Best Things To Do In Newcastle, NSW | 2023 Guide

It took us 5 years to visit Newcastle despite the fact that we had been living in Brisbane for the last 2 years. Shameful, we know. We had heard there were fun things to do in Newcastle, New South Wales, but there always seemed to be other places to explore. When it came to finding new places to visit, Newcastle, NSW wasn’t an idea we put a lot of thought in at first.

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

But we finally decided that it was now or never and added a stop in Newcastle on our way back from a weekend in the Hunter Valley.

We didn’t expect Newcastle to dazzle us with its good looks. After all, it has always been known as the industrial centre of Australia, famous for its steel, copper, and coal manufacturing. It wasn’t until recently that Newcastle started attracting crowds thanks to its funky atmosphere and the developing artistic side.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: View from Memorial Drive in Newcastle, NSW

Traveling Soon? Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip!
  • Book Your Accommodation HERE
  • Search for Great Tours HERE
  • Get a Car Rental HERE
  • Buy Travel Insurance HERE
  • See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE
  • Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE
  • Order an eSim HERE

View from Memorial Drive in Newcastle, NSW. Australia

Best Time To Visit Newcastle, NSW

Any time of the year will do well enough, as Newcastle is in one of the more temperate regions, so it’s less prone to getting wild weather. However, we would recommend visiting in the spring if you want to avoid scorching weather. But if you live in the northern hemisphere, remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. Spring in Australia doesn’t happen at the same time as it does in the northern hemisphere.

Things To Do In Newcastle, NSW

Enjoy A Sunset Over Newcastle

We arrived with no expectations. After checking into our hotel we drove straight to Bar Beach, a Newcastle suburb and sandy beach, for a chance to snap a few sunset shots over the city. We took a stroll along the Esplanade and ended up on Memorial Drive, and were taken aback by the stunning views of the ocean from the top of the cliffs.

The sun was setting over the city, casting a beautiful golden glow onto the misty beach. Surfers were catching their last waves of the day, families were enjoying the last sun rays, and dozens of groups picnicking in the grass waiting for the sun to do its daily magic show. It didn’t take us long to realize why watching the sunset is one of the top things to do in Newcastle, NSW.

We couldn’t stop snapping away long after the sun disappeared behind the Newcastle coastline.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Lone surfer at Bar Beach, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Lone surfer at Bar Beach
Things to do in Newcastle NSW: That magical moment when the sun hits the horizon. Bar Beach, Newcastle. Australia
That magical moment when the sun hits the horizon. Bar Beach, Newcastle
Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Max snapping away at sunset. Bar Beach. Newcastle, NSW Australia
Max snapping away at sunset
Things to do in Newcastle NSW, Bar Beach shortly after sunset
Bar Beach shortly after sunset

Visit Newcastle’s Top Sights

Christ Church Cathedral

First up was the Christ Church Cathedral, a beautiful architectural structure that dominates the Newcastle skyline. The original church dates back to 1804, with many additions and expansions set in motion over the years.

Today it stands over 36 metres tall and provides regular worship services, along with wedding and baptism ceremonies. It was once possible to climb to the top of the cathedral to take in breathtaking views of the city, but unfortunately, that is no longer an option. The viewing platform has been closed for 6 years.

Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW. Things to do in Newcastle NSW
Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, NSW. Australia

Fort Scratchley

Next up was Newcastle’s best attraction – Fort Scratchley. Often misinterpreted as a site for school groups and oldies, it’s a historical site that isn’t just for history buffs but the creme de la creme of Newcastle activities. We thoroughly enjoyed roaming through the rooms inside the Fort Scratchley Museum, listening to War stories, and learning about Newcastle’s role as Australia’s second settlement.

Fort Scratchley is situated at the top of Flagstaff Hill and offers 360-degree views of Newcastle, incorporating Nobby’s Beach to Newcastle Rock Pools, and through to the heart of the city centre. If nothing else, head to the Fort to snap some photos and sit back and enjoy the views.

