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 its population of just over half a million makes it a quieter alternative for a weekend away, a summer holiday, or a permanent sea change. After all, you can still find a free car park next to the sand here, and that, on its own, is enticing enough.
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 gem, so we've put together our guide to the best things to do in Newcastle.
Best Things to Do in Newcastle: Eat
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.
108 Tudor Street, Hamilton
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.
5-7 Darby Street, Newcastle
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!
87-89 Hunter Street, Newcastle
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.
Top panini picks include the mortadella, pistachio and stracciatella, and the prosciutto cotto, mortadella, finocchiona and provolone. Make sure you grab a sweet treat too, because their cannoli is out-of-this-world.
181 King Street, Newcastle
Elementa
Situated on the banks of Throsby Foreshore lies Newcastle's newest addition to the foodie scene - Elementa. This stunning waterfront location is all about relaxed yet refined dining, with an everchanging seasonal menu and a carefully curated cocktail and wine list.
76 The Lane, Maryville
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.
1a/295 Darby Street, Bar Beach
Momo Wholefood
On Newcastle’s thriving Hunter Street, the menu at Momo feels fresh, catering to all dietary requirements, from vegan to carnivore, this well-curated cafe places importance on organic sustainable produce.
What’s more, the setting of Momo feels fresh too, being housed in a beautiful former bank, flooded with sunlight accenting its period features and delightful design and decor.
227 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Âpé Yakitori Bar
Tokyo is famous for its yakitori laneways, and this Newie hotspot is well-known for the skewered treat. For those who haven’t tried it yet, yakitori is a method of skewering meat on a ‘kushi’ (usually made of bamboo), and grilling it over a charcoal fire until it’s bursting with flavour, or ‘umami’. What separates yakitori from kebab-style meats, you ask? Traditionally, yakitori bars cook up every part of the chicken including the heart and liver.
Round it out with one of their divine creations from the cocktail list. Our pick? The Sakura Cherry Blossom with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Dassai Sake, yuzu, honey and orange blossom water.
The Boardwalk, Shop 3N/1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle
Best Things to Do in Newcastle: Drink
Earp Distilling Co.
With a passion for the creative and experiential, Earp Distilling Co. was created to craft spirits synonymous with quality, sustainability, and adventure. Kick back at the bar and work your way through their extensive menu of spirits (think knock-your-socks-off vodka, award-winning gin, and their unique twist on absinthe) while chowing down on the bar snacks, or book yourself in for one of their wildly fun gin mixing classes.
41 Darling Street, Carrington
Custom's House Hotel
Once the Australian Customs offices, Customs House Hotel is a beautiful heritage-listed building that makes you feel a million miles away.
There's a restaurant menu with modern Australian offerings if you're up for an elevated meal or a more casual snack menu with small bites and share plates. Soak up the views and buzzing atmosphere as the live band plays.
1 Bond Street, Newcastle
Romberg's Bar
With expansive city views from the rooftop of Crystalbrook Kingsley, Romberg's is one of Newcastle's most popular (and prettiest!) destinations. For a spectacular sunset viewing, grab a table at dusk and soak in the panoramic views and the impressive drinks list.
Level 9/282 King Street, Newcastle
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.
237 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Best Things to Do in Newcastle: Explore
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.
24 Memorial Drive, 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.
1 Rural Drive, Sandgate
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.
5 Henderson Parade, Merewether
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.
York Drive, Newcastle
Best Things to Do in Newcastle: Stay
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
282 King Street, Newcastle
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
185 Hunter Street, Newcastle
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
Cooks Hill, address available on booking
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.
