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.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.