Our 48 hours in Newcastle surprised us! Just 2.5 hours from Sydney, this coastal gem packs in more than we expected for a weekend getaway. From stunning beaches and ocean pools to a thriving food scene and rich history, Newcastle kept us busy and left us planning our next visit.
We spent 48 hours exploring the city, its beaches, and even squeezed in some wildlife spotting. Whether you’re into surfing, art, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, Newcastle has something for everyone.
Here are our favorite finds and top tips for making the most of your Newcastle weekend!
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It had been a decade since we had visited Newcastle for more than a quick breakfast stop on our way further up north, so a longer stay was well overdue. Our favourite nephew recently decided to call Newcastle home and now we have a reason to return regularly.
On this occasion we made the 2hr 30m drive from our home in Sydney’s south for a couple of days in June. While this is midwinter in Australia, we hit the jackpot with blue skies and perfect weather. Since then, we have visited five times for 2-3 day breaks and we always find something new to explore and somewhere new to eat.
The earliest Aboriginal reference to the naming of Newcastle is Muloobinba (meaning place of edible sea fern)
Two days in Newcastle NSW – the must-see and do list
While 48 hours isn’t enough to experience everything Newcastle offers, you can still pack in plenty of highlights.
Here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your weekend:
Day One
- Morning: Start with a walk along the Bathers Way, taking in the stunning coastal views.
- Midday: Refuel at a beachside café, then explore Newcastle Beach and the historic ocean baths.
- Afternoon: Visit the Newcastle Museum or Art Gallery for a dose of culture.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants along Honeysuckle Wharf.
Day Two
- Morning: Take an early swim at Merewether Beach, followed by breakfast at a one of the beach front cafes.
- Midday: Explore Fort Scratchley or take a quick ferry ride to Stockton.
- Afternoon: Spend some time at Blackbutt Reserve to spot local wildlife.
- Evening: Wrap up your weekend with a sunset walk to Nobby’s Lighthouse.
Remember, this is just a suggestion – feel free to mix and match activities based on your interests. Whether you’re into surfing, art, history, or just soaking up the laid-back coastal vibe, Newcastle has something for everyone. Just don’t forget to leave some time for spontaneous discoveries and plenty of great food!
For us, it went something like this: walk, eat, take in some art, eat, explore the gorgeous beaches, eat, and find some of the local wildlife, eat and take yet another walk!
Now let’s look at these spots in detail so you can decide what you want to do.
Walks in Newcastle that should not be missed
If you love to walk as much as we do, then pack your comfy shoes and complete what we call the ABC walks of Newcastle. We covered about 15km a day without noticing it was so pretty.
Anzac Memorial Walk
Length: 450m l Grade: easy l Time: 20 minutes
This 450m walk that links Strzelecki Lookout with Bar Beach pays respect to the 11,000 local men and women from the area that served in World War One. From the top of the walk, you get 360-degree views of the coast and Newcastle city.Anzac Memorial Walk
Steel silhouettes of servicemen and women placed along the bridge at the beginning of the walkway look stunning against the blue of the sea and sky. Look closely – engraved in the outlines are the family names of almost 4000 soldiers from the region who took part in the war effort.
Local tip: Visit at sunrise for breathtaking views and to beat the crowds. The walk is partially accessible, with the lookout and first 160m of the bridge suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Bathers Way
Length: 6km l Grade: moderate l Time: 2-3 hours
The Bathers Way is Newcastle’s answer to the Bondi to Coogee walk, and it’s every bit as good and maybe even better.
I have done the Bondi to Coogee walk at least 50 times, so I might need to do this one a few more times before I make a final call 😉
Starting at Nobby’s Beach, it follows the coast to Merewether Beach 6km south, offering stunning ocean views the entire way.
The path has recently undergone a considerable upgrade, making most of it accessible. From Nobby’s Beach to Newcastle Baths and at the opposite end, from Merewether Baths to Dixon Park, the path is now relatively flat with no stairs.
Local tip: If you’re not up for the full 6km, the section from Strzelecki Lookout to Bar Beach is particularly scenic and connects with the Anzac Memorial Walk.
