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Best Things to Do in Newcastle: Where to Eat, Stay & Explore
Looking for the best things to do in Newcastle? We have you covered with our round-up of must-dos.
Like Sydney, the city of Newcastle centres around a harbour and a bounty of beautiful beaches and walking trails, but it’s a quieter alternative for a weekend away, a summer holiday, or a permanent sea change. Some of its attractions include a swim at the heritage Bogey Hole or Merewether Ocean Baths, walking the 6-kilometre Anzac Memorial Walk from Nobby’s Beach to Merewether, and browsing the Newcastle Flower Market.
Newcastle — or, as the locals call it — ‘Newy’, has seen an almighty resurgence over the last decade, with a new cafe, bar, or restaurant swinging open its doors every other week. So, forget the Sydney and Melbourne rivalry, the dark horse city vying for your attention may be this Greater Hunter Region spot. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Newcastle.
In This Guide:
Best Free Outdoor Things to Do in Newcastle
Get Outdoors
Newcastle may be a city filled with a buzzing food scene, but beyond that, the great outdoors are begging to be explored. Think picnics with ocean views at King Edward Park and a scenic walk along Bathers Way, or wildlife spotting at Hunter Wetlands Centre and Blackbutt Reserve.
If you’re eager to explore the mountain biking and quad bike trails in the region, the Glenrock State Conservation Area is the place for you, filled with beaches, rainforests and hiking trails, only 5km from Newcastle.
Anzac Memorial Walk
Newcastle is a walking town, and the Newcastle Memorial Walk is one of the best trails for a scenic stroll. Opened in 2015 to commemorate 100 years since the ANZACs landing in Gallipoli, this walk was built using stainless steel to acknowledge the beginning of steelmaking in Newcastle.
The 6-kilometre walk stretches from Nobby’s Beach to Merewether Beach and includes cliff-top views, illuminated pathways come nightfall and access to Strzelecki Lookout.
Where: Anzac Memorial Walk, Newcastle
Cost: Free
Best For: Outdoor, Active, Locals, Visitors
Best Ocean Pools and Swimming Spots in Newcastle
Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths
Bondi’s Icebergs may be Australia’s most famous seaside pool, but Newcastle has two of the finest. First, the Newcastle Ocean Bath, which opened in 1922, stands unique thanks to its beautiful art deco facade and a short walk from the CBD.
Second, there’s the Merewether Ocean Bath, which opened in 1935 and is thought to be the largest in the southern hemisphere, consisting of two large pools dug into the rocky outcrop at the southern end of Merewether Beach.
Cost: Free
Best For: Outdoor, Families, Groups
The Bogey Hole
The Bogey Hole is an Instagram-worthy ocean pool in the heart of Newcastle, popular with visitors and photographers. Along a stunning stretch of coast, the pool was hand-hewn out of a rock platform by convicts in the early 1800s.
The unpatrolled swimming hole has historical significance as the earliest Australian example of a purpose-built ocean swimming pool. It can get busy on hot days with people trying to get the best shot complete with ocean views, but its photogenic, turquoise water and natural beauty make it unmissable.
Where: The Bogey Hole, Newcastle
Cost: Free
Best For: Outdoor, Unique experiences, Visitors
Best Markets in Newcastle
Newcastle Flower Market
Sometimes, the best type of local hotspot is the type that falls into many different categories — the Newcastle Flower Markets, along with its new kiosk cafe is such a spot. Shop the beautiful blooms in the warehouse before sitting for a cappuccino with a sweet or savoury delicacy. The kiosk even welcomes you to bring your four-footed friends along, with puppy chinos and doggy bowls available.
If you need a little more market, Newcastle’s creative community gathers for the Olive Tree Markets once a month. Here, you’ll find over 130 makers, designers, and gourmet artisan producers, within the grounds of Civic Park.
Newcastle Flower Market
Where: Newcastle Flower Market, Sandgate
Cost: Free
Best For: Dog-friendly, Families, Weekend plans — inferred, needs sign-off
Need To Know: Dog-friendly kiosk on-site, with water bowls and puppy chinos available.
Where to Eat and Drink in Newcastle
Harrison’s Food & Wine
An exciting and adventurous a la carte menu can be found at this small and intimate venue. Standout dishes include the confit duck, the steak tartare with caviar and the porcini mushroom risotto. The wine list, curated from the Hunter Valley region, packs a punch, too.
Suburb: Hamilton
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Date night, Wine lovers, Special occasion
Light Years
Miami Vice meets Newcastle at this tropical-hued venue, the fourth from the Light Years team. Discover a fresh cuisine-crossing, pan-Asian menu with punchy cocktails. Dishes include Wagyu beef curry, king prawn rolls with yuzu tartare and zingy kingfish ceviche with kaffir lime. Wondering which cocktail to order? The Lola Paloma has our approval – a chilli, watermelon, and lime take on the traditional grapefruit cocktail.
Suburb: Newcastle
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Best For: Cocktail lovers, Date night, Group dining
Humbug
Wine, pasta and snacks? It’s a yes from us. While everything on the Humbug menu jumps out at you (looking at you, butternut cannelloni), punters rave about the Feed Me set menu, where you can get a little taste of everything. Even better is the fact it includes dessert!
Suburb: Newcastle
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Pasta
Best For: Wine lovers, Group dining, Date night
Discover our complete Newcastle Restaurant Guide
Arno Deli
This place is popular among the locals and famous for its legit artisan deli in the heart of Newcastle. There’s a reason why their paninis have gained legendary status with Arno Deli using local and imported ingredients to bring you mouth-watering goodness. Make sure you grab a sweet treat too, because their cannoli is out-of-this-world.
