NSW’s second-largest city, Newcastle, is just two hours north of Sydney and is home to amazing beaches, vibrant culture, a rich history and exciting year-round events, concerts, festivals and more.
EVENTS
Newcastle is known for its jam-packed events calendar. Whether it’s music, arts, culture, kids entertainment or sport that is of interest, there’s an event to suit everyone. From the international surf competition, Surfest, to the Supercars Newcastle 500, the Newcastle Writers Festival and a consistent rotation of exhibitions and shows, there’s always something to see and do.
EXPLORE
Discover the spectacular coastline of Newcastle via the 6km Bathers Way walk, which hugs the coastline from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach. This scenic walk takes in ocean views and cliffs, King Edward Park, Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths as well as the iconic Bogey Hole and ANZAC Memorial Walk.
A delicious range of waterside bars, cafes and restaurants await you along Honeysuckle and the Newcastle Foreshore promenade, which is also within an easy stroll of city attractions such as the Newcastle Museum, Art Gallery and historic Civic Theatre.
Find out about the city’s intriguing history at the Newcastle Museum, or on a guided walking tour with Newcastle Afoot or fun-filled cycling tour with Pineapple Pedals. There are regular tunnel tours of the unique Fort Scratchley, which was responsible for what are still the only shots fired at an enemy vessel from the Australian mainland. It took aim at a Japanese submarine in June 1942.
For more outdoor adventure, soar on ziplines at the Treetop Adventure Park, visit the local animals such as koalas and wombats at Blackbutt Reserve, or jump on a whale-watching adventure with CoastXP. For a truly birds-eye view of the city, opt for an aerial tour with Heli Services Newcastle.
ARTS & CULTURE
Newcastle Art Gallery houses the most important public art collection outside Sydney and is home to about 6,500 works and has a regular rotation of exhibitions and events to suit the whole family.
The Lock-Up, the city’s original Police Station, and now art space, is another popular destination, also hosting regular exhibitions and events.
Dating back to 1929, Civic Theatre is one of Australia’s great, traditional theatres right in the centre of Newcastle. The building’s exterior features a Georgian Revival style, with a flourish of Italian Renaissance, while inside you’ll find a Spanish Baroque theme – and that’s just the building. The theatre program is constant and varied throughout the year. The Newcastle Conservatorium of Music also offers a great line-up of local, national and international live music performances throughout the year.
EAT & DRINK
From waterfront bars, cafés and restaurants to bustling eat streets like Darby and Beaumont streets, craft breweries and delicious tours, there’s a flavour to suit all tastes in Newcastle. Here’s a small sample.
Cafés
Baked Uprising
Bolton Street Pantry
Suspension Espresso
Goldbergs Coffee House
Bars & Restaurants
Restaurant Mason
The Basement on Market St
Coal & Cedar
The Signal Box
Ginger Megs
Merewether Surfhouse
Markets & Shopping
Westfield Kotara
Darby Street boutiques
Hunt&Gather Markets
Newcastle City Farmers Markets
The Olive Tree Market