Find more of Newcastle’s beautiful beaches
City Art and History Walk
Length: variable l Grade: easy to moderate l Time: 2-4 hours
Newcastle is perfect for exploring on foot, with its mix of colonial architecture, natural beauty, and street art. The local tourism office offers downloadable maps or you can pick one up from their centre in the old Civic train station.
Start at Civic station to check out the Art Deco Civic Theatre before heading to the Art Gallery. Make your way to Christ Church Cathedral, and if timing allows, climb the 165 steps to the tower for incredible city views.
Don’t miss the Lock Up, an exhibition and performance space, before continuing to the Convict Lumberyard, an important colonial site. Finish at Fort Scratchley, where you can join a guided tour.
Finish up your walk at Fort Scratchley, where you can join a guided tour. Reward your efforts with some drinks at the Grain Store Craft Beer Cafe.
Local tip: The Visitor’s Centre at Civic Station has phone chargers if you flatten your battery snapping all the pretty views. Reward your efforts with craft beers at the Grain Store Cafe near Fort Scratchley.
Remember, Newcastle is mostly flat, but some hills provide views that make the effort worthwhile. Each of these walks offers a unique perspective on the city, from its stunning coastline to its rich history and vibrant art scene.
Museums, galleries and historic sites
Newcastle Museum
Located down near Honeysuckle Wharf in the old railway workshops, be sure to drop into the free Newcastle Museum for at least a quick look.
Along with an exhibition on the city’s history is another, Coal and The BHP: Fire and Earth, which highlights the industries that were the lifeblood of the town for so long.
I snapped this shot of the fun wall outside. Painted by local artist Trevor Dickinson, it encourages visitors to snap themselves as Newcastle’s most attractive couple. Sadly, Charlie was still sleeping when I discovered this on my early morning walk, so we missed our chance.
Where: 6 Workshop Way Newcastle (map reference)
Check the website for opening hours
Newcastle Gallery
Six thousand five hundred artworks, including pieces by two of my favourite Australian Artists, make a quick stop here essential. The gallery was the first purpose-built regional art gallery in Australia.
Make sure you see John Olsen’s ‘Sea Sun of 5 Bells’. It’s an iconic Aussie work. Outside the gallery is one of only two Brett Whiteley large scale sculptures, ‘Black Totem II’- the other is at the Art Gallery of NSW.
The gallery is currently closed for major renovations, but keep an eye out for offsite programs
Where: 1 Laman St, Cooks Hill (map reference)
Check the website for the latest opening hours
Nobbys Lighthouse
Nobbys Lighthouse This working lighthouse opens its doors to the public every weekend. It was the third lighthouse built in NSW and features on the Newcastle City Coat of Arms. This site is sacred to the local Awabakal and Worimi First Nations people.
Our midweek visit meant we missed out on taking a tour.
Where: Nobby’s Head
Open: 10 am-4 pm weekends- Check the website for current opening hours
Fort Scratchley
Built when Australia was fortifying itself against a feared Russian invasion, Fort Scratchley has a rich history. The Fort first fired its guns during a Japanese submarine attack in World War Two, making it a significant site in Australia’s military history.
Today, Fort Scratchley is an interactive military museum that offers a glimpse into Newcastle’s past. You can explore the old fortress grounds for free, taking in the panoramic views of the coastline and harbour.
If you’re interested in delving deeper, paid guided tours of the tunnels are available, offering insights into the Fort’s wartime operations.
Where: 1 Nobby’s Road Newcastle East (map reference)
When: Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays)
Cost: Free entry to grounds, small fee for tunnel tours
Queens Wharf and Stockton Ferry
The Stockton Ferry makes the 5 minute trip across the Hunter River to Stockton (Burrinbingon). Best known for the famous dunes that line the 32km beach. Adventure seekers will want to add sandboarding the dunes to their itineraries!
If you are looking for something less adrenaline-inducing, try the 2km Shipwreck Walk. Running the length of the boardwalk, it is a memorial of sorts to the many ships who came to grief here. Several of the hulls have been built into the walk, and plaques line the walkway.
