroes star too. Intimate fine dining is found at perennial favourite Subo, modern Australian cuisine is on the menu (as are the city’s most arresting vistas) at the Roundhouse at Crystalbrook Kingsley or tuck into authentic Spanish tapas at Barcados in a candlelit dining room. Modern Italian fare and sweeping ocean vistas meanwhile can be found at Surfhouse Italian.

Âpé Yakitori Bar

Flotilla

Carnivores

Sample some of Newcastle’s best cuts washed down with a glass or two of Hunter Valley red at The Burwood Inn in Merewether. Carnivores are equally well catered for at Brazilian barbecuestyle eatery MEET housed in a glamorous industrial warehouse space on Darby Street. The signature churrasco sees the dishes just keep on coming.

Modern Australian bar and grill Jana at QT Newcastle meanwhile showcases a local produce driven menu (almost everything is sourced in NSW) and dry aged meat cabinet. Slip into a leather banquette and watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen where steak is king.

Epic breakfasts

Creole spiced eggs with avocado mousse and chorizo, or house-made crumpets with wattleseed fraîche, plum jam, almond and oat crumb? Find creative dishes like these at Cooks Hill cafe the Autumn Rooms. Dine inside, in the leafy courtyard or upstairs overlooking the bustling streetscape.

Cross the road for Wil & Sons run by father and son duo Phillip and Toby Wilson. Beyond the eye-catching blue façade, dine on dishes like corn fritters with asparagus and smoked salmon, legendary bacon and egg rolls and fab deli sandwiches.

Housed in a historic bank building, the light-filled Momo Wholefoods on Hunter Street is like a nice warm hug. Expect a wholefood menu weighted with vegan and vegetarian options along with banging coffee by local Unison Coffee Roasters.

For dishes beyond the ubiquitous smashed avo on sourdough, Equium Social in Mayfield East is worth the journey. Try the house-made crumpets or rye and potato waffle with ocean trout gravlax and poached eggs.

Other local brekkie faves include Convoy Commune, New Slang, Big Brother and Elma’s on Clyde.

Autumn Rooms

Jana Restaurant at QT Newcastle

Stir your senses after dark

Days belong to sand and surf but when the sun goes down a whole other side of Newcastle comes out to play. Explore hidden speakeasys, rooftop bars, cool craft breweries and the city’s dark and sordid past.

DISTILLERS AND BREWERIES

Once a rough and tumble port awash with bootleggers, sailors and merchants, Newcastle is revelling in a revival of craft brewers and small batch distillers.

Grain to glass happens all under the one roof at Foghorn Brewery; housed in a historic warehouse, the extensive range of IPAs literally travels from serving tanks to frosty glass.

Over in the harbourside village of Carrington, Earp Distilling Co is found in a repurposed tile warehouse. Expect stellar cocktails and good times at this family-run gin distillery with its

swanky bar and 5000-litre still from the Netherlands.

Not far from the rolling waves, 36 frosty taps pour a range of fresh beers and limited releases at Modus Merewether. A non-alcoholic range is also on offer at this impressive and award-winning brew house.

In Newcastle’s west end, locally made tap brews and live music are found at the Rogue Scholar. Be sure to check out the rooftop space at this fun brewpub, which enjoys a cult following.

Top Tip:

Check out Earp Distilling Co. in daylight hours and book into a distillery tour, gin blending class or become a distiller for a day and create your own gin at their signature gin school workshop.

Bartholomew’s

Modus Merewether

Earp Distilling Co.

Small BArs Small BArs Small BArs Small BArs

Small BARS

Dive into Newcastle’s burgeoning small bar scene complete with bespoke cocktails, fine Hunter vinos and revelry.

Millennial crowd favourite the Falcon Bar dishes up southern state inspired comfort food, Mexican beer and stellar cocktails.

Uptowns celebrates NBA, sneakers, video games and hip hop, while subterranean speakeasy The Underground is an atmospheric place for a tipple. Enter via the steps on Bolton Street beneath the historic Grand Hotel. Found behind unassuming doors at the top of the Hunter Street Mall, mismatched furniture, fishing nets

and the best of Tiki culture are found at tropical rum shack Blue Kahunas.

Glamorous 1920s-inspired whisky bar Bartholomew’s is housed within the 1903 Methodist Mission Building on King Street. This award-winning bar reputedly stocks the state’s largest whisky collection outside Sydney.

