Top 20 Things to Do in Newcastle

From steel city to city of style, sass and substance, Newcastle is a region that has been well and truly revitalised.

Newcastle has it all – from beautiful beaches and ocean baths to locally run boutiques and stunning nature reserves that are perfect for forest bathing. Here are 20 of the best things to do in this sunny beachside city.

1. A self-guided walking tour of Newcastle’s architecture

NESCA house newcastle — The Art Deco beauty that is NESCA House.

Newcastle is a destination for its historic architecture, from red-brick factories to beautiful Victorian terrace houses, a Gothic Revival cathedral and heritage-listed City Hall. Discover a rich diversity of architectural styles on a self-guided walking tour that takes in landmark buildings dotted around the city. Don’t miss the Baptist Tabernacle, which opened in 1890, and the Art Deco beauty that is NESCA House.

2. Walk along the Bathers Way

Newcastle Memorial Walk in Newcastle, NSW — The Newcastle Memorial Walk is part of Bathers Way. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Bathers Way walk stretches six kilometres from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Lighthouse, which has been protecting this part of the coastline for centuries. It also snakes past the Bogey Hole, Australia’s oldest ocean pool on the east coast and one of the city’s best swimming spots. The Anzac Memorial Walk is also part of Bathers Way, which as well as being a tribute to the city’s Anzacs, proudly celebrates Newcastle’s heritage as a steel-making port.

3. Find Newcastle’s street art

Newcastle beckons for admirers of street art and you can hear all about it on a guided Street Art Walking Tour with Newcastle Afoot. Hotfoot it along the two-kilometre walk to large-scale artworks like the Tattooed Woman by Inari, which looms over the University of Newcastle, to Fintan Magee’s hyper-coloured Shadow. The tour will steer you towards the best of Newie’s crowd-pleasing works and past some of its best cafes, where you can refuel with a snack.

4. Visit Newcastle’s array of markets

Homegrown Markets at the Station in Newcastle, NSW — Browse over 100 stalls at the Station. (Image: Homegrown Markets x AK Photo)

This is a popular Newcastle activity that simply must be put on your radar when visiting the city. Newcastle’s eclectic range of markets – from the Newcastle City Farmer’s Market to the Made & Found Market – are bursting with creativity and community. No matter the season, you’ll find stalls overflowing with photogenic mounds of fruit, artisan treats, handmade homewares and trinkets galore.

5. Have a picnic at King Edward Park

King Edward Park newcastle — King Edward Park from above.

King Edward Park is a paradise for active travellers in search of green space and a good view over the ocean. The spectacular park, which was earmarked as a recreational reserve in 1863, is the perfect spot for a summer picnic or barbecue. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the Bogey Hole, the sea pool at the bottom of the cliff face that flanks the recreational park.

6. Wander along the Stockton Breakwall

The Shipwreck Breakwall gives visitors a bit of a nudge about Newcastle’s maritime history.

The one-kilometre-long walk along the Stockton Breakwall gives visitors a bit of a nudge about Newcastle’s maritime history, with interpretative signage along the way. During the 19th and early-20th centuries, many ships crashed here while trying to navigate their way into Newcastle Harbour. Whether you walk, ride your bike or skate, the level foreshore walk is one of the easiest in the city to accomplish.

7. Go for a surf at Newcastle’s best beaches

Surfing at Nobbys Beach in Newcastle, NSW — Locals know the best spots to catch a wave. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beaches of Newcastle are busy from dusk to dawn with Novocastrians who enjoy surfing. Newcastle Point is one of the preferred spots to catch a wave, while Mereweather Beach has been titled one of Australia’s National Surfing Reserves. Can’t surf? Book a lesson with Phillipa Anderson Surf School and you’ll be standing up in no time.

8. Visit Newcastle Museum

a family looking at the gallery display inside Newcastle Museum — Dive into the city’s past at the Newcastle Museum. (Image: Destination NSW)

As well as showcasing world-class collections, the Newcastle Museum works to fire up the imagination. It is also a must for those keen to learn about the city’s past, present and even the future. The Lock-Up , the city’s first gaol, is another one of many inspired art spaces in Newcastle.

9. Go forest bathing at Blackbutt Reserve

a man enjoying a scenic walk through Blackbutt Nature Reserve, Kotara, Newcastle — Opt for a scenic walk along Blackbutt Reserve. (Image: Tyson Mayr)

Blackbutt Reserve offers 182 hectares of respite just six kilometres from Newcastle’s CBD. The undulating environment is like a green blanket thrown in a heap; the family-friendly park includes wildlife exhibits where visitors can spot koalas, wombats, emus and kangaroos. Committed tree-huggers should head to the park’s pocket of restored rainforest, while birdwatchers should beeline for the nearby Hunter Wetlands National Park.

10. Swim laps in Newcastle’s ocean pools

The Bogey Hole in Newcastle, NSW — The Bogey Hole is one of the city’s best spot to swim. (Image: Time Out)

Set yourself a daily schedule that involves doing some laps at one of Newcastle’s stunning ocean pools, from the 100-metre-long Merewether Ocean Baths to the heritage-listed Bogey Hole. While Mereweather Ocean Baths is known for being the largest in the southern hemisphere, the convict-built Bogey Hole is an Instagram-feed favourite that dates back to 1819.

