16 Best Things to Do in Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia)

Newcastle is a gem hidden just two hours north of Sydney. With plenty of opportunities for sun, sand, and surf, this off the beaten track city is full of fun things to do without the crowds of Sydney.

Whether you’re in Newcastle for a weekend getaway or for a full vacation, there is plenty to fill your itinerary. 

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Newcastle, Australia: 

1. Be Humbled by the Sand Giants at Stockton Beach

One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to take a walk along the 32km Stockton Beach (map), one of the biggest beaches in New South Wales, a.k.a. the Newcastle desert. 

It’s hard to miss the incredibly huge sand dunes that reach up to 30 meters in places, and are actually the largest continuously moving sand dunes not just in Australia, but in the entire southern hemisphere!  

Along with this, if you look out at low tide you may spot one of the many ships wrecked on this stretch of coastline. 

You will find Stockton Beach north of the city across the Hunter River. If traveling by car, you will need to drive in a little bit of a loop inland to cross the Tyne Bridge, if traveling by foot, jump on the Stockton-Newcastle ferry at Queens Wharf in the city center for a 5-minute journey across the water. 

2. Go Sandboarding in Port Stephens

You don’t have to go to the Sahara to get sick pictures of you sandboarding! Instead, just a short drive from Stockton Beach, go sandboarding at Birubi Beach in Port Stephens right here in Australia!

What’s the only thing better than sandboarding? UNLIMITED sandboarding! For less than $30, you can go as many times as you’d like before catching the 4WD bus back to the starting point. 

PRICE:

3. Visit Fort Scratchley

Located within a few minutes walk from the city center, Fort Scratchley towers over the foreshore offering incredible, 360-degree views of the region with a chance of spotting dolphins and whales in the Pacific Ocean! 

This site was important as it not only provided protection for the harbor, the city, and the whole of New South Wales during World War II, but it was also the site for the first European coal mine in Australia, built by convict labor. 

Admission is FREE and the facilities are open from 10AM to 4PM every day expect on Tuesdays.

Afterward, walk down to Nobbys Beach (map) to dip your toes in the sand and see a different view of Fort Scratchley. Continue to Nobbys Head (map) to check out the lighthouse and rocks of the breakwall!

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4. Take a Dip in Bogey Hole

Bogey Hole (map) is a naturally formed version of Newcastle’s popular ocean baths, and this was by far my favorite thing I did while I was in Newcastle, and I highly recommend it if you’re planning a trip! 

To visit, make your way south from Nobbys Beach and walk along the Bathers Way (map), the path that connects all the beaches of Newcastle’s coast.

After walking the length of Newcastle Beach (map), you will descend a staircase along a cliffside walkway to the ocean. A naturally formed ocean pool sits below, and all that protects you from the sea is a railing.

Swimming and soaking in Bogey Hole feels like you are surrounded by the unpredictability, power and beauty of nature, even on a calm day. 

On rough days, ocean water can rush into the Bogey Hole making it unsafe to swim at high tide. If you don’t feel confident taking a dip here, walk back up the beach to the northern end where you will find the Newcastle Ocean Baths (map).

5. Stroll the Newcastle Memorial Walk

After exiting Bogey Hole you will find yourself in King Edward Park.
The Newcastle Memorial Walk (map) extends from Strzelecki Lookout in the park to Bar Beach. Its path winds along the headland and offers views out to sea.

The Memorial Walk was created in 2015, on the 100^th Anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli during World War I. (ANZAC is the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps).

This walk and the steel silhouette works of soldiers along it, commemorate the sacrifice of thousands of locals who enlisted in the war in service of the British Commonwealth.

6. Beach hop from Bar Beach to Merewether Beach

Start your walk at Bar Beach (map) and walk southwest until it turns into Merewether Beach (map), one of the top spots for surfers. Stop at the The Beach Hotel for tasty pub fare and delicious drinks while taking in the incredible sight of the bay!

I happened to be there on a glorious day. Aside from the view and the various food options, one of the highlights of lunch at The Beach Hotel was the LIVE MUSIC. It was one of the highlights of my trip to Newcastle!

After lunch, stop by the Merewether Aquarium (map). This aquarium was unlike any other on earth!

I hadn’t looked into it before stopping by and was surprised to find that the aquarium is actually a pedestrian tunnel with vivid graffiti art creating beautiful under-the-sea-themed murals!

I recommend ending your journey at Merewether Baths (map). The ocean baths are actually swimming pools filled with ocean water, but they are set right up against the sea. Take a soak, swim some laps, and refresh before your walk back!