Seek out gyoza and bespoke cocktails at Japanese-inspired speakeasy, the Koutetsu. Australian gins and Japanese whiskeys dominate the cocktail list while mixologists can whip up custom drinks to suit individual palettes.

Concealed behind a barbershop wall in one of Newcastle’s many heritage

buildings is prohibition-style speakeasy Coal and Cedar. Prop yourself up at the bar and watch as inked bartenders craft epic whisky sours and top shelf cocktails. Entry by passcode.

Boozy rum cocktails are the order of the night at the Rum Diary Bar. With a swashbuckling shipwreck theme, secret passageways lead to three distinct drinking spaces while the upper terrace houses Newcastle’s first cigar lounge.

Japanophiles will love Jam’s Karaoke and Bar offering an authentic karaoke experience in private, fully serviced rooms along with a sake menu, beers, cocktails and izakaya food.

The Koutetsu

Top Tip:

The city’s compact nature is made for bar hopping either on foot or along the 2.7 km light rail.

Rooftop BARS

Once bereft of rooftop bars (and fivestar hotels), visitors to Newcastle are now spoilt for choice. Order a coastal margarita at swanky rooftop Romberg’s at Crystalbrook Kingsley while drinking in sweeping coastal vistas.

LIVE MUSIC

From intimate gigs to large-scale shows hosting international talent, Newcastle’s live music scene is buzzing.

The Wickham Park Hotel (known locally as The Wicko) is a live music stalwart and long supporter of homegrown blues and roots.

The Oriental Hotel serves up local artists Friday, Saturday and Sunday with free entry, and Carrington hot-spots the Seven Seas, The Criterion and Young Street are also well worth a visit.

But wait, there’s more - the Green Roof, Queens Wharf Hotel, Rogue Scholar and the Lucky Hotel all provide incredible live music that’s sure to keep the party going.

At QT Newcastle, the city’s highest open rooftop bar takes its cues from the land of the rising sun with innovative izakaya and one of Newcastle’s largest Japanese whisky libraries.

Other options include Rogue Scholar’s rooftop space and Merewether

Surfhouse and The Beaches, both of which are not quite rooftops but do offer spectacular views off the deck to Merewether Beach and beyond.

EXPLORE NEWCASTLE’S BOOZY PAST AND UNDERBELLY

Discover the city’s boozy history on a fun walking tour with Newcastle Afoot. Explore Newcastle’s past, present and future punctuated by creative cocktails, interesting tales and encounters with friendly Novocastrians.

As the sun goes down Dark Stories explores Newcastle’s dark side. Its ‘True Crime Stories’ tour delves into the city’s shadowy past of murder, fraudsters, adulterers and lordly impersonators.

Concert in Newcastle

Newcastle nightlife

Find inspiration around every corner

Offering a thriving arts culture, Newcastle has long nurtured the creative and the curious. Browse art galleries, admire the city’s ever-expanding collection of world-class street art and explore its historic fort –keeper of Newcastle’s storied past.

Artwork by Clair Foxton © Lee Illfield

THE ARTIST’S CITY

Stroll the streets of Newcastle and see through the eyes of an artist following the self-guided walking trail (pick up map at the Visitor Information Centre) or browse the city’s many excellent galleries and museums.

Cooks Hill Galleries showcases artworks from a stable of Australian artists ranging from contemporary to colonial, Curve Gallery offers a diverse range of solo and group exhibitions while Cstudios in Newcastle’s west end specialises in contemporary and fine art. A select group of Australian artists are represented at Blackstone Gallery, artist collective SMAC Studio

is found in inner city Tighes Hill while Newcastle Art Space (NAS) is where artists create, make and share.

Once home to inmates, the Lock-Up is now an award-winning independent arts space showcasing local and contemporary Australian art. Another of Newcastle’s most significant heritage buildings - complete with preserved padded cell and windowless exercise yard - it operated as Newcastle Police Station from 1861 until 1982. Inside its once austere walls you’ll find art exhibitions, workshops, creative talks and more.

The Lock-Up

Street Art

In Newcastle, art is all around you –all you need to do is look up. Unleash your curiosity and you’ll discover a city of extraordinary urban artworks.