Turret cannon at the top of Fort Scratchley. Newcastle, Australia. Things to do in Newcastle NSW
Turret cannon at the top of Fort Scratchley
Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Museum rooms inside the fort, Things to do in Newcastle NSW
Museum rooms inside the fort
Things to do in Newcastle NSW: View of the Foreshore and Hunter River form the top of Fort Scratchley. Newcastle. Australia
View of the Foreshore and Hunter River form the top of Fort Scratchley. Newcastle. Australia

Newcastle Museum & Newcastle Art Gallery

To learn more about the history of the area, you can pop into the Newcastle Museum, which features several exhibits detailing the industrial history of Newcastle, including one that recreates life in a steel mill. A lot of the exhibits are interactive and geared towards children, but admission is free, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area. 

The Newcastle Art Gallery is currently undergoing an expansion, and the reimagined gallery will feature an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space. Nationally recognized as one of the finest public collections in Australia, Newcastle Art Gallery already houses over 7,000 works from the colonial era to the modern day.

Newcastle Memorial Walk and ANZAC Memorial Walk

Opened in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli, the Newcastle Memorial Walk, and ANZAC Memorial Walk honours the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War I. This walkway features steel silhouettes of soldiers and offers stunning clifftop views.

Get Outdoors

Although we didn’t have enough time to visit, we would recommend you add a trip to Lake Macquarie to your list of fun things to do in Newcastle, NSW. The saltwater lake is located just south of Newcastle and is connected to the Tasman Sea by a channel. 

Relaxing on the banks of the lake is one of the top free things to do in Newcastle, NSW. It’s a great place for picnicking or watching the sunset. Otherwise, there are plenty of opportunities for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking on the lake. 

Inside the city limits, check out King Edward Park, another one of the top free things to do in Newcastle, NSW, and one of the must-see places to visit in Newcastle. 

King Edward Park offers walking trails with stunning views of the ocean, gardens galore, and a plethora of pines dotted throughout the park. The park was once used by the military. But these days, the historic military cottages and batteries can be admired on the southern border of the park.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: The sunset over Lake Macquarie
The sunset over Lake Macquarie

Visit The Hunter Valley

Located just an hour north of Newcastle is the stunning Hunter Valley wine region. The area produces world-class Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir wines.

The Hunter Valley turned out to be our favourite wine region in Australia. While we were there, we discovered that there is so much more to do in the region than just drinking wine. We highly recommend you commit to, at the very least, a day trip from Newcastle; you can’t go wrong with a wine-tasting.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Rolling vineyards in Hunter Valley
Rolling vineyards in Hunter Valley

Read Next: Best Wine Regions In Australia

Attend A Festival

One of the highlights of things to do in Newcastle, NSW, is the Newcastle Music Festival, which takes place every August.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Street art in Newcastle
Street art in Newcastle

Visit The Best Beaches In Newcastle, NSW

Nobbys Beach

Our time was crammed with Newcastle activities, but we absolutely had to pause and enjoy some time bumming around on Nobbys Beach. The beaches were some of our favourite places to visit in Newcastle. After seeing it in all of its glory from the top of Fort Scratchley, we couldn’t wait to get down and sink my feet in the sand.

Nobbys is the perfect beach for families and general sunning, swimming, and lazing around, which is why it always ranks among the top things to do in Newcastle, NSW.

To the north of Nobbys Beach and at the bottom end of Newcastle Bight is Stockton Beach, where you can catch sweeping views of the Newcastle lighthouse all the way to Port Stephens. Protected from the south swell, this is often Newcastle’s safest beach for swimming. From the city, the quickest way to get to Stockton Beach is by ferry. From Queens Wharf, catch the Stockton Ferry to get across the harbour.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Nobby's Beach. View from the top of Fort Scratchley. Newcastle. Australia
Nobby’s Beach. View from the top of Fort Scratchley
Nobby's Beach. View from the top of Fort Scratchley. Newcastle. Australia, Things to do in Newcastle NSW
Nobby’s Beach. View from the top of Fort Scratchley. Newcastle.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Oksana looking out over Beach Bar

Bar Beach is another great option that features a patrolled swimming area and sheltered rock pools.