7. Re-hydrate at FogHorn Brewhouse

FogHorn Brewhouse was created by a pair of best friends in 2015 (goals). Since then, they have converted an abandoned warehouse into a fully operational brewery. They offer different types of beers, including IPAs, Pilsners, and ales.

Their restaurant features American pub favorites paired with the perfect beer! 

Although I stole bites from my friends’ meals, the best thing we ordered was the wings! Give them a try if you swing by FogHorn Brewhouse.

By the way – if you’re in the city on a Wednesday night, be sure to try their schnitzel! I am very particular about schnitzel and am known to be a harsh critic. I came back here a second night to try it, and I have zero regrets! Besides, schnitzel is the perfect food to pair with a good beer!

The Art Deco warehouse also frequently hosts live music and comedy performances. I love a good open mic night, and we had a blast seeing the best comedians Newcastle has to offer! Be sure to check their current events to see what’s on.

If you want to continue the tour, just 15 min down the road you will find The Grain Store, another of Newcastle’s great craft beer cafes in the city centre.

8. Feed the Emus at Blackbutt Reserve

If you get tired of the splash and surf, head inland to Blackbutt Reserve. Visit the unique Australian wildlife and take the opportunity to feed the emus! They also have all of the classic Australian critters – crocodiles, koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and more!

If you’re looking for some exercise, try one of the 9 walks through the Reserve and take in the lush flora and fauna!

9. Take a Self Guided Walking Tour of Beaumont Street

If you’re hoping to learn more about the history of Newcastle, create your own walking tour around Beaumont Street (map)! 

I’m a history nerd, and this was a really fun way to see part of Newcastle away from the sand. However, if you want to learn more about the history from a guide, you can take this 3-hour customizable tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

One of my favorite films is the Baz Luhrmann movie called “Australia.” The pictures and buildings in this tour reminded me of that film. I can’t recommend it enough!

If history isn’t your thing, there are antique shops to browse through and coffee shops to enjoy! There are also tons of restaurants and cafes to check out in the area!

10. Take a Bike Ride Through Glenrock State Conservation Area

The best place to take a bike ride in Newcastle is Glenrock State Conservation Area. They have miles and miles of varying mountain biking trails that lead right to Glenrock Lagoon! 

You can also explore the rainforest environment in search of waterfalls!

If you’re more interested in history or culture, keep an eye out for Aboriginal sites in the reserve!

11. Exercise your Brain at Newcastle Museum

For a history junkie like me, the Newcastle Museum was at the top of my list when I first arrived. This FREE museum tells the tale of Newcastle in the form of three permanent exhibits.

• The first exhibit is entitled A Newcastle Story, and it explains the early history of Newcastle, beginning with its Aboriginal origins.
• The second exhibit is called Fire and Earth, which focuses mainly on Newcastle as an industrial powerhouse. Newcastle produces a significant amount of coal and steel, and this exhibit serves to educate viewers through an industrial lens.
• The third exhibit is named Supernova. This exhibit operates as a science museum and covers topics like engineering and math. It contains loads of fun for kids and is definitely accessible to anyone regardless of age. It is perfect for families!

12. Visit Some Cool Places in Newcastle on a True Crime Walking Tour

If you are a true crime fan like me, this tour will be right up your alley! For an hour and a half, you will follow in the footsteps of murderers and criminals as you uncover a new side to Newcastle! 

Key stops include the Convict Lumberyard and Newcastle’s first gaol (gaol is Gaelic for jail!)

This tour isn’t for the faint of heart – but it will make you see Newcastle in a whole new way!

13. Wine Tasting Day Trip to Hunter Valley

Wine. Cheese. Chocolate. I’m glad I’ve got your attention! 

This 7-hour trip to the Hunter Valley is the perfect wine-tasting experience! This trip includes wine tastings, wine and chocolate pairings, a class on how to pair wine and cheese, and a delicious lunch!

Although this day trip has a hefty price tag, you get a lot for your money.

Honestly, this tour was one of the best days I had while I was living in Australia and the wineries themselves were incredible!

We had beautiful weather and were able to eat lunch outside. My girlfriends and I had a day full of laughter and fun. The small group makes for a more intimate experience and it’s one that I will never forget!

Check out this post for more information on the Hunter Valley wine region. 

14. Jump Onboard a Harbor and Coast Sightseeing Cruise

If you’re tired of seeing the ocean from the shore and you’re dying to get out on it, try out this harbor cruise! This eco-friendly cruise lasts for two and a half hours and gives you unobstructed 360-degree views that can’t be beaten!