Take a walk through the streets of Newcastle and you’ll see that the city has spent the better part of the last

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ARTIST

The colourful creations of talented Newcastle artist Mitch Revs adorn many a wall throughout the city not to mention his namesake gallery where you can book into a Boards and Beers session to paint a skate deck while feasting on a meal from Newy Burger Co. next door.

Life drawing classes are also held at the contemporary LEDA Gallery while Hudson Street Hum, a short stroll from Hamilton Railway Station, offers a choice of creative workshops ranging from portrait drawing, landscapes in watercolour, moss embroidery and pyrography (wood burning).

decade transforming itself visually –from an industrial hub to a vibrant and creative destination, where projects like The Big Picture Fest have transformed the city into an outdoor art gallery.

Top Tip:

Self-guided walking maps are available at the Visitor Information Centre

Encounter large-scale murals from renowned locals like Mitch Revs, Jasmine Craciun, Bronte Naylor and Jordan Lucky, and national and international artists like Fintan Magee, Claire Foxton, Rosie Woods and Georgia Hill, to name a few.

Mitch Revs Gallery

Artwork by Bronte Naylor

THE FORT, THE GALLERY AND THE THEATRE

A keeper of Newcastle’s storied past, historic Fort Scratchley stands proudly on Flagstaff Hill. Built in the 1880s to ward off the threat of a Russian attack, guns were never fired in anger until the Japanese shelled Newcastle in a surprise attack in 1942. A resounding boom echoes across the city daily (except Tuesdays) as two-pound cannons are fired at the same time the ball on Customs House is lowered – a time-honoured seafaring practice used to allow sea captains to adjust their navigation instruments. Explore the fort’s labyrinth of tunnels on a guided tour with passionate volunteers who bring the fort’s history to life.

With her show stopping good looks, the heritage-listed Civic Theatre is the place to catch a fabulous line-up of local and national acts. Considered one of NSW’s finest theatre buildings designed by Henry Eli White, architect of Sydney’s State and Capitol Theatres, be sure to admire the theatre’s grand ornamental dome.

At Nobbys Lighthouse on the NobbysWhibayganba headland, take in 360-degree vistas, heritage buildings and the creative works of artists at Lighthouse Arts. An arts trading store sells works by local creatives ranging from books to ceramics.

Learn about Newcastle’s industrial past and discover a rotation of fascinating exhibitions with a visit to Newcastle Museum. Housed in the historic Honeysuckle Railway Workshops, the buildings date back to the 1800s that have been transformed into a modern education and museum space. Visiting in school holidays? Check out their program of events.

Top Tip:

Newcastle Art Gallery, designed by local architect Brian Pile with its geometric forms and brutalist aesthetic, is currently closed and undergoing a long-awaited expansion project. An additional 1600 square metres of exhibition space will be added!

Fort Scratchley

Newcastle Museum

Civic Theatre Newcastle

Experience the great outdoors

It’s a city flanked by a bustling harbour, postcard worthy beaches and a conservation park crisscrossed by hiking and mountain bike trails. Stroll the landmark Bathers Way, do laps at historic ocean baths or join a guided cycling tour of Newcastle’s magnificent coastline.

Skating, cycling, running, hiking, sailing, surfing, SUP and hang gliding are but a few of the outdoor pursuits on offer in Newcastle.

CYCLE AND STROLL

Stretching from Nobbys Headland all the way to Merewether Beach at the gateway of Glenrock State Conservation Area, the 6 km Bathers Way rivals Sydney’s famous Bondi to Bronte. The iconic Anzac Memorial Walk forms part of the coastal trail and its 450 m clifftop span – built to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings – affords 360-degree ocean and city vistas and beyond to the Hunter Valley and Worimi Conservation Lands.

Find your way to Newcastle Beach skirting the coastline to Nobbys Beach where Nobbys Lighthouse stands guard on the headland. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way and whales from June to November. You may even spot a seal along Nobbys Breakwall.

A guided cycling tour is a great way to see our compact city and meet the locals. Join the Newy Rides’ tour starting with a glass of locally made wine before the leisurely ride begins. The tour skirts the harbour, takes in street art before continuing on to the

harbourside village of Carrington for a craft beer or gin tasting (itineraries change). Morning coffee rides – minus the early start and lycra – as well as a guided tour of Fernleigh Track also on offer. Bikes provided.