Newcastle Beach is known as one of the best surf locations in Australia and is definitely more appealing to adventurous souls, which we totally are… in theory. But, if you’re looking for a beach with a more relaxed atmosphere, Newcastle Beach might be a bit much for you.

The iconic Merewether Beach hosts Surfest, the international surfing competition. Merewether Beach is part of a reserve that stretches from Dixon Park in the north to Burwood Beach in the south and is the southern end of the Bathers Way Walk, a 6km coastal path that links Newcastle’s Beaches.

If you feel like skipping the sand, check out the Merewether Ocean Baths in the small suburb of Merewether. The complex is the largest ocean baths in Australia and a great place to rub shoulders with locals. At the northern end of Newcastle Beach, you can visit the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which have been newly renovated.

If you don’t mind travelling out of the area to check out a really cool beach, head to Caves Beach, which is located on the Swansea peninsula, about 30 kilometres south of Newcastle. This beach is named for the network of beautiful sea caves along its southern end, which can be explored during low tide.

 

 

Best Hotels In Newcastle, NSW

Stay close to Newcastle’s biggest attractions, like Nobby Beach, by booking accommodation in Newcastle’s Central Business District or the CBD. Hunter Street is centrally located and close to most attractions and nightlife options in the CBD.

Otherwise, choose accommodation close to Darby or Hamilton Street, the city’s trendiest pockets, and be close to food and dining options.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Nobby Beach and Nobby head lighthouse.
Nobby Beach and Nobby head lighthouse.

Eco Hotels In Newcastle, NSW

The Ibis and Novotel in Newcastle are both parts of the Accor Hotels family and silver-starred members of the Accor Planet 21 program. The program supports initiatives to promote environmental protection, the fight against sexual exploitation, eco-design, and healthy and sustainable food in their restaurants.

The Ibis Hotel offers clean, basic accommodation centrally located on Hunter Street. All rooms have a/c, a private bathroom, and guests have access to iBistro, which has meals available 24 hours a day. The onsite iBar offers beers and wines from the Hunter Valley.

Novotel offers contemporary rooms with great service, close to Nobby Beach. Most rooms have sea views. All rooms have complimentary wifi, private bathrooms, and mini-bars. The onsite restaurant offers breakfast, high tea, and dinner service.

About an hour outside of Newcastle in the Hunter region, Somewhere Unique, deserves a mention for their exemplary green practices. Their two-person cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway. Each cabin features a two-person bath, gas log fireplace, and views from every room, and the resort offers in-house massage treatments.

Best Restaurants In Newcastle, NSW

The majority of restaurants in Newcastle, NSW can be found on Beaumont Street in Hamilton and Darby Street in Cooks Hill. Both streets are lined with an impressive array of restaurants, cafes, shops, and unique boutiques. It’s worth a visit just for the cultural value, even if you decide to eat at home.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Cafe on Darby Street
Cafe on Darby Street

Darby Street Restaurants

We tried our luck with Darby Street restaurants, poking our heads into every restaurant in search of the best eats in town. There were lots of bars and a few fancy establishments, but nothing really impressed us at dinner time. We went back to Darby Street again the next day to experience its lunch scene.

The light of day and the daytime buzz made it a whole lot more appealing. Our favourite spot was Frankie’s Place, with its retro decor of record covers, a cute courtyard, and a great lunch and nibbles menu.

Vegetarian Restaurants In Newcastle, NSW

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Newcastle NSW are relatively new. However, the ones that are trailblazing the scene are truly special. Here are a few of our favourites.

Breakfast

Blue Door is one of the iconic restaurants in Newcastle, NSW. They serve delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals starting at 7 am every day in the CBD. They are passionate about simplicity when it comes to their creations.

