Exhale. You're on Newcastle time now

The planning is done. Your leave is approved. Just jump in the car and grab your besties because you're about to embark on a coastal escapade with a sweet city edge.

Newcastle is compact, coastal, and is one of those cities that delights, every time—outdoor adventure, golden beaches, pristine nature reserves, vibrant street art, and a deliciously urban cuisine culture. The ultimate mix of action and relaxation starts today…

Straight out of the gate and into the city, it's time to turn salivating into satisfaction. Blanca's exquisite coastal Mediterranean mezze plates are just the ticket to kick-start your crew into full relaxation mode. In the city's Honeysuckle Dining Precinct, Blanca is more than just a haven of fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavours; their signature cocktails are transportive—did somebody say Greek Islands? So, settle in. You're on Newcastle time now, and the Blanca experience is just the first in this weekend's epic lineup.

Once you've savoured every delicious detail at Blanca—and we get it, that might take a while— it's time you get a lay of the land, street art style. Eclectic and vibrant street art is everywhere in Newcastle. Whether you opt for a self-guided wander or an organised walking tour, prepare to be entranced by the colourful murals hidden down alleyways and adorning towering architecture.

A quick stop at the Visitor Information Centre will get you started, and there happens to be Fintan Magee and Trevor Dickinson works just outside. Other artists to look out for are Matt Adnate, Mitch Revs, Bronte Naylor, Ellie Hannon, Sophia Flegg, and Jordan Lucky.

Here's hoping your colourful jaunt around the city has left you feeling a little thirsty because it's time to get acquainted with another colourful city icon, your hotel QT Newcastle—and most importantly, the bar with unbeatable views, Rooftop at QT. Dress to impress and take in city views as the afternoon sunshine slides into the evening stars. Hunter Valley vinos and local on tap Modus Brewery beers are calling your name, and while the bar snacks are always on point, jazz and dinner await only a few blocks away.

New York speakeasy vibes meet hot jazz grooves at The Underground, and Thursday nights' jazz jams are always something special. Follow the dark alleyway next to The Grand, until a moody world of warm wood, soft ambient lighting, and rich leather booths welcome you in. Take your pick from pub classics to rich flavoursome mains and let the smooth jazz sounds complete your heady welcome into Newcastle.

Morning, sunshine travellers. Today is all about taking it easy—so make the most of that luxurious hotel room and then slowly make your way to QT's Jana Restaurant for an indulgent breakfast. Miso Mushrooms and the QT Goddess Bowl are guest top picks for excellent reason, or for something light to-go, try a St Malo Pastry with your fave morning brew.

Today's adventures are taking you across Throsby Creek to Carrington. You can choose to add some fat tyre comfort to your Carrington adventure and hire a bike from Flash e-Bikes at The Station, or for a slower-paced meander, tighten your laces and walk Newcastle Harbour. If on foot, the Zig Zag Walkway is a unique way to explore mangroves, so close to the city.  

Once at Carrington take in the quaint village vibes and thriving café culture at Moa & Co. which combines hand-selected community-made wares with ethically sourced and sustainably produced coffee, cacao, chai, and more. Then a short walk away, is the exquisitely tiled entryway to Earp Distilling Co. Step inside. Your lunch reservation awaits.

While you indulge in beautifully prepared local produce partnered with award-winning spirits, just know the best is yet to come. Because after lunch, you'll be mastering the art of distilling yourselves. The Spirit Blending Class is 60 minutes of exploring flavours and creating your very own bespoke spirit—your choice of gin, vodka or rum. The ultimate take-home holiday souvenir!

Time for an afternoon ocean refresh. Head back into the city, grab a towel and a hat, then dive into the aqua hues of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Friday afternoons along the coast are calm yet vibrant—take it as you like—people watch, explore nearby rockpools, and soak up the saltwater.

Fresh coastal air and post-swim appetites are best satiated with fresh seafood, are we right? Yes, we are! And nearby Scottie's is a must. Laze about on the lawn and devour the best of their takeaway menu, or ritz things up with an indoor dining experience. Across the way is East End Ice Creamery, which has ingenious, house-made flavour combos. Gah, so good!