The pathway running beside the calm waters of Throsby Creek is another great option for a cycle, roll, stroll or jog. You may spot budding sailors being put through their paces and water birds fishing for lunch. At Carrington, explore the raised boardwalk that zig zags its way through lush mangrove trees, home to scurrying crabs, fish, birds and a (noisy) resident flying-fox population. Stop at the viewing platform where kayakers often paddle by. Runners love the level harbourside running track here.

The 15 km Fernleigh Track connecting Newcastle and neighbouring Lake Macquarie along a bushland corridor is a popular cycling and walking track. Highlights include industrial heritage features and the 181 m Fernleigh tunnel, which runs beneath the Pacific Highway.

Top Tip: The Fernleigh Track is ideal for a family bike ride or scooter.

Paragliding over Glenrock State Conservation Area

Fernleigh Track

Bar Beach’s Empire Park skate park is considered one of Australia’s best while also offering one of the most scenic backdrops. Sitting opposite the rolling waves of Bar Beach, several major skate competitions have been held here while some of Newcastle’s best skaters (Poppy Olsen included) have honed their skills here.

The park features a ‘gold bowl’ - a 2.1 m by 3.3 m bowl finished with pool coping - along with a fun banked wall, stairs with hubba ledges and a flat bank with rail.

SKATE SKATE SKATE SKATE SKATE SKATE SKATE SKATE

The Hunter’s first street style skate plaza meanwhile is found at Stockton Active Hub on Stockton’s Foreshore, accessed by car or a short and novel ferry crossing. Taking inspiration from the docks, the 40 m skate plaza incorporates long lines, steel sculptural features and the remnants of gantry infrastructure. A playground with sandpits, flying foxes and plenty of shade is also here.

Top Tip:

A state-of-the-art skate park is currently in development at South Newcastle Beach, due to open in 2023.

Empire Park

Newcastle Beach

Sail

If you want to get out on the water, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers Discover Sailing and Friday Harbour Sailing programs on Newcastle’s harbour. Let the blustery sea air clear the cobwebs then enjoy sundowners with local yachties at the clubhouse.

MOUNTAIN BIKING AND HIKING

If mountain biking is your thing, Glenrock State Conservation Area offers 14 kms of purpose-built bike trails. Wind your way along dirt trails through gum trees, open forest and woodlands with a chorus of cicadas ringing in your ears.

Adrenalin junkies love the jumps and rough technical descents on the downhill run over boulders, tree roots and purpose-built jumps. Tracks are graded: green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate and black diamond for advanced.

Catch your breath at vantage points overlooking Burwood Beach and Glenrock Lagoon.

Sheltering the region’s last surviving pocket of coastal rainforest, Glenrock also offers bushwalking and secluded beaches reached only by foot. You can trek to Glenrock from Merewether Beach or drive to the car park at the start of the popular Yuelarbah Track.

Blackbutt Reserve, the city’s beating heart, also includes more than 10 kms of nature trails that wind their way through bushland, rainforest and alongside bubbling creeks. Kids will love the koala, wombat and bird encounters, free-roaming peacocks and regular reptile shows.

Sailing Newcastle Harbour © Tyson Mayr

Glenrock State Conservation Area

Blackbutt Reserve

Top Tip: Join Geotrail and Nature Tours for a guided walk through Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Uncover a stunning coastline

A show-stopping coastline is strung out with postcard worthy beaches, inlets and heritage ocean baths just begging for a dip.

There are six beaches in total (seven if you include dog friendly Horseshoe Beach on Newcastle Harbour) –all within a short distance of the CBD. With 29 surf breaks, a working harbour and calm waterways, it’s little surprise many of Newcastle’s star attractions revolve around the water.

Stroll beaches lapped by rolling waves, hit the surf or gulp in the fresh salty air in Australia’s coolest city by the sea.

Beaches and Ocean Baths

Don swimmers (bathers or togs), slip, slop, slap and head to one of Newcastle’s beaches to find your patch of sand.

Newcastle Beach, the city’s most accessible beach, is also the busiest and is an easy walk or light rail ride from the CBD.

Watch surfers leap from the rocks near the Canoe Pool and paddle out for a wave behind Shark Alley (surfers particularly love Newcastle when there’s a nor’easter). Swimmers dive beneath waves washing off the stress of the day, while the CrossFit crew arrive at first light to work out with a backdrop of rolling waves.

