One of Australia’s oldest and most endearing cities with a blend of old and new architecture, Newcastle has a dynamic working harbour and an array of fabulous beaches.

But beaches are not the only drawcard, so do not miss the city’s artistic delights and thrilling sports, and of course, the enduring world-class wineries in the Hunter Valley, within an hour’s drive.

Situated only two hours’ drive north of Sydney, Newcastle is a great base for exploring Australia’s oldest wine region.

Amazing Things to Do, Places to See.

THE BATHERS WAY

A scenic five-kilometre coastal walk waiting for you to discover, play, swim and eat any way you choose. Stretching from the coastal wilderness of Glenrock Reserve and the early coal workings at Burwood Beach to the commanding lighthouse at Nobbys Headland.

“Take two hours to walk the path or a month of Sundays to experience it all.”

https://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/bathers-way/

Pokolbin Wine Tours from Newcastle -

Newcastle Memorial Walk

Constructed to commemorate the centenary of ANZAC, The Walk is a 430m boardwalk and viewing platform, connecting Strzelecki lookout with the Bathers Way via a stairway. Located just north of Bar Beach and a short walk from King Edward Park, you will love the amazing views of the coastline’s clean azure waters.

https://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/newcastle-memorial-walk

Beaches & Baths

While completing the Walk you will be enticed to visit the white sandy beaches along the coastline from Merewether in the south to Nobbys in the north. Or visit the art deco ocean baths at Merewether or Newcastle. Enjoy the laid-back approach of locals and discover why the city deserves its growing reputation as one of the best city beach destinations on offer.

Newcastle Museum

Bringing to life significant moments of past, present and future in three major permanent exhibitions open free to visitors, the Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.  Ensuring there is always something new to entice and interest visitors, The Collection includes objects that tell stories of the ongoing changes to the natural and urban environment and share knowledge of early Aboriginal life and unique stories of migration, war and culture.

http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/

Newcastle Art Gallery

Known as the nation’s first purpose-built regional gallery, and nationally recognised for one of the finest public collections in Australia, the Newcastle Art Gallery is home to more than 6,200 works, including pieces by key Australian artists as well as extensive Indigenous art and Japanese ceramics sub-collections.

http://www.nag.org.au/

FORT SCRATCHLEY HISTORIC SITE

A unique, nationally significant heritage site that has unrivalled panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean, north to Nobbys Lighthouse, Headland and the Harbour, south across Newcastle Beach and Ocean Baths, Fort Scratchley allows you to immerse yourself in history while undertaking a guided tour of the site and through the amazing underground tunnels.

http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Fort-Scratchley/Home

YAMULOONG CENTRE

Discover local Aboriginal history and culture whilst exploring the wonders and excitement of the bush tucker trails, with over seven acres of regenerated native bush plants, the majority of which, have a quality significant to the Aboriginal people of Australia.

Compliment the Bush Tucker Walk, with traditional Aboriginal dance and listen to traditional stories of the Awabakal people.

http://www.yarnteen.com.au/?id=253

THE LOCK-UP

Formerly the Newcastle Police Station and lock up from 1861 until its closure in 1982, this dedicated multi-disciplinary contemporary arts space and an inner-city hub for creative thinking and doing aims to innovatively curate programs which promote current, experimental and diverse practices from local, national and international creatives.

http://www.thelockup.org.au/

Walking Tours

There are several free walking tours around the city and surrounding suburbs enabling visitors to learn about the history and culture of the area and its people. Themes centre on the architecture, historically significant buildings, art and food tours, and natural environment-based walks.

For more details see; https://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/see-do/walks-and-rides

Markets

THE OLIVE TREE MARKET- for those who place value on beautifully designed, well made, locally produced handmade goods with a strong emphasis on ethical production and sustainability.

NEWCASTLE CITY FARMERS MARKET – a showcase of the best and freshest produce and gourmet delights from the local farmers and makers.

Special Events

SURFEST NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA

Australia’s biggest festival of surfing just keeps getting better with the 2019 festival hosting 11 different surfing events, in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens local government areas.

http://www.surfest.com/

CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES

There is a range of events to attend throughout the year, hosted by Pubs, clubs, The Civic Theatre, Newcastle Music Conservatorium, Newcastle Cathedral and other venues. Join music trivia nights, rock and pop music, Jazz festivals and classical performances.

Many national and state tours include Newcastle on their Tour schedules.

For more information; https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/newcastle-area/events

SPORTING EVENTS

Newcastle hosts a range of sporting events through the year including Car Racing, Surfing, Running, Triathlons, Skateboarding, Cycling, Bull riding and Assault Obstacle Courses.

For more detailed information; https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/newcastle-area/events

Dining Options

Newcastle offers amazing dining options, from waterfront bars, cafes and restaurants to bustling eat streets, craft breweries and delicious tours.

Visit the foreshore promenade at both Honeysuckle Wharf and Queens Wharf, Darby Street’s eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants and cafes, Hamilton’s lively pub scene and outdoor cafes along Beaumont Street, and The Junction, near Dixon Park Beach and Bar Beach, is popular area for dining and drinking as well. Be sure to check out Hunter St, Scott St and King St, The East End for award-winning restaurants featured in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide.

For a full list of amazing options;

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/newcastle-area/restaurants

There are multiple dining options located just one-hour drive away in the amazing Hunter Valley.

Accommodation

Newcastle is a great base for exploring Australia’s oldest wine region. Places to stay suit various budgets, ranging from a backpacker’s hostels to luxury hotels, apartments, heritage guesthouses and lovingly restored self-contained cottages. Or you can pitch a tent on NSW’s longest beach, at Stockton Beach Holiday Park.

For bookings refer to Visit NSW

https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/newcastle-area/accommodation

Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Newcastle is a great base for exploring Australia’s oldest wine region. With a vast choice in cellar doors and wineries with restaurants to choose from, avoid the confusion and book a wine tour.

a bunch of lady tourist having so much fun while enjoying the place and the taste of their wine in their pokolbin wine tours
Hunter Valley Wine Tours
girls day out hunter valley vineyards
wine tasting in the vineyards

Combine these great experiences with the Hunter Valley wine region with a tour

A great way to enjoy the views and of course the sensational tastes of what the region offers is to book a wine tour with:

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

With pick-ups and drop-offs from your accommodation

Whether it’s for a corporate or social event, our Hunter Valley wine tasting tours are the perfect way to experience what the famous wine region has to offer.

Our tours are designed with our guest in mind, keeping it simple so that all you need to do is enjoy the day.

Since 2001, we’ve specialized in guiding small group wine tours through the Hunter Valley. We’re family owned and operated and are passionate about showcasing the beautiful Hunter Valley region and its wines, providing our guest with the ultimate wine tasting experience.