Newcastle New South Wales is located 2 hr (169.6 km) from Sydney. From its convict and industrial past, today Newcastle is all about food and wine, art scene and the outdoors abundant natural beauty. With six beaches within 5km of the city centre. Top surfing, heritage ocean baths and coastal walks are just some of the things to discover in this coastal city on the NSW North Coast.
Being a beachside city, Newcastle’s Honeysuckle harborside precinct is very popular. With its waterside bars, cafés and restaurants, like the ocean view chic Merewether Surfhouse. Before your next visit, make sure you scope the number of other restaurants scattered throughout the city, particularly on Darby Street: Quality restaurants including Signal Box Newcastle, Scratchleys on the Wharf, Rustica Newcastle Beach
One of Newcastle oldest pub like the The Great Northern, a 156 year old art-deco style hotel a landmark and still among the best. Newcastle pubs like the Clarendon Hotel Bar are also a meeting places. and then there are the party pubs like Hamilton Station Hotel that bring the good vibes
An hour drive from Newcastle is the Hunter Valley Wine Region. The Hunter has yeilded grapes since 1832 and is famous for its Chardonnay, Semillon, and Verdelho for the whites, and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for the red. More than 100 wineries are centred on the village of Pokolbin.
About: The best way to explore and view the stunning coastline of Necastle is on the Newcastle ANZAC Walk, which connects with the Bathers Way. Or a scenic 6km walk from historic Nobbys Lighthouse to Merewether Ocean Baths, near Glenrock State Conservation Area. Stop for a swim at the Newcastle Ocean Baths with its Art Deco Pavillion and Bogey Hole, a rock pool built by convicts in 1819.
Enjoy family fun: The nature reserves of Blackbutt are a must-see and the Hunter Wetlands is accessible for families and bird lovers alike. Pack a picnic and explore the many walking trails or get up-close-and-personal with weird and wonderful Australian wildlife. Just 10 minutes from the CBD, you’ll find Glenrock State Conservation Area, nature’s very own adventure playground renowned for its mountain biking trails, and bushwalking trails that lead to Glenrock Lagoon, Burwood Beach and beyond.
Outdoor Activities: Soar on zip-lines at TreeTop Adventure Park or learn to surf with the Newcastle Surf School. Unforgettable wildlife experiences include meeting koalas at Blackbutt Reserve, and whale watching with CoastXP or Nova Cruises during their annual migration between May and November. Or pick up fresh local produce at the weekly Newcastle City Farmers Market on Sundays.
Proudly preserved Heritage buildings like the Customs House (1876) Queen’s wharf, Christ Church Cathedral and Trades Hall (1895). Learn about the town’s rich history and heritage at the Newcastle Museum and Aboriginal cultural of Awabakal and Worimi People who have cared for and nurtured this Country, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present. The tunnels at Fort Scratchley Historic Site is Australia’s only coastal fortification to fire upon a World War II Japanese submarine.