Welcome to my Complete Guide to Newcastle! But first, we will start with a small background on this amazing city.
The city of Newcastle is the second largest city in NSW, and the sixth largest in Australia. It is also the second oldest city in NSW, having been discovered way back in 1897. It grew very quickly due to the abundance of coal in the region, combined with the deep port of the Hunter River. Coal, and later Steel, became the largest employers in Newcastle, and even though the coal mines still churn away in the Hunter Valley, when the Steel Works closed a couple of decades ago, the City of Newcastle began to reinvent itself.
Welcome, Newcastle tourism!
The worst kept secret in Australia, or best kept, depending on who you talk to, is the absolute beauty that is Newcastle. With some of the most consistent and iconic surfing beaches along the NSW Coast, historic architecture, and glorious views, Newcastle went very quickly from being known as an industrial city, to a “must visit” location.
With world class wineries on its doorstep, miles of endless beaches, and the largest coastal salt water lake in Australia, it is a wonder that the Newcastle Tourism Industry was allowed to sleep for so long!
So, to start this Guide to Newcastle, we will take a look at some of the things to do in Newcastle.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Newcastle
- How to get to Newcastle
- Where to eat in Newcastle
- Accommodation in Newcastle
- How to get around in Newcastle
- Summary
- Handy Links
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Things to do in Newcastle
As we have already touched on, Newcastle is an amazing region for so many reasons. From the beaches to the wineries, there is never a shortage of places to go and things to see. In this Guide to Newcastle, I will provide you with a good list of things to do. For more information on any of them, however, you can simply check out THIS article about things to do in Newcastle.
Visit the amazing Bogey Hole
The Bogey Hole in Newcastle is as iconic as it is Historic. The oldest Oceanside Baths in Australia, they are visited by dozens of people daily, and are very popular in Summer. Access to the pool is via recently built stairs down the side of the cliffs below King Edward Park, to a swimming platform nestled beside the water. Enjoy your swim in the fresh sea water to the crashing of the waves against the base of nearby cliffs, and views that stretch from Port Stephens to Merewether Beach. Beware, however, that when the surf gets up, especially at high tide, the Bogey Hole can become very dangerous!
Carved out of solid rock back in 1819 by convicts, the Bogey Hole remains to this day one of the hidden gems of the NSW coast.
Enjoy the views at the ANZAC Memorial Walk
The ANZAC Memorial Walk is a relatively new addition to the Newcastle Skyline. Located along the coastal clifftops, this walkway features the very best views in Newcastle. Dedicated to the men and women of the region who served during World War 1, the 450m long walkway stretches from Strzelecki Lookout, and finishes just short of the Bar Beach Carpark.
Whilst strolling along the walkway, enjoy the 360 degree panoramic views while you browse the names of those that served, and really get a good glimpse at what IS Newcastle.
Chill out at one of Newcastle’s Iconic Beaches
There are so many beaches in the Newcastle area, that we really can’t cover them all here. From the monstrous Stockton Beach just to the north, to Redhead and Caves Beaches to the south, there are simply too many to choose from. The people of Newcastle really are spoilt for choice.
For the purpose of this section, however, we are just talking about the CBD beaches. These stretch from the famous Merewether Beach, to the instantly recognizable Nobbys Beach. There is no limit to what you can do, and no matter what your taste, you will find it right here in the central Newcastle area. Surf at Merewether. Chill out at Bar Beach. Find a café overlooking Newcastle Beach, or take a stroll past the lighthouse at Nobbys. The beaches of Newcastle are simply something else, so grab your towel and swimmers, and get along to one of them!
Meet the locals at Blackbutt Reserve
Blackbutt Reserve is a hidden gem inside a hidden gem. Even some of the locals don’t even realize it exists. Which is a pity, because this is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some Australian native Flora and Fauna.
Featuring natural Australian Bush, open park areas, BBQ facilities and playgrounds, it is the perfect place to bring the kids or simply chill out for a picnic.
