Newcastle City Guide
1. Take a step into the past at Newcastle Memorial Walk
Let’s begin with an activity that’s enjoyable, educational, and absolutely free.
Head out for a stroll at Newcastle Memorial Walk – a stunning piece of infrastructure dedicated for ANZAC heroes. Built to commemorate the centennial anniversary of ANZAC Gallipoli landing and the beginning of Newcastle’s steel-making industry – a journey to this coastal walkway lets you pay tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives for Newcastle and the whole Australia.
It’s open to the public 24 hours everyday so there’s no excuse to miss this terrific walk.
2. Visit the koalas, kangaroos and more at the Blackbutt Reserve
If you like a good nature walk, family picnics and the wildlife – Blackbutt Reserve is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
Open everyday from 10am to 5pm, people from all ages can get close to the rich habitat of kangaroos, koalas, geckos, and more intriguing animal life without having to leave the city. You can choose to stay in a picnic spot, join a guided tour, or appreciate the wildlife exhibits and incredible encounters with various kinds of animals.
Everyone enjoys free entrance and great facilities for kids and adults. You only have to pay for parking. The walking tracks inside the reserve are also a good way to get fit.
3. Surf and Sightsee at Nobbys Beach and the Lighthouse
Winter or summer, Nobbys Beach remains among the favourite beach destinations in New South Wales. (It’s also considered the safest among Newcastle’s beaches.)
Whether you want to go for a long walk, or surf for pleasure, this place is perfect for you. Take your camera to the lighthouse, marvel at the panoramic view from its vantage point and take a picture of the surrounding areas.
4. Go back in time at Fort Scratchley
History buff or not, you’d be intrigued to know that Fort Scratchley fired on an invading naval vessel on June 8, 1942 and the fort itself has more than a century of history to boast.
This famous coastal defence and fortification has been turned into a museum. Children below four years old can join the guided tours for free. Kids from 4-14 will have to pay $6.50 while adults pay $12.50 if they wish to participate in the tours. They are scheduled six days a week (it is closed on Tuesdays) from 10am to 4pm
4. Seek sunshine, the ocean and new mates at Merewether Ocean Baths
Merewether is a quiet suburb of Newcastle known for its 100 metres by 90 metres communal yet well-maintained swimming pool.
The best thing about this destination is the gathering of locals and visitors stopping by for a swim – a cultural aspect that is unique in this part of Newcastle.
5. Explore wines and winemaking in Newcastle and the Hunter Region
Newcastle sits near some of the best winemaking spots in Australia. In Hunter Valley alone, there are more than 150 of them – that’s a lot for you not to even visit one or two.
Wineries are picturesque destinations on their own. But if you love tasting various types of wines, then you’re in for a double treat. Time out Australia rounded up 10 of the best vineyards in the Hunter Valley that you shouldn’t miss.
Learn about the top-notch types of wine that earned the love of Aussies and take fantastic photos during winery tours at the Hunter Region.
6. Take a tour inside and around Christ Church Cathedral
What else makes it remarkable was its formidable history. It survived the Japanese attack in 1942 and a devastating earthquake in Newcastle in 1989. From this seemingly unshakable place of worship, you also get a magnificent overlooking view of Newcastle.
Before visiting, find out more about the services, news and events here by checking their website at http://www.newcastlecathedral.org.au.
7. Window shop along the bustling Darby Street
With all the holiday shopping demands you have to meet, you want a place to get all you need at one stop. Well, when in Newcastle, Darby Street has you covered.
Looking for the best party dress or an awesome gift for your loved ones? The shopping district that is Darby Street has delightful range of items you’d love to take home. Don’t forget your shopping list to guide you through this dizzying hub of all great gifts.
Whether you want to hit a hip bazaar or a nifty cafeteria, Darby Street offers a lot of great possibilities.
8. Marvel at artistic creations at Newcastle Art Gallery
Take artistic inspirations from exhibitions and collections at Newcastle Art Gallery.
More than 5000 works of art are housed in this gallery or museum. Being the second oldest city in Australia, Newcastle has accumulated a massive amount of culturally and historically relevant artworks. Come by anytime from 10am to 5pm – Tuesdays to Sundays.
