Visitor Information Centre

Visitor Information Centre

Live like a local, explore like a tourist.

Drop by the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre to experience the best the city has to offer. The welcoming staff share all their insider tips for exploring the city and uncovering it's hidden gems.

It also stocks a range of maps and brochures on local attractions such as harbour cruises, scenic tours, and themed self-guided walks. 

Opening hours

Monday to Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Weekends and public holidays 10am - 2pm
Gift shop

Passionately supportive of all things local, the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre stocks a wide range of products made by Newcastle makers and traders. From local honey and hot sauce, to ceramics, soaps, tea towels and more. Drop by for a keep sake and a chin wag!

Visit Shop

Pro tip: During your visit, ask staff to show you the fun augmented reality experience illustrated by renowned local artist, Trevor Dickinson. 

We're COVID-safe

A Covid Action Plan is in place to minimise risk to staff and visitors. A visitor register and hand sanitiser are located at the entrance door, the Centre is regularly disinfected, and social distancing markers are in place.

Got a Question? Let us help

We enjoy a humid, subtropical climate in Newcastle, which means warm summers and mild winters – much like the rest of Australia’s east coast.

During summer (December to February) we enjoy an average maximum temperature of 26C and low of 20C, while during winter (June-August) our average daytime temperature is a high of 18C and a low of 10C. For up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology.

For Surfing:
We have some awesome spots in Newcastle to catch a few waves. Merewether Beach, Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach and Newcastle Beach are all popular with surfers. For those learning to surf, head to Nobbys Beach.

For Kids:
All of our beaches are child-friendly, however, Merewether and Newcastle beaches both have enclosed sea-water baths that are great for kids to swim in.

Newcastle beach guide

There are plenty of great spots to eat and drink in Newcastle. Darby Street has a cool, relaxed vibe and is home to some superb restaurants and bars. If dinner and drinks with accompanying water views is more your thing, head to Honeysuckle.

There’s also an awesome array of venues around the city centre.

Eat + Drink

Newcastle has a rich and diverse history, with so much to keep the history buff intrigued for days on end.

From Fire and Earth, Newcastle Museum’s permanent exhibition on the city’s industrial history, to Fort Scratchley (our coastal defence building, dating back to 1882), from the iconic Bogey Hole (sea bath, the city’s oldest European construction) to the Lock-Up (the city’s former police cells) and Convict Lumberyard, Newcastle has history seeping out of its pores.

Make sure you spend some time visiting the Anzac Memorial Walk – spectacular views, stunning architecture and close-to-home history combine for a truly memorable experience.

Check out our Fort Scratchley blog to learn more about this fascinating place prior to your tour or head to our itineraries page and take yourself on a self-guided tour.

Historical attractions

For trendy independent shops, head to Darby Street – there’s an eclectic mix of retailers and products that will have you reaching for the plastic. Alternatively, Newcastle’s home to an array of markets every weekend, where you’ll find the city’s creatives selling some wonderful, unique products.

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