Friends weekend getaway

Round up your besties and hit Newcastle with this fun friends weekend itinerary.

Join a sunset sail on Newcastle Harbour, have a picnic with epic coastal vistas and bar hop between the city’s coolest watering holes.

Ah Newy, you had me at gin masterclass!

First things first, check into your weekend accommodation at the Terminus Apartments. Housed in a 19th century sandstone building its harbourside apartments offer full kitchens, Netflix and tasteful coastal hues in individually designed studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.

Insider tip: Book adjoining apartments if you’re travelling in a really big group – one with harbour views if you’re feeling flush.

Enjoy the salty spray on your face as you sail into the weekend with Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s Friday Harbour Sailing Academy. Afterwards, enjoy sundowners with fellow yachties and old salts back at the clubhouse. It’d be rude not to.

As the sun slips into the harbor, punters flock to Newcastle’s lively drinking holes. Continue the weekend wind down at the Landing Bar and Kitchen smack bang along the foreshore at Honeysuckle.
 
One of the city’s best vantage spots to catch the sunset, The Landing is all about good food and delectable drinks shared with your favourite peeps. Choose from a modern Australian menu with selection of share plates that pay tribute to local producers. 

Turn off the alarm, there's no rush this morning so enjoy that sleep in. When you're awake, head around the corner for a delicious breakfast at Moor Newcastle East opposite Pacific Park.

After breakfast, grab a coffee to go to enjoy on a brisk stroll out to Nobbys Lighthouse (roughly 4km return).

Head for the inner city harbourside village of Carrington where you’ll find the swanky Earp Distillery Co. Join a two-hour spirit making class (must book ahead) starting at 12:30pm which runs through the history of distilling, a tasting of Earp’s namesake gin and allows participants to use their choice of botanicals to create their very own bespoke gin. Our suggestion - book a table for before the class and enjoy some tasting plates for lunch.

After a wardrobe change it’s time to paint the town red. Travel by Light Rail and alight for The Koutetsu (walk from the Honeysuckle stop through to Hunter Street), a dimly lit, seriously sexy Japanese inspired speakeasy where bartenders craft bespoke cocktails teamed with moreish gyoza.

Re-board the Light Rail one stop to Civic or walk 700m to find Coal and Cedar, a prohibition style bar housed in one of Newcastle’s many heritage buildings and concealed behind a barbershop - password required upon entry. Get cosy in a booth or prop yourself up at the bar and watch tattooed bar tenders crafting top shelf cocktails like Apple Hooch made from tart Granny Smith apples or an epic whisky sour.

If you’re up for a nightcap the bar at moody Japanese inspired Jam's Karaoke Bar nearby will have you wondering whether you’re in Newcastle or Tokyo. Whether you jump behind the mic at the public bar or book a private room, it's a guaranteed good time to take you into the late night. Be sure to book ahead!

Newy starts the day with the blast of the ship’s horn, early morning laps and coffee so rise and shine and dive right in.

Head down Scott Street to Momo Wholefoods (it’s where Scott and Hunter Streets meet) – a five minute stroll or one stop on the Light Rail. Grab a table in this light-filled café housed in a historic bank building. With a wholefood menu weighted with vegan, vegetarian and delicious healthy options, this soulful café is like a nice warm hug. 

Head back to the Terminus Apartments, pack up your things and check out.  But be ready, your Newy weekend isn't over yet.

If the sun’s shining, jump in the car and head for Hickson Street Merewether. On the way, visit Harris St Farms (on Darby St) and pick up some picnic supplies. 

Park and look for the track beneath the water tower. Take a walk through towering trees before sandstone steps lead you down to a grassy patch better known as Hickson Street Lookout. This epic lookout is a popular launch pad for hang gliders and for couples tying the knot, where you can enjoy a picnic with arguably Newcastle’s best views.

Insider tip: Alternatively head to the Hunter Valley wine region for lunch amongst the vines. Only an hour's drive east and you are right in the midst of one of Australia's most famous wine regions. Enjoy a wine tasting or two and grab lunch at a winery to make an afternoon of it before making your way home.