The ferry leaves Queens Wharf every 20 minutes, making it an easy and scenic way to explore both sides of the river. It’s a great option for those wanting to experience a different side of Newcastle or just enjoy a short boat ride with lovely views of the city skyline.
Where: Queens Wharf, 1 Wharf Road, Newcastle
Ferry times: Every 20 minutes from early morning to late evening (check current timetables) Cost: Standard Opal card fares apply.
Blackbutt Reserve
Just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Newcastle, Blackbutt Reserve offers 16km of walking tracks, beautiful rainforest surrounds, picnic grounds with covered seating areas, a playground and plenty of native animals.
There are koalas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos, emus and lots of birds!
The current feeding times are:
10.30am – Wombat feast
10.45am – Bird brunch
1.30pm – Nocturnal nourish
2pm – Koala dining
Blackbutt Reserve is a perfect spot for families but really anyone will enjoy seeing Australian wildlife up close. The combination of bushwalks and animal encounters and free entry makes it a unique Newcastle attraction.
Local tip: Pack a picnic and make a day of it. The BBQ facilities are great for a true Aussie outdoor experience.
Where: Carnley Avenue, Kotara
When: The park and walks are open 7 am-7 pm, animal enclosure 10 am-5 pm Cost: Free entry, but the parking is $12 a day.
Glenrock State Conservation Area
We had hoped to walk the Yuelarbah Walking Track we had discovered on the Australian Hiker website, but it was not to be. Part of the Great North Walk, the view of the Glenrock Lagoon from Leichhardt Lookout caught our eye, but the rain came over before we managed it. We have this on the list for the next visit.
Even though we didn’t get to fully explore Glenrock this time, it’s clear that this area offers beautiful coastal views and bushwalking opportunities. It’s definitely worth considering for nature lovers and hikers visiting Newcastle.
Local tip: The Yuelarbah track is about 5km return and takes around 2 hours. It’s a moderate walk with some steep sections, so wear sturdy shoes and take water.
Where: Burwood Road, Kahibah (main entrance)
When: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free entry
Related: Check out our guide to Jervis Bay for a southern beach break
Explore all the Newcastle beaches you can
Ocean pools and long sandy beaches are a way of life here. We suggest spending at least one morning watching the day unfold from the waterfront. We enjoyed watching the locals, of all ages, jumping in for their morning swim or surf, never mind it’s the middle of June and freezing.
There are plenty of beachfront cafes where you can nurse a coffee while watching the beach come to life.
Nobby’s Beach
Nobby’s is the first beach you come to along the Bather’s Way. It’s the quietest of the beaches we visited, although perhaps that is because it’s winter.
You can stroll along Nobby’s to the lighthouse and then take the 3km return walk out to the end of the break wall. A great way to walk off a few of the meals you will no doubt enjoy while you are here.
At the southern end of the beach are the art déco change rooms and a sculpture remembering the Pasha Bulker, which ran aground here in June 2007.
Are you travelling with your four-legged friend? You will be pleased to hear dogs are welcome on Horseshoe Beach just on the other side of the breakwater. You might also like to consider this QT which is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Newcastle.
Newcastle Beach and Ocean Baths
One of two ocean baths with marked lanes in Newcastle, these swimming baths feature heavily on Instagram. It’s obvious why, and on arrival, I immediately start snapping away.
The art déco facade is currently under renovation to restore it to its former glory, but the pools are currently being renovated.
Just south of the baths is the Canoe Pools, a great option for kids, the pool was built during the great depression and once featured a map at the base of the pool that was designed to teach young sailors about the world; the continents were raised with paddling space around them.
There was talk of trying to recreate them, but the council rejected the project based on the cost.
Afternoon shadows make Newcastle Beach a good spot to find some shade on a hot summer day. Just across the road is one of the city’s finest restaurants, Rustica. The Mediterranean menu and ocean views make a lovely way to spend a few hours.
The Bogey Hole
The wild weather along the coast made access to the convict-built Bogey Hole near impossible on this visit. Thought to be the first ocean pool constructed in Australia, it is still a popular place for a swim, but it can be quite dangerous, so please take care if you have a dip here.
