Discover the best way to spend 8 hours in Newcastle, NSW, with this curated guide for cruise passengers.
This suggested itinerary includes something for saltwater lovers, history fans, outdoor adventurers, and culinary connoisseurs. Use it as a starting-off point or follow it step-by-step, it's up to you.
Today's itinerary starts at the Visitor Information Centre, your cruise ship shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up location. But you won't be there for long, you're heading to one of our favourite city beaches, Newcastle Beach.
Across the road from the Visitor Information Centre the Newcastle Light Rail passes through Civic Station every 7.5 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. 'Tap on' using a credit card (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) or Opal card, or buy a single trip ticket from the ticket machine on the Civic Station platform. Head east towards Newcastle Beach, the last stop, which takes 7 minutes from Civic Station.
Once onboard the light rail you'll travel along Hunter Street. On the left, you will see glimpses of Newcastle Harbour and the foreshore precinct, which you will explore later. On the right, you will pass Newcastle CBD.
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre
At Newcastle Beach, there are a few options available, such as taking a dip in the ocean or enjoying a barista-made coffee.
To get there, walk across Pacific Park and through the Newcastle Beach pedestrian tunnel. The tunnel currently features an abstract surrealist mural by Newcastle artist, Nickolas Stuart AKA Olas One. Newcastle Beach is a favourite amongst swimmers and surfers and has lifeguards on patrol during the summer season — the end of September 2024 through to the end of April 2025.
If you love the ocean but would prefer a pool experience, along the coast to your left is the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which is free to enter and use. Public shower and toilet facilities are available at both the beach and the nearby baths.
Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle is renowned for its strong café culture and there are many excellent cafes near Newcastle Beach and surrounds. Kick-start your day with a delicious morning tea featuring fresh, local ingredients:
Estabar
Some of Newcastle's most popular historical sights are only a short walk from Newcastle Beach — Fort Scratchley, Macquarie Pier, and Nobbys Lighthouse. All sights are easily accessible with sealed paths; however, Fort Scratchley and Nobbys Lighthouse do have some steep uphill sections.
Fort Scratchley: Australia's only fort to return enemy fire overlooks both Nobbys and Newcastle Beaches. Entry is free and is open daily from 10am to 4pm, except Tuesdays. Tunnel tours run at various times throughout the day and cost a small fee. The cannon is fired daily at 1pm. To access Fort Scratchley by foot from the Newcastle Ocean Baths, walk across Shortland Esplanade, up through Tramway Reserve, and then turn right to walk along Parnell Place Park. Follow the road and Fort Scratchley's entrance is ahead.
Nobbys Lighthouse: Established in 1854, the old Signal Master's cottages are now home to artist exhibitions and residencies with a small gift shop featuring artist wares and works. To reach Nobbys Lighthouse by foot from Newcastle Ocean Baths simply follow the path extending away from Newcastle Beach, which wraps around the coastline. You will pass the Cowrie Hole, a favourite of surfers and bodyboarders, and Nobbys Beach and the Lighthouse will soon reveal themselves around a gentle bend. Open on weekends from 10am to 3pm.
Macquarie Pier: Known to locals as simply 'The Breakwall', along this wide and easily accessible path there are illustrated information panels outlining some of the pier's history. There are also seated viewing areas to allow visitors to relax and watch the working harbour in action. Macquarie Pier is a 3km round trip, and the end of the pier offers expansive water views and a chance to spot whales during migration season.
Nobbys Lighthouse and Macquarie Pier
The Station is the site of Newcastle's former main train station and has been transformed into a community piazza and boutique marketplace. The Station is a short walk from either Nobbys Headland or Fort Scratchley and takes you towards your lunch destination.
It's time to treat those tastebuds to some lunchtime refreshments — and to do that you're heading along the Newcastle Foreshore to the Honeysuckle dining precinct, by foot or on the light rail.
Light rail: Head west for 2 minutes along Scott Street to the Queens Wharf light rail stop. It takes 5 minutes to reach Civic Station, where you cross Hunter Street and continue towards the harbour. Lunch will be to your left.
Walking: From The Station, walk towards the water. Walk west along the harbour, away from Nobbys. There are places to stop and relax along the way, and you will reach Honeysuckle in approximately 20 mins.
Honeysuckle Dining Precinct offers a range of dining options, casual to refined, all in close proximity. Simply choose your culinary adventure, relax and refuel, ready for more exploring in the afternoon.
For refined seafood, we suggest Thermidor or The Kingfish. Authentic Italian lovers are sure to savour the rich tastes on the Casa Nova Italian menu. If the thought of Japanese cuisine makes your mouth water, then Nagisa and Ȃpé Yakitori Bar are two excellent options known for impeccable flavours and impressive wine matches. Inspired Mediterranean share plates and incredible cocktails can be found at Blanca, or for stacked burgers and fresh pizzas head to MoneyPenny or Harbour Bar. For visitors wanting classic Australian pub food, we recommend trying either The Dockyard or Honeysuckle Hotel.