Entrance to the gallery is free (unless for some special exhibitions). Note that if you’re coming as a group, book ahead of time to avail free guided tours and avoid parking hassles.
9. Savour the view of Newcastle Harbour on a ferry ride
A tour in Newcastle is incomplete without witnessing the trade that led to its economic boom: the coal transport.
Watch myriad of ships docking its harbour and transporting coal to many parts of the world. Newcastle has the world’s largest coal export port. If you hop on a ferry and stay long enough, you will see the bustling trade and enjoy a variety of vessels stopping by the busiest seaport in New South Wales.
If money and time are not an issue, book a cruise at Nova Cruises (http://www.novacruises.com.au) or Moonshadow Cruises (http://www.moonshadow.com.au). If you want to save up, you can board the Stockton Ferry, which is scheduled to leave every 20 minutes or so. It’s open from 5:30 in the morning until midnight from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it operates from 8:30am to 10pm.
10. Take 360-degree view of the city from Queen’s Wharf Tower
Strong limbs and calves are required as you would have to climb 180 steps to get to the top of the Queen’s Wharf Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the city below.
The 40.3 metre-high tower was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 as part of a vision Joy Cummings – the first female Lord Mayor winning the position in 1974. Besides these political and social milestones, the wharf is worth a visit for the spectacular views it offers the visitors.
From this vantage point, you will get acquainted with the lovely coastlines and cityscapes of Newcastle.
11. Crank up your creativity and take a step back in time at the Lock-up
Once you have started digging the spots on NSW State Heritage Register, you can never miss the Lock-up. It’s among Newcastle’s historically and culturally significant buildings.
A quick look at the structure gives you an idea of the prosperity enjoyed by early settlers in Newcastle. The building was constructed from a Sydney sandstone and completed in 1861, the same time the Newcastle Police Station was built. The Lock-up is literally a prison cell converted into a cultural and art hub – a small local treasure in Newcastle.
Admission is free and the art pieces are intriguing. Check out the posters outside the building for upcoming exhibitions.
12. Stroll about the Bathers Way Coastal Walk to see the picturesque Newcastle
Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and head out for a delightful stroll at the Bathers Way Coastal Walk.
Visitors and locals alike will appreciate the beauty of Newcastle ocean and beaches. Starting from Nobbys Headland to Merewether baths, the walk would take about 5 km. A brisk walk not only keeps weight gain at bay, it also offers great views for your eyes to feast on. That’s a double treat you don’t want to miss out on.
Along the way, you also get to meet nice people who equally enjoy this fantastic walk. Now, that’s a triple treat.
13. Escape from the mundane and head to Myall Lakes National Park
Looking for bush, beach, and lake in one recreational space? Myall Lakes National Park is the weekend escape you have been longing to find.
Get away from the city and melt away your stress with an overnight stay at the park, a stroll by the spectacular beach, a good swim at the lake, or a much-needed walking tour by the bush. Myall Lakes National Park has you covered. People of all ages will find a lot of interesting things to do around here any time of the year.
14. Get around on foot, by bike or on a canoe at Hunter Wetlands Centre
Once you get off a car, it’s just you and the rich flora and fauna. There are areas where you can have barbecue and a proper picnic. You’d be glad to know that this revitalized 45-hectare wetland can be accessed seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
There is so much to see and explore around this hidden jewel and the activities abound for all ages.
15. Stop by Newcastle Harbour Foreshore Park
Well-maintained parks may not be a rarity in Newcastle but the view of the sea and the Newcastle Harbour – the hub of the coal export industry – make Foreshore Park extra special.
On the way to the park, pay attention to the old buildings, brick houses, and Victorian-inspired terraces. A double take is all you need to have a glimpse of Newcastle’s glorious past and exciting future.
16. Bike around the city and spend as much time as you like at each destination.
Sunny days are a great time to explore a city on a bicycle. Newcastle is no exception.
Bike tours are fantastic because you control where you want to stop by and how long you want to stay at a landmark, historical site, or tourist attraction. You also benefit physically from the leg exercise.