Part cafe, part organic grocer, Goodness Me Organics is located in the suburb of Adamstown. They offer a seasonal menu and aim to please regardless of dietary restrictions.

things to do in newcastle nsw: No better way to start the day than with a smoothie or juice! (ok, maybe tea)
No better way to start the day than with a smoothie or juice! (ok, maybe tea)

Lunch

While they don’t have a 100% veg menu, Estabar has some awesome vegan and vegetarian options, plus its location right by Newcastle Beach can’t be beaten. Their seasonal menu showcases local farmers and producers, house-baked bread, and locally made kombucha.

Momo Wholefoods Cafe, located on Hunter Street, has a 100% veg menu laden with vegan options. Try their vegan sweets or daily salad!

things to do in newcastle nsw: Dish at Momo's Whole foods Restaurant. Photo by Momo's https://www.hunterhunter.com.au/newcastle/momo
A dish at Momo Wholefoods Cafe. Photo by Momo Wholefoods.

Dinner

The Bhakti Tree is part yoga and meditation centre, part community centre, part cooking school, and part vegetarian restaurant in Newcastle, NSW. They are located in the suburb of Mayfield and specialize in South Asian cuisine.

Talulah, located in the Junction, ensures all their food has been ethically sourced. They have lots of dinner-time sharing, plates like their delicious panko-crumbed mushrooms.

Check out Your Vegan Guide to The Hunter, for a comprehensive list of restaurants in Newcastle, NSW with vegan options, by food type!

The Newcastle Farmers Market

If you are visiting on the weekend, the Newcastle City Farmers Markets, held at the Newcastle Showgrounds on most Sundays is another great place for a bite to eat, and in itself, one of our favourite Newcastle activities.

Try the Rustic Flair Food Truck, it won us over with their porkwich, burritos, and smoothie options. If you can’t make it to the market, check here to learn where you can find the truck around the city.

The Newcastle City Farmers Market is open from 8 am until 1 pm, and offers a great selection of fruits/veggies, local produce, food stalls, clothing, and accessories shops.

Not only do the markets make for a fun afternoon, but buying local is good for the environment, too. Most food travels over 2000 kilometres from field to plate… but not at the farmer’s market. When it comes to food, generally, stall owners are local smaller-scale farmers, who are less dependent on the use of pesticides in their fields. If you have any questions, producers are usually happy to chat about their products and cultivation practices. Look for organic goods too!

Things to do in newcastle nsw: Farmers markets are the way to go!
Farmers’ markets are the way to go!

Nightlife And Patio Drinks

Beaumont Street, Hunter Street, and Honeysuckle Drive in Hamilton often fight it out for the best area for entertainment. While lots of bars did look quite appealing, we opted for a drink with a view instead.

Queens Wharf Hotel is a great little hangout spot that offers a selection of home-brewed beers, good wine options, and a lovely view from the outdoor beer garden on the jetty. We took our time strolling down Wharf Street enjoying the views of the Hunter River. It’s a lovely walk across the Foreshore down to Nobbys Beach Reserve.

For live music, check out Newcastle Live for information on Newcastle’s thriving underground music scene, and upcoming gigs around the city.

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Queens Wharf Hotel, Australia
Queens Wharf Hotel

How Much Time Do You Need In Newcastle, NSW?

You’ll find plenty to do in and around Newcastle, along with a great atmosphere while you’re there. If you want everything to keep feeling fresh the whole time you’re there, then a week will most likely give you plenty of time to see everything you want to see without feeling stale.

At the end of the day, it really wasn’t Newcastle sights that lured us in. It was the perfect balance of the small-town feel, the laid-back beach lifestyle, and the cute boutique vibe combined with a beautiful natural setting that made us so grateful for a chance to visit Newcastle.