Suburb: Newcastle
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Deli
Best For: Locals, Quick bite, Budget-friendly
Hubro
Start your day the right way by venturing toward the beach end of Darby Street where you’ll find yourself at Hubro, a cafe with a wooden interior that takes its no-fuss food seriously. Although this local hangout is popular for its cold brew coffee, it’s also known for its hearty smashed avo, served on thick, nutty sourdough, with a healthy dose of avocado, delicate crumbles of salty feta, and drizzled with organic honey.
Suburb: Bar Beach
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Breakfast, Brunch, Locals
Discover our full Newcastle Cafe Guide
The Lucky Hotel
Every weekend away needs a classic local pub experience and the Lucky Hotel delivers. If you’re looking for a fun night out, the outdoor courtyard has DJs and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
This glamorous mid-century urban oasis was recently renovated and serves up top-notch pub grub, delicious local wines, and an extensive cocktail list. Need a place to stay? The historic building has 30 boutique guest rooms that are modern and tastefully appointed.
Suburb: Newcastle
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Pub fare
Best For: Late night, Group dining, Weekend plans
Need To Know: Live music and DJs in the courtyard on Fridays and Saturdays.
Discover our full Newcastle Bars and Pubs Guide
Where to Stay in Newcastle
Crystalbrook Kingsley
Want to level up your stay? Book in for five-star luxury at Crystalbrook Kingsley. The first luxury hotel to hit Newcastle, Crystalbrook Kingsley is just what you need to make your getaway extra special.
With a range of sophisticated yet sustainably modern rooms, relax and unwind while taking time to connect with Newcastle’s thriving centre.
Book your stay with Crystalbrook Kingsley
Book your stay with Booking.com
Location: Newcastle
Price Guide: From $175 per night
Best For: Luxury, Couples, Special occasion
QT Newcastle
Housed in the heritage-listed 113-year-old former Scotts Limited and David Jones building, don’t be fooled by the QT Newcastle‘s grandiose old-school interior. This is a modern indulgence at its finest!
The spacious rooms have all the amenities one needs (think big bathtubs, beautiful views, comfortable beds and an impressive mini bar) and you’ll be spoiled for choice with their dining options.
Book your stay with QT Newcastle
Book your stay with Booking.com
Location: Newcastle
Price Guide: From $326 per night
Best For: Luxury, Couples, Weekend escape
Flourish on Bull
Live like a Novocastrian in this chic, two-bedroom, loft-style apartment in the charming leafy suburb of Cooks Hill. You’ll feel right at home in this light-filled space, close to everything you need – good coffee, restaurants, and pubs.
Art lovers will appreciate the walking distance to easily visit Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Art Gallery, where guided tours can elevate your arts and culture experience.
Book your stay on Flourish on Bull
Location: Cooks Hill, Newcastle
Price Guide: From $490 per night
Best For: Couples, Weekend escape, Solo travel — inferred, needs sign-off
Need To Know: Exact address provided upon booking.
Newcastle Openings to Watch
Merewether Surfhouse is getting a major shake-up! The beachfront Newcastle beachfront is set to become Merewether Pavilion in 2027, with new owners (who are also behind Burleigh Pavilion and Terrigal Pavilion) taking over in October. From February 2027, the three-level venue will be closed for major renovations before reopening in late 2027. The new-look will include The Tropic, their coastal dining concept, alongside spaces for casual beachside hangs, dining, drinks and events. The idea is that it’ll be somewhere that can take you from day to night seamlessly as each of its offerings. Sounds like paradise to us, we’re already planning a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to Do in Newcastle
Newcastle’s coastline offers plenty of free activities. Walk the Anzac Memorial Walk from Nobby’s Beach to Merewether Beach, taking in cliff-top views and the Strzelecki Lookout along the way. Swim at the heritage-listed Bogey Hole, hand-carved by convicts in the early 1800s, or picnic at King Edward Park overlooking the ocean. The Bathers Way coastal walk connects several of these spots, making it easy to combine a few free activities into one outing without spending a cent.
Yes — Newcastle sits around two hours from Sydney and offers a quieter, more affordable alternative with its own harbour, beaches and walking trails. The city has seen a wave of new cafes, bars and restaurants open over the past decade, giving visitors a genuine city-break experience without Sydney’s crowds or parking costs. A weekend covers the coastal walks, ocean pools and CBD dining comfortably.
Crystalbrook Kingsley is Newcastle’s first luxury hotel, offering sustainably minded rooms in the CBD. QT Newcastle occupies the heritage-listed former Scotts Limited and David Jones building on Hunter Street, pairing old-school architecture with modern rooms. For a more local feel, Flourish on Bull is a two-bedroom loft apartment in leafy Cooks Hill, close to the Newcastle Art Gallery and Museum.
Newcastle has two standout ocean baths. The Newcastle Ocean Baths, opened in 1922, has an art deco facade and sits a short walk from the CBD. The Merewether Ocean Baths, opened in 1935, are thought to be the largest in the southern hemisphere and include two pools carved into the rocky outcrop at the southern end of Merewether Beach. Both are free to use and popular with locals year-round.
The Newcastle Memorial Walk stretches 6 kilometres from Nobby’s Beach to Merewether Beach. Built in 2015 to mark 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, the steel-framed walkway offers cliff-top ocean views, illuminated pathways after dark, and access to the Strzelecki Lookout partway along the route. It’s considered one of the best scenic walks in the city.
Now that you know the best things to do in Newcastle, it’s easy to see why more and more Sydneysiders are looking to this outpost for a weekend getaway. After more inspo for weekends away? Check out the best tiny cabins and best farm says in NSW.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
