Newcastle

The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the state of New South Wales and is situated 162 kilometres north-east of Sydney, at the mouth of the Hunter River. It is the predominant city within the Hunter Region, and is well known for its coal. Newcastle reaches out to the sea, creating Australia’s only city centre bounded by pristine beaches and an active working harbour. From our intriguing 200 year story has arisen a dynamic city of contrasts

 This seaside city is encircled by a spectacular coastline offering pristine beaches, cranking surf, family friendly waters, shady picnic grounds and two stunningly unique salt water ocean baths. There are six patrolled beaches within 5kms of the city centre each with its own distinctive personality. The Newcastle Ocean Baths offer a rugged pool structure with a stunning Art Deco facade. The Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere, provide a truly unique experience.

Newcastle is fast becoming a food lovers delight with so many wonderful restaurants all offering something different with every menu, to suit everyone’s budget and taste.  There are four main dining precincts within Newcastle for you to check out, such as Darby Street, the harbour, Beaumont Street and The Junction.  All of the places offer tastes from around the world, using only the freshest of local produce from the land and from the sea.  From cafes, al fresco dining, restaurants offering breathtaking views and fine dining options.... there is something to suit you all!

Shopping in Newcastle is endless with so many different shops, boutiques, centres and precinct to wander through and see some interesting things. Check out the up market boutiques at The Junction, or the bohemian mix of local designers and street-wear on Darby Street in Cooks Hill. The City Centre has an interesting mix of home décor stores, while, Hamilton has an eclectic mix of retail including a cluster of retro second-hand clothing stores. Newcastle is Australia’s oldest city and you can find plenty of antique stores in the city and surrounding suburbs, along with regular markets to suit every taste, budget and need, from fresh produce, gourmet goodies and art and crafts. 

There are several museums around Newcastle as well as an art gallery, which are worth visiting and plenty of other things to do. Nearby there are also a number of nature reserves which are very beautiful. Blackbutt Reserve offers bushwalking and the chance to see a variety of wildlife around the park, as well as in the enclosures and aviary. You can also head to the Wetlands Ecopark, which offers similar attractions. Both are worthwhile and are great on a sunny day. You can also hop on Newcastle’s famous tram which takes you around the historic sites of Newcastle. Head to the train station on the hour between 10.00am - 3.00pm. Near here the ferry also departs for Stockton on the other side of the port. Stockton Beach runs along the coast to Port Stephens and is backed by the wonderful and beautiful sand dunes.

Newcastle is built around a large working harbour, the entrance to which is guarded by Nobbys Lighthouse and Breakwater. The adjacent foreshore area is the perfect place to while away the hours watching the busy harbour traffic while enjoying a drink or meal in one of the Harbourside cafes, bars or restaurants. Large expanses of grassy parklands on the harbour’s edge are perfect for a relaxing family picnic. Mingle with the hundreds of Novocastrians who flock to the foreshore each weekend for recreational activities such as kite flying, roller blading, jogging or bike riding.

If you think just because the suns gone down there is nothing to do, you are really in the dark. Home to some of the finest entertainment venues on Australia’s east coast, you can catch the very best of live performers from around the country and overseas. Newcastle offers something for everyone… whether you want to dance to the beats of some of Australia’s best DJ’s, enjoy your favourite food or drink, or find a place where you can simply relax with family and friends.