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.

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.