11. Hop between the city’s best breweries

Modus Merewether in Newcastle, NSW — Craft beer enthusiasts will have a field day at Modus. (Image: Destination NSW)

This industrial powerhouse of a port city is known for its lively drinking dens and brewpubs. Bounce from Good Folk Brewing to sample hero beers that put Newie on the map to Modus Brewing in Merewether, where the operandi is to brew a better standard of beer. Foghorn Brewing was the first modern craft brewery to open in Newcastle and the industrial-sized space is a top spot to inhale New York-style pizza and a couple cold ones.

12. Visit the annual Newcastle Food Month

Newcaslte Food Month in Newcastle, NSW — Eat like a king at Newcastle Food Month.

Visit Newcastle during April for the ultimate foodie weekend. Newcastle Food Month takes over the city and is a brilliant way to check out the local food and wine scene, pulling diners from around the country for brewery tours, degustations, wine tastings, foodie masterclasses and more. The annual Le Diner En Blanc is a highlight, in which all attendees dress up in white.

13. Have a go at Treetops Adventure

a woman crossing over an obstacle at the Treetop Adventure Park — Conquer the hanging obstacle course at Treetops Adventure Park. (Image: Eluminate Media)

Those keen on indoctrinating their children to require a regular shot of green will appreciate swinging through the forest canopy at Treetops Adventure Newcastle . Put your best hiking boot forward into the forest and inhale the air, which is filled with the scent of gum leaves. There are more than 90 elevated obstacles at the adventure park, located in the beautiful Blue Gum Regional Park.

14. Take a tour of Fort Scratchley

Fort Scratchley in Newcastle, NSW — Fort Scratchley is at the top of Flagstaff Hill. (Image: Destination NSW)

History boffins should head up to Fort Scratchley , a historical museum just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean. Interestingly, the fort was the only coastal fortification in Australia to fire on an enemy naval vessel during the Second World War. Stand atop the concrete structure on Flagstaff Hill, which was built in the late 1880s, looking out over the ocean.

15. Listen to live music at The Lucky Hotel

The Lucky Hotel in Newcastle — Settle into the vibrant courtyard at The Lucky Hotel.

The Lucky Hotel is a beauty of a pub that boast a Palm Springs-inspired palette of Barbie pinks and orange, offset with lots of greenery and mood lighting. And there’s no shortage of legendary musicians coming to play shows in Newcastle, which gifted the world with great bands such as Silverchair and the Screaming Jets. The Lucky goes off, like a frog in a sock, on a Sunday.

16. Spot majestic giants on a whale-watching cruise

Coast XP whale watching in Newcastle, NSW — Spot whales off the Newcastle coast with Coast XP. (Image: Destination NSW)

The time to go whale watching in Australia is between April and November on the east coast, when the Pacific becomes a highway for migrating humpbacks. Coast XP offers an incredible whale-watching experience onboard its custom adventure boat, designed to give passengers unobstructed 360-degree views to capture the moment. The boat also traces the coastline looking for dolphins and long-nosed fur seals year-round.

17. Get an Indigenous perspective on Stockton sand dunes

Pump up your adrenaline on a Quad Bike tour at Stockton Sand Dunes. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Stockton Bight sand dunes are said to be the largest coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. A whopping 4200 hectares of the undulating dunes form the Worimi Conservation Lands , a joint management arrangement between Traditional Owners and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There are many ways to experience the sand dunes, including a tour with Sand Dune Adventures .

18. Hit the tracks in Glenrock State Conservation Area

Glenrock State Conservation Area near Newcastle, NSW — There are plenty of bike tracks among the trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

The light from above brightens the blues and greens of the sea, as if viewing it through a filter, at Glenrock State Conservation Area . You will get glimpses of the glittering ocean from lookouts clinging to the clifftops when you bike or hike your way around the rugged park. Only five kilometres from Newcastle, it’s laced with interconnecting trails which are graded from easy to difficult.

19. Hit the shops for take-home treasures

flowers on display at Newcastle Food & Flower Markets — Find pastel-hued bouquets at Newcastle Food & Flower Markets.

Shopping remains a central attraction in Newcastle where it’s all at your fingertips – from inspired paper products to artisanal coffee, designer dresses, hand-hammered jewellery and local art. Grab a bold bouquet from the Newcastle Food & Flower Markets . Pick up sustainable, second-hand fashion from The Retro Wardrobe . Or bounce between boutiques on Beaumont Street and Darby Street, home to some of the city’s top retailers.

20. Go on a True Crime Guided Tour

Discover the dark side of Newcastle on a True Crime Tour that focuses on the killers who once dominated the alleys and winding lanes around the city. As well as learning about Newcastle’s links to hardened criminals, the chilling tour crawls through the Convict Lumberyard and original Newcastle jail. The 90-minute tour also revisits the scenes of infamous crimes and we’ve got chills, they’re multiplying…

For more travel tips and insider stories, read our guide to Newcastle before you go.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.