Newcastle

Perched between a working harbour and beautiful beaches, Newcastle is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with a rich maritime history, vibrant arts culture, cool bars, acclaimed restaurants and accommodation options aplenty. Few cities are lucky enough to have so many fabulous beaches so close to the city centre;Merewether, Bar, Newcastle and Nobbys Beach are popular surfing and fishing locations. Merewether is also one of Australia's National Surfing Reserves and home to the international Surfest surfing competition held in March each year.

For a walk through Newcastle's past, head to Fort Scratchley Historic Site which is in a commanding position guarding the Hunter River estuary. The historic Bogey Hole at Newcastle Beach is a hand-hewn ocean rock pool carved out of a cliff face by convicts in the 19th century while Merewether Ocean Baths is the largest in the southern hemisphere.

The emerging food scene here is evident in the great restaurants, bars and outdoor cafés around the city. Sip cocktails at one of the many harbourside restaurants or bars at Honeysuckle or head to Beaumont Street in Hamilton to dine at outdoor mediterranean-style cafes. Darby Street, in Cooks Hill, is a bohemian strip with eclectic boutiques, bookshops and cafés just perfect for a late breakfast.

Newcastle's arts scene has always been vibrant - check out the cluster of galleries and boutiques along Darby Street, Newcastle East and Cooks Hill. Enjoy a performance at the beautiful art-deco Civic Theatre and don't miss a visit to Newcastle Art Gallery, one of Australia's leading regional galleries.