Visit the iconic Bogey Hole, a jaw dropping rock pool hand-hewn by convicts and Australia’s earliest known example of a purpose-built ocean swimming pool. To find it, follow the Bathers Way or descend the stairs at the bottom all through King Edward Park.

The head-turning Bar Beach is home to the Cooks Hill Lifesaving Club and some of Newcastle’s most expensive real estate. Offering stunning views into the depths of Merewether, it’s a solid favourite for the ease of parking and typically has fewer waves making it enjoyable for little ones and those less confident in the surf.

Merewether Beach is the most wellknown beach in Newcastle, particularly due to it being the home of international surfing competition, Surfest.

A national surfing reserve, this magical stretch of coastline is always buzzing, especially on big wave days when the crowds flock to Merewether Point to watch the surfers taking on the monster swells.

Merewether Ocean Baths are found at the southern end of Merewether Beach. This eye-catching historic gem –dating back to the 1900s – is the southern hemisphere’s largest ocean baths and an Instagrammers dream. Be sure to visit the rooftop bar of the Merewether Surfhouse and drink in those expansive sea vistas.

Our other beaches – equally as beautiful – include Nobbys, Dixon Park (located between Merewether and Bar Beach) and Stockton, a short ferry ride across Newcastle’s bustling harbour.

If you’re travelling with fur babies make a beeline for Horseshoe Beach (not patrolled) where dogs can frolic in the calm waters of the harbour and burn up energy on this pooch friendly patch of sand.

Merewether Ocean Baths

Bogey Hole

LEARN TO SURF

Join a private or group lesson yearround with Surfest Surf School, Newcastle Surf School or with local surfer Philippa Anderson. Philippa, who hails from Merewether, along with fellow surfers Ellie Lambkin and Sarah Baum, want to encourage more females to get in the water and help surfers reach personal goals through her eponymous surf school. Lessons run by all surf schools are offered at Nobbys Beach with experienced surf instructors. Nobbys Beach offers gentler tides and a sand bank, making it a good place to nail the basics.

COASTAL TRAILS

Newcastle’s Bathers Way is one of the premier coastal walks in NSW, stretching 6 km from Merewether Beach in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north.

Spectacular views abound, from the stunning coastal panoramas at the top of Strzelecki Lookout, to the iconic stretch of sand leading up to Nobbys Lighthouse. The walk offers a rollercoaster journey of hills and descents, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a break at beach kiosks and cafes along the way, or pack a picnic and enjoy a slower pace.

The Anzac Memorial Walk forms part of the Bathers Way and its 450 m clifftop span affords 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and out to the Hunter Valley. The walkway is also adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers, as well as the names of almost 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women who enlisted to serve during World War I. Lights illuminate the the path after dark so visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Surf Surf Surf Surf Surf

Anzac Memorial Walk

Merewether Beach

SUP, Kayak and Kite

The languid waters of Throsby Creek are ideal for stand up paddle boarding (aka SUP) or kayaking. A good place to start is the Carrington Boat Ramp near the Newcastle Rowing Club. SUP Newcastle

GET OUT ON THE WATER

Explore Newcastle’s beautiful coastline with Dominic May from CoastXP. Dom loves nothing more than being out on the water showcasing the incredible marine life, which includes whales, dolphins and seals. CoastXP’s custombuilt vessel caters for just 20 passengers at a time, making it an intimate experience for guests.

Nova Cruises meanwhile explores the ever-changing waterways of Newcastle Harbour, the Hunter River and pristine coastal waters. Lunch on Newcastle’s harbour, twilight dinner and whale watching are some of the scheduled cruises on offer.

offers lessons on Throsby Creek or BYO board and set off from here. Other options include Horseshoe Beach or Little Beach at Stockton.

For the kite surfers, Nobbys Beach is the go-to spot in Newcastle. With decent access to waves, it’s best when the north easterly and southerly winds are blowing.

Nobbys Beach

Stay Curious, Sleep well

Beach views, five-star, dog friendly, budget conscious – your accommodation options in Newcastle are aplenty, and the best part? Many of them are in the city centre within walking or light rail distance to the best in Newcastle’s attractions and experiences.

TOP Tip:

QT Newcastle also has dog friendly rooms.

