Top 10 places to see the outback in style

1. Longitude 131, Uluru, NT

Australia’s original luxury lodge, in a prime position. The 15 ‘tents’ here have stunning and privileged views of Uluru, with private dining and tours available. $2040 per night for two, all inclusive; minimum two-night stay.

www.longitude131.com.au

2. Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Mary River FloodPlains, NT

If we’d done this feature three years ago it would have included Queensland’s Wrotham Park. The entire resort has been moved 2000km to Kakadu’s doorstep, to open April 1 this year as a Wildman Wilderness Lodge with luxury cabins and touring of the Top End’s diverse wetlands. $285 per person per night including dinner and breakfast; touring is extra.

www.wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au

3. Bamurru Plains, Mary River FloodPlains, NT

In the same region as Wildman and part of the Wild Bush Luxury portfolio (which includes Arkaba Station). Wetland tours, fishing and airboat adventures. $930 per person per night including all meals and scheduled activities, but aircon is extra. Minimum two-night stay.

www.bamurruplains.com

4. Bullo River, The Kimberley, NT

Made famous by Sara Henderson, the Bullo River Station is on the NT side of the Kimberley and is a true working station experience, with guest activities that include mustering by helicopter and horse, or more relaxed options such as fishing tours to various gorges and the Bungle Bungles. $800 per person per night.

www.bulloriver.com

5. El Questro, The Kimberley, WA

One of the most special locations in the entire Australian Outback, let alone the Kimberley, there is a way to stay here without spending
$1890 a night: camping costs from $17 per night, plus $17 for a seven-day park permit.

www.elquestro.com.au

6. Cable Beach Club, Broome, WA

It’s a bit weird to include a beachside resort in an Outback issue, but Broome is where the Outback meets the sea and it’s a great leaping-off point or final destination for an exploration of the Kimberley. From $427 per night.

www.cablebeachclub.com

7. Rawnsley Park Eco Villas, SA

The Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park, five hours’ drive from Adelaide, are the best bang-for-buck accommodation in the entire Australian Outback. You’ll find loads to do in the
Flinders Ranges. $350 per night.

www.rawnsleypark.com.au

8. Burrawang West Station, Forbes, NSW

Not very high-profile but big on luxury, this working sheep and cattle station serves up
an authentic homestead and wilderness experience. $4400 per night for four people including all meals and some activities.

www.burrawangwest.com.au

9. Mungo Lodge, NSW

The incredible, sculptural, ancient landscape of Mungo National Park is 100km from Mildura and one of the least recognised destinations
in the Outback. Mungo Lodge’s self-contained deluxe cabins are on the simpler, more affordable end of the style spectrum. Expect king-size beds and plasma TVs, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a truly magic place. $250 for two.

www.mungolodge.com.au

10. Platinum SERVICE on The Ghan

The Adelaide to Darwin journey takes in some stunning central Australian Outback scenery. Enjoy the relatively new Platinum Service, which has larger rooms and beds and much more space. Jump off in Alice to explore the Red Centre then rejoin the train two days later. Or for the ultimate indulgence, book a self-contained carriage all for yourself. Darwin to Adelaide and vice versa, $2987 per person.

www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.