Oh, can you hear that? Your private room is almost ready at Jams Karaoke. Throw on something fabulous and light rail it to Jams, because there's a private room for just you and your crew, and all the divas you can channel. Plus, Friday night is live band night in the main bar, so when you need to come up for air, keep your vocal cords warm in front of the always-dynamic crowd.

Dust off last night's epic soundtrack with a refreshing dip in the ocean at Newcastle Beach and a fresh acai or matcha smoothie from Southy Canteen, which is perfectly positioned to watch local skateboarders drop in, grind, and just generally kick it at the nearby South Newcastle Beach Skate Park.  

When you're ready to continue exploring, join the Bathers Way extending to your right, past the skate park. Along the way, you'll come across city highlights, the Bogey Hole, King Edward Park, and Strzelecki Lookout, before breathtaking ocean vistas from the elevated Memorial Walk lure you further along the coast to Bar, Dixon Park, and Merewether Beaches.

You're all probably feeling lunch-ready at this point. Larrie's Merewether is an upbeat diner, just under the nearby Beach Hotel, and it's sure to hit the spot. Tiger prawns, sashimi, oysters, and grilled fish will satisfy seafood lovers, or for classic diner fare, it's hard to go past a burger-and-shake combo. Larrie's selection of ice-cold beers and local wines might also be a welcome reward after walking the Bathers Way.  

Blackbutt Nature Reserve is your next stop, and it's their utterly wholesome and free wildlife trail that has you exploring beyond the city centre. Koalas, wombats, wallabies, lizards, and an abundance of birdlife are just some of the animals to be found among towering eucalypts. The central barbecue area is also an excellent spot to play a game or two of frisbee or kick a ball around. Heads up—wandering peacocks love to get in on the action. 

And just like that, the weekend's crescendo has arrived. Dinner and a show! Newcastle's Civic Theatre is a historic architectural masterpiece in the centre of the city, regularly showcasing touring plays, musicals, ballets, comedians, and musicians. We recommend keeping an eye on upcoming shows when planning your Newcastle stay to make sure you have the best seats for your favourite performances. But before you take your seats there's something important to do first—enjoy a divine dinner.

Crystalbrook Kingsley is a five-star hotel just across from the theatre, and its restaurant is a headline act worthy of every point on each of those five bright stars. The Roundhouse has views of the theatre, Civic Park, and Newcastle Harbour, and serves expertly crafted seasonal produce under the guidance of Executive Chef, Thomas Heinrich. Or if you're feeling a little pressed for time and still want to have a bougie feast, Ms Mary's downstairs is where to get something quick and delicious with a spectacular cocktail on the side.

If you're all feeling like a post-show nightcap, Coal and Cedar is right nearby and is a real treat—a speakeasy-style secret bar. Text to get entry. You're welcome!

Rise and shine you've got an early harbour date—nearby Neighbours on Market St is perfect for a quick yet delicious brekkie or it’s a short walk to Arno Deli for a panini of your dreams. Now get yourselves down to the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club because your Discover Sailing Experience departs at 9am and you're not going to want to miss a minute of this adventure. Once out on the water, you and your crew will get hands-on guidance to have you manoeuvring like a pro-sailor, and of course, talking the talk, well before your 3 hours are up.

Back on land, you're heading to one of Newcastle's most iconic eating precincts for lunch, Darby Street. For classic café fare head to local institutions Autumn Rooms, Three Monkeys, or Goldbergs. All are renowned for fresh and flavoursome menus, each putting their unique spin on café classics. Or newcomer LOLAS will treat your tastebuds to native-inspired bites and creative cocktails—the perfect Sunday afternoon finale.

Oh, but before you jump back in the car and head home, Darby Street also happens to be home to some of the city's best boutique stores where you can pick up handmade mementoes and souvenirs, alongside fashion, vinyl, art, and bouquets. Start with Made on Darby, Blackbird Corner and Palinopsia Ceramics, then head to Abicus, Ramjet, Steel & Anchor, Cooks Hill Books & Records, Blooms on Darby, Hey Tilly…and well maybe it's time to hit the road.

It's been a blast. Until next time.