Dixon Park Beach
A Newcastle local and friend, Dean told us to make sure we checked out his favourite Newcastle Beach Dixon Park. We are so glad he did. It was our first stop on Sunday and the morning light and impressive surf made it pretty easy to see why it’s a top pick with the locals.
There was plenty of parking and excellent facilities. Dixon Park Beach sits between Bar Beach and Merewether Beaches with cafes at either end of the stretch.
Merewether Beach and Ocean Pool
The iconic ocean pool here was the drawcard for our visit, but the Blue Door Kiosk and Merewether Surf House locked it in.
Built in 1935, the Merewether Ocean Baths are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The beach hosts an annual Surfest competition each February/March.
Related: Spend more time in the area – Explore nearby Maitland and Morpeth
Newcastle day tours
The history trolley bus tour is a great way to get the lay of the land. The driver who is also your guide gives a fantastic commentary as you explore the city over 90 minutes.
A 10-minute stop at the Anzac Bridge allows plenty of time to take in the lookout and the sculpture.
The top 5 tours in Newcastle are:
- A half day city tour
- A day tour to the Hunter Valley
- A Lake Macquarie Lunch Cruise
- An evening True Crime Tour
- A Whale Watching adventure
Other tours on offer include some great walks with Newcastle Afoot, which we had hoped to sample, but they were not running during our visit. Among their offerings are a food and drink tour, an architecture walk, and a secret laneway tour.
Where to stay in Newcastle
There is a vast range of accommodation in Newcastle, and if you are only visiting for a short time, I suggest you choose one of the hotels near the beach or the city centre. The local YHA is also a great choice if you are visiting on a budget.
Below are five that we think work well location wise for weekend getaways. We have stayed in three of them and will try the Novotel next time we visit.
- Rydges Newcastle: Right on the waterfront with great harbour views.
- Noah’s on the Beach: Directly opposite Newcastle Beach for ocean lovers.
- Crystalbrook Kingsley: Luxury option in the heart of the city.
- QT Newcastle: Heritage building close to the harbour.
- Newcastle Beach YHA: Budget-friendly option in a heritage building near the beach.
Each of these offers a different experience, so choose based on your preferences and budget.
Lets take a closer look at them:
SpLurge on a stay at Crystalbrook Kingsley
Crystalbrook Kingsley is one of the newest luxury hotels in Newcastle. In the centre of the CBD, it’s a short walk to most of the city’s chief attractions and to the beaches. The award-winning hotel is in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the brutalist style Council Administration Centre.
The heritage listed property features a rooftop restaurant, the Roundhouse and a bar Romberg’s both offering views of Newcastle Harbour and into the Hunter Region.
The spacious air-conditioned double an twin rooms are soundproofed and feature a yellow and charcoal colour scheme. The bathrooms are large and lovely and offer a large bathtub perfect for a long bubble bath .
Stay on the waterfront at Rydges Newcastle
We spent our three days in a king Harbourview room (with spa) at Rydges, which is perfectly placed on the waterfront.
The room, well two rooms really, is large enough to stay comfortably for a few days with a separate sitting area and a dining table that doubles as a great working space off the bedroom.
The suite offers both sunrise and sunset views from the small Juliet balcony. It’s also ideally located for dining with dozens of choices along Honeysuckle Wharf.
We also really enjoyed taking morning walks to the lighthouse.
Nab a beach view at Noahs
If you prefer to watch the surf than the activity on the harbour, a room at Noah’s is probably more your style. Sitting directly opposite Newcastle Beach and just a stone’s throw from the art déco ocean baths, it’s hard to find a better ocean view.
The tram stop is nearby if you are coming from the train station.
Novotel Newcastle Beach
The Novotel does not offer the views of Noah’s or Rydges; however, it is well-positioned for both beach and dining/shopping action.
The family rooms sleep four, and if you are after an ocean view, there are harbour view rooms available that offer more of a glimpse than full water aspects.