The star of the show, however, is the boardwalk through the trees that takes you past multiple enclosures that house native Australian wildlife. From lizards and snakes, to birds and marsupials, you will find it all here. The centerpiece is, of course, the Koalas, and you will not find another place like Blackbutt that allows you to get SO close without actually being able to touch them. Definitely worth the visit!
Visit the Surrounding Regions of Newcastle
Newcastle is the “capital” of the Hunter Valley, and is located at the mouth of the Hunter River. There are, however, several other cities within the region that often come under the “banner” of Newcastle. Each are amazing in their own right, and in this guide to Newcastle should therefore be recognized as such. So let’s take a look at what each of them has to offer.
Lake Macquarie
The City of Lake Macquarie lays just to the south of the City of Newcastle, however pretty much resides under the Newcastle umbrella. There is no geographical boundary between the two, however, there is one major difference.
Lake Macquarie is an actual lake that is so large that it demands its own city. It is the largest coastal salt water lake in Australia, and is approximately four and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour! Now that’s big!
As you can imagine, with a lake that size there is a multitude of activities to do there. From sailing on the lake, fishing, or simply going for a cruise, the sky is the limit. Around the lake are some of the most luxurious suburbs in the entire region, and the lakeshore itself is lined with cycleways and parks that stretch forever.
Hunter Valley
Next in our guide to Newcastle is the amazing Hunter Valley.
Famous worldwide for its vineyards, the Wineries that make the Hunter Valley their home are household names throughout most of Australia. The City of Newcastle is often referred to as the Capital of the Hunter Region, and the Hunter Valley is less than an hour drive inland.
There is plenty to do in the Hunter Valley. You can take a tour around to the dozens of cellar doors tasting wines, beers and schnapps. You can find a world class restaurant for lunch overlooking the vineyards, or you can discover a new cheese at any of the regions magnificent cheese shops. You can even enjoy an amazing round of golf at any of the region’s world class golf resorts.
Maitland
Maitland is the gateway to the Hunter Valley, and is only a short 35km drive out of Newcastle. It is located right on the Hunter River, and is the major city of the Hunter Valley area.
Maitland is, in essence, a quiet country town. It has a quaint high street mall, and boasts beautiful walkways along the river with cafes and eateries wafting enticing odors to passersby. Maitland is a city that you come to for peace, quiet, and the chance to relax.
If you are the sort of person that loves old buildings and historical architecture, then Maitland is the place for you. You can actually do the Maitland Heritage Walk by a clearly defined route around the town, that takes you to no less than 35 historical buildings along the way. Now THAT’S a piece of history!
Port Stephens
Port Stephens lies on the coastline 25 km north of Newcastle, and has long been the “holiday” destination of choice for most people of the Newcastle region.
Featuring beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, off shore islands and bushland reserves, it is a playground for anyone searching for a coastal getaway. From the amazing Stockton Beach, where you can sandboard, 4wd, surf or race quad bikes, to the quiet inlets where kayaks and SUP await, there is simply no limit to the activities available in Port Stephens.
Maybe the most popular thing to do in Port Stephens is to go on a Dolphin or Whale watching Cruise. At certain times of the year the migrating Humpback Whales come very close to shore at Port Stephens, and all year round the 140 odd dolphins that make the region their home are always able to be found. Cruise around and watch them as they play, or even swim with them if you like!
Click ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>HERE for a link to Cruises.
How to get to Newcastle
Getting to Newcastle is fairly straightforward. Being only a couple of hours north of Sydney, means that it is connected to the Sydney Rail Network, Sydney Trains. It is only a matter of turning up at Central Station in Sydney and finding the next train to Newcastle. The trip will take a couple of hours, but will also get you right into the very heart of Newcastle where it will link up with the Light Rail into the CBD.
The other option of getting to Newcastle is by car up the Motorway. The drive is fairly straightforward, and the motorway well maintained and (usually) free flowing. Just make certain to stay vigilant about the speed zones as they change periodically, and there are quite a few speed cameras.
