Seaside sunrises, iced lattes by the beach, record shops and vintage treasure-hunts, rooftop dinner and drinks with city views that stretch to the sea. All in one place? Plan your Newcastle trip now with our comprehensive guide.
- 3 min read
Check into an epic hotel
Start by setting down your bags at one of the city’s most exciting hotels. Housed in an iconic, heritage building, the QT Newcastle is home to 104 boldly decorated, boutique rooms and suites. Find Jana, a neighbourhood Italian restaurant downstairs; a rooftop bar with water views up top; and a giant moon sculpture in the lobby.
Then there’s the Little National Hotel Newcastle. Walking distance to the city and a few steps from Newcastle Interchange Station, the hotel has 181 indulgent rooms that are compact yet cleverly designed and kitted out with all the goods: super king-sized beds, luxury toiletries, a window wall, T2 teas and more.
QT Newcastle, Newcastle
Start your day on the water
Wake up refreshed and head straight to the beach for breakfast at the Blue Door cafe in Merewether. Pull up a stool at the outdoor counter overlooking Merewether Beach and catch the sunrise first thing – the cafe opens bright and early before 6am. Order classic smashed avo toast,bacon and egg toasties or sample the extensive Coco Whip offering – vegan soft serve served all kinds of ways.
Farther along at Dixon Park Beach is Sunnyboy Kiosk – beloved by locals and their dogs, and the odd Newcastle Knight footy player. Head here for breakfast burgers, sandwiches, smoothies, great coffee and excellent dog watching.
Merewether Beach, Newcastle
Shop ‘til you drop
Once you’ve had your fill, hit Newcastle’s vintage stores to find second-hand clothes, mid-century furniture, collectables and vinyl. Abicus on Cooks Hill’s famed Darby Street stocks local apparel designers and hard-to-find records. Down the road in the city, Un Pantalon sells ‘wears and wares’ – a carefully curated collection of vintage clothing and homewares.
Abicus, Cooks Hill - Credit: Time Out
In Hamilton and nearby Islington you’ll find a bounty of shops to explore. The Conscious Exchange buys, sells and exchanges pre-loved clothes Hide and Seeker emphasises leatherwear; Planet Islington occupies a former theatre and is a treasure trove of mid-century furniture, homewares, art, vinyl, clothing and everything in between. The Retro Wardrobe focuses on kitsch, eclectic items; and Stoned Saint Moon has a solid collection of 70s attire.
Stoned Saint Moon, Newcastle
Dine on some of that state’s best produce
There are few better places on Honeysuckle Foreshore for lunch than Blanca – a Mediterranean-style venue with share plates, incredible cocktails and a laid-back, elegant atmosphere. Flotilla in Wickham is a buzzing hotspot. Ideal for date nights and special occasions, its seasonal menu and refined-yet-relaxed vibe make it a great option for dinner.
Blanca, Newcastle
For an equally special but slightly more casual experience, book a table at Scottie’s – a natural wine bar and restaurant with a fish and chips window around the side. On a sunny day, the lawn outside is packed with locals enjoying their fill of local fish, delicious fried things and slushies. Look inside and you’ll find an elevated dining room, up-market menu and exceptional service.
Scottie's, Newcastle
Embrace the beach and coast
Round out the afternoon by heading back to the water to cool off. Take your pick of one of Newcastle’s stunning beaches: Nobby’s, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Glenrock, and Dudley. Or opt for a quintessential Newcastle experience by taking a dip at the Newcastle Ocean Baths or Merewether Ocean Baths, or the iconic Bogey Hole.
Experience the water from another perspective on a kayaking tour with School of Yak, or hit the Stockton Sand Dunes and Worimi Conservation Lands, north of the city, on a quad bike tour with Sand Dune Adventures, led by experienced Aboriginal guides
Newcastle Ocean Baths, Newcastle
Seize the night
In the evening, turn your attention to Newcastle’s arts and culture scene for an exceptional show, live music or art exhibition. The Civic Theatre Newcastle is housed in a stunning, heritage-listed baroque building. Its schedule has something for everyone – look out for comedy shows, National Theatre Live performances, plays, musicals, gigs and more.
Civic Theatre, Newcastle
After your performance it’s time for a nightcap. Earp Distilling Co. is a modern distillery with creative cocktails; Merewether Surfhouse offers picture-perfect views of the water with a relaxed, family vibe; Modus Merewether and FogHorn Brewery brew boutique beers onsite; and Coal and Cedar has an intimate speakeasy-inspired by the prohibition era.
Modus Brewing, Newcastle
