Cruise to Newcastle

Just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is the State’s second largest and Australia’s second oldest city. A beachside metropolis with a rich colonial and maritime history, this vibrant port city is renowned for its spectacular coastline, thriving arts and cultural scene, and exciting year-round program of events, concerts and festivals.

Visit acclaimed waterfront restaurants, hip cafes and cool cocktail bars, or head off on canoe tours, guided walks and dolphin-watching cruises. Newcastle has a reputation for being one of the best surf locations in Australia. With an array of glorious beaches to choose from, surfers from around the world come here in search of that perfect wave.

Newcastle is less than an hour away from the majestic sand dunes of Port Stephens. Take a quad bike tour, ride a camel or sandboard down the dunes. It’s also the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region where 150 wineries are dotted around rolling green hills, and are easily accessible on a shore excursion.

Cruise ships dock at the Carrington terminal at the Port of Newcastle. A free shuttle bus takes passengers on the 10min drive to Queens Wharf, where you’ll find waterfront places to eat and drink. The city centre and beaches are a short walk or catch the scenic tram for a 1.5hr tour with commentary.