Newcastle

Travel Guide

Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle which includes waves and surfing
Soak up the history of one of Australia’s oldest cities, hit the beach, or head out into the countryside to spot local wildlife or explore wineries.

Newcastle has been a port city for over two hundred years. It exports huge amounts of coal, and was once a leading industrial centre. Today its economy is diverse and its arts scene, on the rise. The central city is home to heritage buildings and museums. There are miles of superb uncrowded surf beaches on its doorstep, and to the west is the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine-growing and gourmet food regions.

History buffs will enjoy gazing at Newcastle's heritage factories and colonial buildings. Check out Newcastle Cathedral for a look at one of its oldest and most significant. Climb the stairs to the top to get a great view of the city. To learn about the convict-miners who fist occupied the area, visit the Newcastle Museum. The convict heritage of the city may be responsible for the irreverent, fun-loving attitude of the locals.

Visit the Lock-Up Cultural Centre to explore a 19th-century jail complete with padded cell and exercise yard. Inside you’ll see exhibitions by local artists. For more art, drop by the Newcastle Gallery. There are some excellent Australian works as well as regular exhibitions. 

Spend a few hours by the ocean at Foreshore Park. There are playgrounds for kids and also picnic areas. Walk the breakwater and climb Nobby’s Head for excellent views of the city and coastline. When it’s time to cool off, take a swim at one of the many beaches. Try Nobby’s Beach for calmer surf or Dudley Beach for an uncrowded stretch with good waves. Visit the Newcastle or Merewether Ocean Baths for a saltwater fix without the waves.

Drive 8 kilometres (5 miles) from town to Blackbutt Reserve. It’s a 182 hectare (450-acre) bush reserve with hiking trails of varying difficulty, and animal exhibits including wallabies, koalas and native birds.

Foodies and wine lovers should take the time to explore the charming towns and grape-growing areas of the Hunter Valley. There are dozens of wineries with cellar-door tastings, and plenty of superb local cafés and restaurants serving up gourmet treats to go with the local wines.

Where to stay in Newcastle

Merewether Ocean Baths featuring a pool

Merewether

Unique features of Merewether include the beaches and bars. Make a stop by Merewether Beach or Merewether Ocean Baths while you're exploring the area.

Merewether
3 hours drive from sydney

Caves Beach

You might appreciate the beaches and restaurants in Caves Beach, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, Lake Macquarie and Belmont Golf Course are just a few notable stops.

Caves Beach
Rock formations in NSW 👌🏼

Swansea

Though Swansea might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Macquarie and Belmont Golf Course.

Swansea
Default Image

Charlestown

Shopping, restaurants, and spas are some highlights of Charlestown. Make a stop by Charlestown Square or Twin Creeks Reserve while you're exploring.

Charlestown
Sunset from the bluff #beachbound

Belmont

Unique features of Belmont include the lake views and shopping. Make a stop by Blacksmiths Beach or Lake Macquarie while you're exploring the area.

Belmont
Home is where the heart is. The best place to getaway is often near home. Lake Macquarie is the perfect spot #weekendgetaway

Warners Bay

Unique features of Warners Bay include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Lake Macquarie or Hunter Ice Skating Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Warners Bay
Little National Hotel Newcastle
Little National Hotel Newcastle
4 out of 5
44 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW
The price is P5,421 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,421
P5,963 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (421 reviews)
"Value for money this place has it all"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Little National Hotel Newcastle
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG
4.5 out of 5
514 King Street, Newcastle West, NSW
The price is P5,112 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P5,112
P5,623 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"This is a very good hotel, close to the CBD, light rail and the waterfront. The rooms are very quiet and there is good on-site parking available (extra cost). It is within walking distance of the city, but there is only a few cafes, restaurants nearby. Breakfast is included in the charges, but meals ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG
Rydges Newcastle
Rydges Newcastle
4.5 out of 5
Wharf Rd & Merewether St, Newcastle, NSW
The price is P7,183 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P7,183
P7,902 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"The room was roomy"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Rydges Newcastle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Jesmond Executive Villas
Jesmond Executive Villas
4 out of 5
189 Newcastle Road, Jesmond, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Newcastle Beach and Allowah ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,844 reviews)
"Some road works at the moment but when finished it will be good"

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2025

Jesmond Executive Villas
Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
4 out of 5
Corner of Wright Lane and, Settlement Lane, Newcastle, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Newcastle Beach and ...
7.4/10 Good! (804 reviews)
"Great location and plenty of restaurants very close clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
4 out of 5
111 Scott St, Newcastle, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (951 reviews)
"Terminus Apartment Hotel was perfect for our one night stay. The staff at reception were very friendly and accommodating. It was comfortable, quiet and in a good location."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do