Buses also run from Sydney to Newcastle, with Greyhound Buses probably the best choice. For the best prices on buses that run from Sydney to Newcastle, check out THIS LINK.
The other, most obvious option, is to fly. Newcastle is home to two airports, and flying from Sydney to Newcastle is a very short flight.
Where to eat in Newcastle
Newcastle is a city that loves to eat, and much like Melbourne, it has long “dedicated” two entire streets to wining and dining.
Those two streets are Beaumont Street, in Hamilton, and Darby Street in Cooks Hill.
For anyone that has ever lived or spent a serious amount of time in the city, these were always the “go to” places for dinner out on a Friday night. Lined with restaurants, cafes and eateries, you can’t go wrong if you head to either place and search for a venue with an empty table. My choice would be Goldberg’s Coffee House in Darby Street, or right next door at Three Monkeys.
There are other places to eat in Newcastle, though, and this would not be a good guide to Newcastle without mentioning them!
In recent years, the Newcastle Foreshore and the Honeysuckle Precincts have seen redevelopments and as such have taken off in popularity. Check out the iconic Scratchleys Seafood Restaurant on the Harbour Foreshore, or any of the great Honeysuckle Restaurants overlooking the Harbour. You simply can’t go wrong.
One more thing to mention when it comes to eating in Newcastle, and that is that this is a Pub City.
Not sure what that means? Well, put simply, locals in Newcastle love eating in pubs. The meals are always large, cheap, and delicious. Think, Chicken Parmigiana or Cheap mouth watering Steak and Fries. Nearly every pub in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or Maitland area has amazing food, and every night has a different special. If you are close to a pub, (and you will be) then pop in and check it out!
Accommodation in Newcastle
Next up in my Complete Guide to Newcastle is Accommodation.
The Newcastle area has plenty of Accommodation options, but most of them are found in and around the beach areas. Along Newcastle Beach there are several great hotels, and you will find plenty of Air BnB’s in the inner city and Cooks Hill areas. This is great if you want to be close to the beach, and in Newcastle, that is probably the most popular option as well. I mean, who doesn’t love the beach?
There are, however, other options away from the beach, but once you move out of the CBD the pickings become rather scarce. One standout, however, is Wests Newcastle Leagues Club that has its Executive Inn. This is in the middle of “Suburbia”, so is a great option for anyone that is coming to stay to attend a function or party in the area.
Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.
How to get around in Newcastle
Last but not least in the Complete Guide to Newcastle is how to get around.
There are several answers, the first of which is train. The rail network is old, however still reliable, but has its limitations. The line runs from Newcastle to Sydney, or Newcastle to Maitland. If you are going somewhere on that network, then that may suit you.
Buses have long been the major public transport around Newcastle, though, and there is a fairly extensive network. This is probably the most popular option.
To get across to Stockton, on the opposite side of the Harbour, there is the Stockton Ferry. If you are staying in the CBD, then jump on board and go spend a day across the Harbour.
The new addition to the transport network in recent years is the Newcastle Light Rail. Replacing the heavy rail that up until a few years ago terminated right at the Newcastle foreshore, the Light Rail now runs regularly from the Newcastle Interchange all the way to the beach. Tickets are only $2.20, or if you are transferring from train or ferry, only cost a measly 20c! This is the best way to get around and discover the CBD as it takes you right along the main thoroughfare.
The age old Taxi is still an option in Newcastle, but these days Uber is the more popular choice. Download the app, and away you go.
Summary
So that’s it for my Complete Guide to Newcastle!
Newcastle is an amazing place to visit. It is surrounded by no less than four other fantastic regions, all of which serve up different delights, complementing Newcastle perfectly. It is a region that should be on the list of any traveler, and one that will long be a highlight of any visit to Australia or NSW.
I will wrap up this guide to Newcastle with a few links!
Handy Links
Port Stephens sandboarding and 4WD
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