Balance the budget at Newcastle Beach YHA
The YHA in Newcastle is a beautiful old dame, once a gentlemen’s club, the heritage-listed property has kept some of its original features including its grand ballroom. With its wood-panelled walls, exposed ceiling beams, and leather sofas, the space now acts as a fabulously welcoming and well-used common room.
There are private rooms (without ensuite and a variety of dorms. All up, they can host 99 guests.
If you are staying longer than a few days, these apartments on Honeysuckle Wharf offer fabulous views and are close to nightlife.
Where to Eat in Newcastle
Newcastle’s food scene is thriving, with options ranging from casual beachside cafes to fine dining restaurants. We visited quite a few spots recommended by friends, and were impressed by the quality and variety on offer.
We enjoyed and recommend the following spots:
- Surfhouse – Merewether Beach: Great views and modern Australian cuisine
- Signal Box – near Queenswharf: Unique dining in a restored heritage building
- Moor – Newcastle East: Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in a charming setting
- Autumn Room – Darby Street: Cozy cafe with excellent breakfast and lunch options
- Napoli Centrale – Hunter Street: Authentic Neapolitan pizzas
- Three Blue Doors – Merewether and Civic: Fresh, seasonal cafe fare
Local tip: Darby Street in Cooks Hill is a great spot for cafe-hopping and trying different cuisines.
For the latest restaurant news and openings, check out the HUNTERHunter website. They keep their finger on the pulse of Newcastle’s dining scene.
Remember, this is just a small taste of what Newcastle has to offer food-wise. Don’t be afraid to explore and find your own favorite spots!
How to get to Newcastle from Sydney
- Drive: Newcastle is an easy 2.5-hour drive from Sydney along the M1. The route is well-signposted and mostly freeway driving.
- Train: The train from Central Station takes about 2.5 hours. It stops at Newcastle Interchange, just outside the city centre. From there, you can easily join the light rail to Civic or Newcastle East.
- Fly: Newcastle Airport (Williamtown) has direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Canberra. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the airport to Newcastle city centre.
Local tip: If you’re not driving, the train is a relaxing option with some coastal views along the way. Once in Newcastle, the light rail and buses make getting around easy
Getting Around Newcastle
Newcastle is quite well serviced by public transport and uses the Opal card system that is in place in Sydney.
- Light Rail: The light rail meets the train at the Newcastle Interchange and travels along the waterfront to Newcastle East. It’s a short track, but it comes in handy when your feet are too tired to walk back from the beach to town.
- Buses: A network of buses covers the wider Newcastle area. Most major attractions are accessible by bus.
- Walking: Many of Newcastle’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city centre and along the coastline.
- Cycling: Newcastle is relatively flat and has some dedicated cycle paths, making it bicycle-friendly. Bike hire is available in the city.
- Rideshare and Taxis: Uber and local taxi services are readily available for those times when public transport isn’t convenient.
Local tip: Download the Newcastle Transport app for real-time updates on buses and light rail services
Will you visit Newcastle?
Our 48 hours flew by, and we left with a list of reasons to return. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach break or an active city exploration, Newcastle delivers. Don’t just take our word for it though – go and see for yourself!
Want to do more outings like this? Consider one of these:
- A Weekend in Blackheath
- Exploring the Grand Pacific Drive
- NSW Road Trips – Exploring Regional NSW
- 24 Irresistible Weekends From Sydney
- How to visit the Blue Mountains from Sydney
Have questions about things to see and do in Sydney?
Head over and join our Facebook Group and we will be happy to help.
Looks like there is plenty to do in Newcastle!
Looks like a great place for a weekend away!
Sidenote – This is the third Newscastle I’ve now heard of that’s close to a major city, there’s Newcastle in England, Newcastle in Canada and now Australia! All charming getaways to explore.
I didn’t know about the Canadian Newcastle Kathryn – must check it out!
Born and bred in Cooks Hill Newcastle and educated at Cooks Hill High..my extended family and I used to swim at Nobbys every sunday..still remember fondly…married a Sydney boy 40 years ago and now we have family in Port Stephens…going back in January..
Newcastle is great!
A list of market dates would be good.