Keep your eye out for elusive aquatic animals and marine life as you take the sites. From the boat you will have fascinating geological features pointed out to you. You will also sail past sites you may have explored on shore, like the Newcastle Memorial Walk, Bogey Hole, and Glenrock Lagoon!

As you cruise down Hunter Coast, you’ll pass some famous places in Newcastle, like sea caves and Catherine Hill Bay. On top of that, you’ll uncover secret spots like Shark Bay, Moon Island, and Pinney’s Headland! Adventure awaits you!

15. Take an Informative Pub Crawl (with Tastings)!

Attention all beer fans! This one is for you. Hunter Valley’s beer and brewery scene is growing rapidly. If you’d like to learn about the ins and outs of the beer industry, this brewery tour is the way to do it.

Over 8 hours, you will learn about the origins of beer, how it’s made, what to look for when you’re sampling beer, and how to pair it with food. You will visit three great craft breweries in the Hunter Valley and get a behind-the-scenes tour of each brewery.

Included in your tour is transportation, lunch, and plenty of craft beer and cider.

16. Explore Lake Macquarie

Just a 20 min drive south of the city you will find Lake Macquarie (map). Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia and with 32km of mountains, calm water, nature, and its own city within its 32km of coastline, you’re sure to find an attraction to suit your preferences. 

Relax at the water’s edge to the sounds of BBQs and birds or jump in with a splash to try your hand at one of the numerous water spots common to Lake Macquarie such as kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

Find some adventure at Belmont Wetlands State Park located on the lake’s edge popular for bush walks, 4-wheel driving, and bird watching. 

🚶🏽‍♂️Top free activity:	Beaumont Street
🐦 Best kids activity:	Blackbutt Reserve
🌊 Top water activity:	Harbor cruise

BONUS: Unusual things to do in Newcastle, NSW

Are you looking for some unusual stuff to do in Newcastle? Here are 3 ideas for you:

1. Merewether Ocean Baths: Dive into the iconic Merewether Ocean Baths, one of the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere. With historic charm and stunning ocean views, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or leisurely soak.
2. Worimi Conservation Lands: Immerse yourself in the vast sand dunes of Stockton Beach, where you can sandboard, explore Aboriginal cultural sites, and witness the unique Meeting Place sculpture.
3. Lock-Up Cultural Centre: Unearth Newcastle’s history at a former police station turned contemporary art space. Experience thought-provoking exhibitions, artist talks, and creative events within these intriguing confines.

Practical Info About the City of Newcastle

Transportation

I took the train from Sydney Central Station, and the trip just flew by while my friends and I were chatting! The train will drop you at Newcastle Interchange in Wickham, one of Newcastle’s suburbs right near the centre of the action of the city.

Where to stay in Newcastle, Australia

Luxury (from AU$300 and up)

• Crystalbrook Kingsley – located near Newcastle Beach, this 5-star hotel offers luxury stays with modern rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and free bikes. Enjoy city views, free WiFi, and easy access to local attractions like Newcastle City Hall.
• QT Newcastle – a 5-star hotel just a short walk from Newcastle Beach, features stylish rooms with city views, a restaurant, a bar, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast options and easy access to nearby attractions like Nobbys Beach and Stockton Beach.

Mid-range (from AU$150 to AU$300)

• Terminus Apartment Hotel – located within just an 8-minute walk from Newcastle Beach, this hotel offers spacious, self-contained apartments with full kitchens and some with harbor or city views. Located near Queens Wharf Light Rail Station, it provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions.
• Junction Hotel – this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Enjoy a menu of burgers, ribs, and fresh Barramundi, along with a selection of beers and wines. Merewether Beach and Junction Fair Shopping Center are a short walk away.

Budget (under AU$150)

• Nags Head Hotel – this 3-star hotel has a bar, restaurant, and evening entertainment. The air-conditioned rooms feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and shared bathrooms.
• Northern Star Hotel – this hotel offers 3-star accommodations with a garden, restaurant, and bar, just a 19-minute walk from Newcastle Showground. Guests enjoy free WiFi, evening entertainment, and convenient access to nearby attractions like Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Energy Australia Stadium.

FAQs about things to do in Newcastle, Australia

Final thoughts on things to do in Newcastle, Australia

I hope this post has provided you with a lot of fun ideas of things to do in Newy, so you can have just as unforgettable of an experience as I had! 

Whether you enjoy the coastal activities or want to venture inland, there’s plenty nice places in Newcastle waiting for you to explore them! 

Do not hesitate to contact me through the comments section below if you have any questions about Newcastle or any other places around (Blue Mountains for instance?).

Have a great trip!

Kate

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