A coastal escape with a sweet city edge

Newcastle, NSW, offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and urban flair—making it an ideal short break destination. Whether you're in the mood for outdoor adventure, world-class cuisine, vibrant street art, or pure relaxation, this compact yet dynamic city delivers delight every time. So, grab your besties, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable Newcastle adventure!

In the harbourside Honeysuckle dining precinct, Blanca, a Mediterranean-inspired eatery serves mouthwatering mezze plates alongside transportive cocktails. Nearby Ȃpé Yakitori will fire up travellers' tastebuds with their fusion of Japanese and South American barbecuing, and Thermidor Oyster Bar & Brasserie, well, shucks! Their oysters are a dream.

Abundant, unique, and always scrumptious, wherever you venture a nearby café will be serving freshly roasted coffee, fruit-laden acai, ice-cold smoothies, handmade pastries, or seasonal local produce—make a beeline for Autumn Rooms, Talulah, Cake Boi, Crumb, Convoy Commune, Moa & Co, and Pekarna. Hatted restaurants, Humbug and Flotilla, embody the perfect combination of refined flamboyance and unpretentious ambiance—and are unbeatable date night hits.

Newcastle has some epic picnic spots that are a great way to enjoy beach views and sunsetting skies while feeding your foodie cravings. Top recs include King Edward Park, with its formal planted gardens, towering Norfolk Pines, and historic rotunda. Or Hickson Street Lookout, offers a winning combination of a nature reserve and unbeatable beach views.

Psst... Hickson Street Lookout is also the start of a hidden tourist treasure, an off the beaten track coastal walk to Merewether Beach. At low tide, follow the steps from the lookout down to Burwood Beach, explore the revealed rockpools, and follow the coastline until you reach Merewether Ocean Baths and Beach. Stop for a swim or enjoy a well-earned kiosk treat. 

Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths are always a hive of activity during the summer months, and the hand-hewn ocean pool, the Bogey Hole, has bucket list status for good reason. Beachgoers are spoilt for choice, with six patrolled city beaches—surf or swim at Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, or Stockton Beaches. Travelling with a pooch? Then Horseshoe Beach will have tails wagging.

Taking in Newcastle's vast coastline on foot is as simple as joining Bathers Way Walk. Stretching from Merewether to Nobbys Headland, this iconic walk rewards walkers with sweeping views and includes the Newcastle Memorial Walk, a visit to Nobbys Lighthouse and Macquarie Pier, and passes two incredible skate parks, South Newcastle Beach and Empire Park Skate Park.

From towering murals to hidden gems tucked away in alleyways, Newcastle is an open-air art gallery. Take a self-guided stroll or join a walking tour to explore works by renowned artists such as Fintan Magee, Trevor Dickinson, and Matt Adnate. Consider timing a Newcastle trip to coincide with one of the city's renowned art-focused festivals, New Annual or Newcastle Fringe, both bringing the city to life with shows, installations, and experiences.

For travellers keen to get out on Newcastle Harbour, try the Discover Sailing Experience by the crew at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, or go beyond the harbour with CoastXP or Nova Cruises. Onboard, guests learn about the region's Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the unique coastal geography, and spot marine life—May to November Newcastle's coast transforms into a whale migration superhighway.  

A bespoke way to experience the true spirit of Newcastle is to make your own at Earp Distilling Co. A Spirit Blending Class is an ideal introduction to the world of aromatics, flavour notes, and base spirits, or Spirit School is the complete package, which includes two take-home bottles—did somebody say ultimate holiday souvenir!

Live music venues are all around the city—The Lucky, Queens Wharf Hotel, the Mad Poet, King Street Hotel, and The Underground just to name a few. Each has a unique aesthetic and vibe, from acoustic serenades, high-energy dance beats, to jazz jams. Or belt out a tune at Jams Karaoke, where guests can choose between private room sessions or singing with the live band in the main bar.

Boasting incredible architecture alongside their nighttime entertainment, the Civic Theatre regularly hosts national and international musicians, comedians, plays, musicals, ballets, and more. Crystalbrook Kingsley is a nearby five-star hotel, where their Roundhouse Restaurant serves a seasonal menu, curated cocktail list, and Hunter Valley wines, to satisfy anyone's 'dinner and a show' dreams.

Next time explore Newcastle's small bar scene, tour historic tunnels, climb the Christ Church Cathedral tower, stop by the museum, visit art galleries, and eat, eat, eat some more!