QT Newcastle

Junction Hotel

Crystalbrook Kingsley is Newcastle’s first five-star hotel (but not the last!). With exqusite suites, contemporary styling and stunning views over the harbour and Civic Park, it’s the perfect indulgent weekender. Colloquially known as the Champagne Cork or Wedding Cake due to its unusual shape, the building was originally constructed in 1977 and has since been reimagined into a masterpiece of sustainable luxury. Make sure you check out the one-of-a-kind rooftop bar Rombergs and restaurant Roundhouse for unparalleled views and an extraordinary drinks list and menu.

Staying with the five-star theme, QT Newcastle is another architectural delight. The original building façade dates back to 1890 and the designer hotel that now lives within pays homage to its history through its quirky, heritagestyled interior décor. If you’re looking to splurge, check out the corner suites with epic view and even more epic bathtub. This is offbeat luxury.

If you’re here for a few days, with a group or travelling with kids, apartmentstyle accommodation may be more suitable for you. If that’s the case, check out Quest, Quest Newcastle West, Junction Hotel or Terminus Apartments – all centrally located to keep things to minimal fuss.

If the beach on your doorstep is what you’re after, you can’t go past Noah’s on the Beach or Novotel (savour a morning coffee at nearby Estabar, Liquid Gold, The Kiosk Newcastle Beach or East End Hub).

Whereas a stay at Rydges Newcastle is the perfect spot to soak up harbour views from the newly renovated pool, while having quick access to attractions like Civic Theatre, Darby Street and Newcastle Museum.

Rydges Newcastle

Crystalbrook Kingsley

Tailor-made itineraries

With its stunning beaches, offbeat atmosphere and vibrant culture, Newcastle is a fantastic destination for an unforgettable holiday.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city with your family, experiencing it’s artistic side, or seeking a boutique shopping and foodie escape, your visit to Newcastle will be one to remember!

Dixon Park Beach

We’ve created day trip suggestions, short break itineraries and self-guided walking trails, to give you the perfect opportunity to explore all that Newcastle has to offer. Head to visitnewcastle.com.au for more information, detailed maps and guides.

Family Fun

Not just a city for grownups, Newcastle is a fantastic treat for the kids too. With events and performances, ice-cream and pizza galore, plus miles of outdoor adventure, what’s not to love?

Seek Boutique

What treasures will you find exploring Newcastle’s quirky and artistic boutiques? Indulge your curiosity and be rewarded with incredible food, shopping and art.

Street art and architecture

Prepare to be awestruck with an itinerary devoted to discovering the city’s incredible array of cultural charms. Immerse yourself in large-scale street art murals, stunning architecture (hello, Christchurch Cathedral and Watt St) and rich history. It’s easy to get your culture fix in Newcastle.

Stoned Saint Moon

Blackbutt Reserve

Christchurch Cathedral © Destination NSW

What’s on in Newcastle

Newcastle’s events calendar is packed with opportunities to explore, discover, and enjoy the city. So, check out what’s on and coincide your trip to Newcastle with an event.

Come and feel the atmosphere of Newcastle and be inspired by its vibrant culture and creativity.

From monthly artisian markets like Olive Tree Markets, to major sporting events like Surfest, and of course find out what’s playing at the prestigious Civic Theatre.

Discover what’s on:

whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Big Picture Fest

Civic Theatre

Surfest

Getting here and around

Getting here

Wherever you’re coming from, Newcastle is within easy reach.

Car: Newcastle is an easy drive on the M1 from Sydney. If you’re coming from the North, the Pacific Highway will get you here.

Plane: Fly direct to Newcastle from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and Cairns, as well as regional cities including Ballina/Byron, Dubbo and Taree.

Newcastle Airport is a 25-minute drive from the city centre.

Train: Inter-city services operate regularly from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney and Brisbane, via many regional towns. Train travel time between Sydney and Newcastle is about 2.5 hours.

Getting around

Newcastle is a compact city where visitors can enjoy a diverse range of experiences all within close proximity of the city centre.

Public transport services include trains and buses connecting the city to the suburbs, a light rail system with stops at key locations, connecting the Newcastle Interchange to Newcastle East and a ferry running from Queens Wharf on the Newcastle foreshore to Stockton.

Newcastle is also a very walkable city, with a range of scenic walking tracks in the city centre and suburbs.