Visitor Information Centre

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 in Cooks Hill has a cool, relaxed vibe and is home to some superb restaurants and bars. Beaumont Street in Hamilton is one of Newcastle's most vibrant 'eat streets' with its eclectic mix of sidewalk cafes, restaurants and thriving pub scene. 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.