Tourists don’t flock to this city, and maybe that’s exactly why Newcastle is sometimes referred to as the most underrated city in Australia. You just don’t expect it to be so lovely…

Max fell in love with Newcastle, announcing that if we ever wanted to move away from Brisbane, this is where he would want to be based (Ok, I kind of really liked it too). Instead, we ended up in Costa Rica.. but hey, with us, you just never know…

Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Cute houses in Newcastle. Australia
At times Newcastle had a bit of a “small town in Europe” vibe to it
Things to do in Newcastle NSW: Typical Newcastle lifestyle. 2 guys, 2 boards, 0 shoes. Newcastle. Australia
Typical Newcastle lifestyle. 2 guys, 2 boards, 0 shoes

Have you visited Newscastle before? What are some of your favourite things to do in Newcastle, NSW?

18 thoughts on “Best Things To Do In Newcastle, NSW | 2023 Guide”

  1. Wow. You must have been there on a special day. You got to catch the only day in history where the sun set in the south!!!! #photoshop

      1. All good! 🙂 You had me questioning my bearings too. I knew my photoshop skills weren’t nearly good enough to add a sunset where it didn’t belong 😉

  2. Darby St / Beaumont St are certainly not the dinner places to be these days – next time you’re here try Cazador (Hunter St), Casa de Loco (Pacific St), The Lucky (Hunter St), Bank Corner (West End), The Edwards (West End), Napoli Centrale (King St)… I could keep going on, but I won’t bore you!!!!

    Also visit http://www.hunterhunter.com.au for all the best locations for food!

    Next time you’re here pop on the ferry to Stockton, visit the Bogey Hole & Glenrock Lagoon.

    Happy travelling x

    1. Oh, how I wish I had discovered Hunter Hunter before my trip! Looks like a great resource. Thanks for sharing it, Jessica, and for the other restaurant suggestions! I’m sure other travelers will find them useful!

  3. Jan Deighton

    What about Merewether, great food & coffee The Vital Method. Lake Macquaries only 20 mins south.

    1. We actually just visited Lake Macquarie yesterday! What a lovely place, so peaceful and beautiful. We spent some time in Toronto, which is funny enough, where we are from in Canada.

  4. Newcastle might be beautiful to look at but got a terrible persona. The crime rate and the types of crime is terrible, spend time at the hospital and you can see, 2weeks ago someone bashed a person and stole their car in the hospital car park itself. Last week my friend was on a date at a restaurant in Darby St, after they left they were followed and bashed and have to assume it was because my friend was on a date with another male and the assailant didn’t steal anything just wanted to cause harm. Violence and drugs is a growing endemic.

  5. Brad Newie Local

    Great writeup Oksana glad you enjoyed our beautiful city. Sorry Alex I disagree, unfortunately crime happens everywhere. Newcastle is a very safe city with a very low rate of violent crime, it’s small city with a big country town feel, and a quick trip down Beaumont st should show you that Newcastle is definitely gay friendly.

  6. I was lucky enough to call Newie home for a couple of years after college, and grew up spending my summers there visiting family. I’ll always have a soft spot for the place, even as it frustrates me with its inability to capitalise on the many blessings it has. It really should be on more tourist itineraries.

  7. I’m from Sydney and down here in the big smoke Newcastle is criminally underrated. Parts have a slightly European feel and others remind me of the western world from decades ago (in a good way), of sunnier and less complicated times. Great photos, too many HD photos these days don’t capture the extra layer of atmosphere that yours have.

  8. Aodhan: Newcastle recycling

    We were there over Christmas. There was a great atmosphere and I loved the old buildings near Foreshore Park. Hard to believe they were close to being bulldozed in the 70s.

  9. Mark Staveley

    Love Newy. Check out Port Stephens also. One hour north of Newcastle and you will love it.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

CLOSE

Travel With Us

in 2024

Join us on a 9-day Safari in Tanzania through the country's top National Parks! Search for the Big Five, and immerse yourself in cultural experiences and meaningful connections.

or join our Pre-Sale List to be the first to learn about other Drink Tea & Travel Group Trips!

Scroll to Top