Newcastle

Nature and outdoor activities 

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to soaking up natural beauty in Newcastle. Take a stroll along the 6km Bathers Way walk, a scenic route connecting the historic Nobbys Beach to Merewether Ocean Baths. The walk combines history with the dazzling coastal setting – you’ll pass the memorial constructed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli along the way. Don’t miss the picture-perfect green steps and Art Deco pavilion at the Newcastle Ocean Baths – an ideal spot for a swim as you meander. 

Newcastle Ocean Baths, Newcastle

For more walking or cycling, the 15km Fernleigh Track is a former rail corridor that has been transformed into a scenic shared path. Head off from Adamstown and weave through bushland, past heritage railway relics before arriving in Lake Macquarie. And you can pick up speed on your mountain bike, exploring 34km of trails through Glenrock State Conservation Area with routes to suit all levels.   

Mountain biking, Glenrock State Conservation area

To pump up the energy a little more, head to Treetops Adventure to scramble up rope ladders, cross wobbly bridges and zoom down ziplines (there’s more than 100 obstacles to choose from). And, if you’re looking to lean into the coastal vibes, lock in a lesson with Learn To Surf Newcastle. Once you’ve found your feet, you can take your pick from beautiful beaches including Nobbys, Merewether and Newcastle. 

Newcastle Ocean Baths and Canoe Pool, Newcastle

You can also meet some of the locals, including the resident koalas at Blackbutt Reserve, or spot a whale on a cruise with CoastXP or Nova Cruises. Time your Newcastle visit during the annual migration of these gentle giants between May and November in the hope of catching a breach or a tail wave.  

Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle

Eat and drink 

Food lovers are in for a treat in Newcastle. Along the Honeysuckle harbourside precinct, you’ll find a range of waterside bars, cafes and restaurants including Blanca. Have lunch by the ocean at Merewether’s Beach Hotel, head to nearby Modus Brewing for a pale ale and finish the afternoon with a walk to Merewether Baths for a paddle. For other swim-and-supper options, have a dip in the Newcastle Ocean Baths followed by fish and chips at seafood diner Scottie’s.  

Blanca, Newcastle

In Carrington, you’ll find another dose of character-filled restaurants and pubs including the Young Street Hotel, Frenchie and modern distillery Earp Distilling Co. There are hundreds of other restaurants scattered throughout the city, particularly on Darby and Beaumont Streets, and the Brewcastle interactive brewery map is a great resource for tracking down Newcastle’s best breweries. Pick up fresh local produce at the Newcastle City Farmers Market held most Sundays, or at the Moa and Co farmer’s market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about Newcastle’s dining scene.  

Earp Distilling Co., Carrington

Arts and culture 

The Newcastle Art Gallery (reopening in February 2026)  is one of the city's key attractions, spotlighting creative talent from the NSW region and further afield. Along the Honeysuckle harbourside precinct, see an array of public art including the Matthew Harding sculpture outside the (now closed) Maritime Centre, drop into the kid-friendly Newcastle Museum and check out the comprehensive programs at Civic Theatre Newcastle and Newcastle City Hall. Find more ways to get an arts and culture hit in Newcastle here. 

Street art, Newcastle

Aboriginal experiences 

Connect with the rich storylines that hark back thousands of years with a Muurrung Murai tour. Join Wiradjuri and Worimi man Amos Simon as he leads you through the stunning Glenrock State Conservation Area. You’ll learn more about native ingredients and traditional medicines, language and see culturally significant sites along the way before enjoying a didgeridoo performance.  

Glenrock State Conservation Area - Credit: Daniel Parsons | DCCEEW

Events and festivals 

Newcastle’s events calendar is jam-packed. For sports fans, there’s the biggest surfing festival in Australia, Surfest; music lovers can enjoy regular live music and concerts, and the Newcastle Jazz Festival in August; plus, regular art and culture exhibitions, theatre and markets. 

Surfest, Newcastle

Newcastle locals are a creative bunch, and on the first Saturday of every month they take the opportunity to showcase their talents at the epic Olive Tree Market. This is not your usual community gathering of stalls – no lavender pouches and white-bread sausage-sizzles here. Everything has been carefully curated to highlight the city’s (and country’s) standout makers, whether emerging and established artists, designers, ceramicists or artisan producers. 

If you’re visiting in March, be sure to sip your way through the Newcastle Beer Fest, or channel your inner gourmand during Newcastle Food Month every April. 

Newcastle Beer Fest, Newcastle - Credit: Newcastle Beer Fest

History and heritage 

Newcastle’s history traces back many thousands of years to the Traditional Custodians of its lands and waters: the Awabakal and Worimi people. This rich heritage intersects with colonial history from the 1790s onwards. You can learn more about Newcastle’s many eras and phases of growth at the Newcastle Museum. 

Newcastle Museum, Newcastle

Its former life as a penal settlement means much of Newcastle’s colonial history is present in still-existing places including the heritage-listed Bogey Hole – a rock pool carved out by convicts in 1819 for the personal use of Major James Morisset. Today, it’s one of the dreamiest places to swim in NSW. You can also step back in time at the Convict Lumberyard, which was the site of a huge archaeological dig in the early nineties, unearthing both ancient Aboriginal artefacts and colonial relics. Or take in a snapshot of pre-1950s life at Miss Porter's House Museum, an Edwardian terrace showcasing a collection of furniture, fabrics and handcrafts gathered over 100 years.  

Bogey Hole, Newcastle

For military history and spectacular views over the harbour, Fort Scratchley Historic Site is a must-see. It’s the only fort in Australia to have engaged the enemy in a maritime attack, having returned fire on Japanese submarines during WWII in June 1942. You can explore the fort’s intricate (and narrow) tunnel system on a tour. 

Fort Scratchley gun firing, Newcastle

Where to stay 

Newcastle has accommodation options for all budgets, from backpacker hostels and self-catering apartments to luxury hotels. Rest your head at the laid-back but five-star Crystalbrook Kingsley, or the Little National Hotel with its sleek rooms and state-of-the-art Technogym. If you’re after a stay with designer details, head to QT Newcastle. This contemporary gem blends vibrant style with its heritage-listed facade on Hunter Mall. Drop your bags and head to the rooftop to enjoy a cocktail with a view.  

Travelling with kids? The NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is a great choice with plenty of outdoor space to play and the option to pitch a tent next to the sandy shores of Stockton Beach. 

Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle

Getting there 

Newcastle is just a 2.5-hour drive north from Sydney along the Pacific Highway. For those visiting from further afield, the Newcastle Airport services many destinations and carriers, and is a 30-minute drive from the city centre. You can also catch a train or bus direct from Sydney’s Central Station to Newcastle with the journey taking just under three hours. Alternatively, cruise ships dock and disembark from the Carrington terminal at the Port of Newcastle. A free shuttle bus takes passengers on the 15-minute drive to the CBD.