Ape Yakitori Bar
From Honeysuckle there are a couple of nearby entertaining and eclectic arts and culture options to satisfy your inner creative — choose between a visit to Newcastle Museum or a do-it-yourself Newcastle Arts adventure.
Newcastle Museum is a contemporary museum just across the garden from your shuttle bus stop (behind the Visitor Information Centre). The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays (open seven days in NSW school holidays) from 10 am to 5 pm.
General entry is free, and fees apply for special events and exhibitions. One of the permanent free exhibitions is 'A Newcastle Story' which will have you discovering the true character of this city in all its beauty, grit, colour and life. 'Fire and Earth' explores the danger and hard work of coal mining and BHP steel production in Newcastle's earlier years, when the city earned its nickname of 'Steel City'.
Newcastle Museum
Your DIY Newcastle Arts Adventure
Newcastle is known for its dynamic street art and murals, many of which are thanks to Big Picture Festival. From Honeysuckle, walk back along the harbour and just before Rydges Hotel, turn right past the interactive water feature towards the pedestrian crossing and the public art installation 'Contance' the camel. Designed and sculptured by Susan Bleach and Andrew Townsend, the camel represents Newcastle's migrant history, built up of trade tools, and mementoes, as well as cultural, historical, and everyday items.
Continue walking straight, with the side of the Newcastle Museum on your right, until you reach a small lane. This lane takes you back towards the Visitor Information Centre (your shuttle bus stop), but most importantly it takes you past the quirky, iconic works of artist Trevor Dickinson. Trevor is renowned for bold colourful, humorous works, perfect for posing in front of for that ultimate happy snap.
Just past the Visitor Information Centre — look up! The towering Fintan Magee portrait titled 'Shadow' is a beautiful, yet provocative piece exploring the role of de-industrialisation, isolation and renewal. Fintan Magee is an Australian social realist painter, specialising in large-scale murals. Fintan's works can be found around the world, including London, Vienna, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Moscow, Rome, Jordan, and Dublin.
Fintan Magee Artwork
Continue out onto Hunter Street, towards the modern architecture of Newcastle University's City Campus. Just before you reach it, turn left into a laneway and garden seating area. Here you'll discover the mural 'Mirror Ocean' by Newcastle artist, Bronte Naylor, sprawling along the Civic Theatre façade. Naylor is known for creating works exploring the juxtaposition of industrial landscapes with the natural elements of love and decay.
A quick right into the alley between the University buildings (NUspace and University House) will take you to Inari Meyer's striking portrait of a flower-holding, tattooed beauty. Inari Meyer is an Australian, self-confessed 'spray paint enthusiast' whose work, was created as part of Big Picture Fest back in 2020. From Inari's hauntingly beautiful work, head out onto Auckland Street.
Turn right, cross Hunter Street, and you'll see one of Newcastle's 19 independent art galleries — Blackstone Gallery. Once finished there, walk a few doors down to Cstudios Art Gallery (open Weds to Sat) to explore their latest exhibition, before turning back up Auckland Street to Watt Space Gallery, run by the University of Newcastle. All galleries are known for showcasing contemporary, multidisciplinary fine art.
Whether coming from the Newcastle Museum or you just finished soaking up Newcastle's art scene, you're bound to need a sit-down and a refreshing drink. Nearby Darby Street has something for everyone, including plenty of comfy seating to take a break after your busy day. Plus, it features a collection of boutique gift and clothing shops to satisfy any retail needs.
Darby Street is a village-style café and restaurant strip, where freshly roasted brews are poured all day long and the teas, treats, and juices are worthy of writing home about. Some of our favourite cafes include Autumn Rooms and Three Monkeys Café (both open until 3 pm), Goldbergs Coffee House (closed Tuesdays, open until late), and Coco Monde Chocolateria (open 7 days until late).
Boutique shops are dotted all along Darby Street in between the many cafés and restaurants, including Ramjet, Palinopsia Ceramics, Abicus, Blackbird Corner and Steel & Anchor
Autumn Rooms
And that just about wraps up your day in Newcastle. Simply walk back down Darby Street, strolling through Civic Park. Make sure you wander past the centrally located sculptural fountain created by artist Margel Hinger in 1966 and the War Memorial. Cross King Street and the pedestrian crossing directly in front of the park and walk through Wheeler Place where your shuttle bus stop awaits. Remember, the Visitor Information Centre has all your Newcastle souvenir needs.
See you next time
