Top 10 Things to Do this Summer in Newcastle

Summer in Newcastle is a spectacular season where our coastal city truly comes alive!

From sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear ocean pools to vibrant festivals and outdoor dining, Newcastle offers an abundance of activities perfect for the warm weather.

Whether you're planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, this guide will showcase the top 10 must-do experiences that make Newcastle an unforgettable summer destination.

Newcastle is home to two incredible public Ocean Baths, providing endless opportunities to free fun over the summer months; Newcastle and Merewether.

Newcastle Ocean Baths features a large lap and free swim pool, and has an iconic art deco façade and picturesque tiered aqua steps.

Merewether Ocean Baths is just down from Merewether Surfhouse, making it an ideal spot to grab an ocean-side ice cream or coffee between laps and summer sunshine with friends. Divided into two pools, with one pool featuring a shallow sandy section perfect for sandcastles and water play.

Insider tip: The baths are closed one a week for cleaning Newcastle are every Wednesday and Merewether every Thursday. 

Right in the heart of the action, Newcastle Beach is the ultimate day trip drawcard for beach lovers keen to surf between sightseeing, savouring incredible eats, and scoping out the city's eclectic street art. This popular surf break attracts surfers, bodyboarders, and plenty of sun-seeking swimmers.

Newcastle Beach is next to the Ocean Baths, and has a well-stocked and eclectic kiosk, with nearby cafes and restaurants, plus a specialty ice creamery. Murals can also be found at the nearby skate park and through the beach access tunnels. The always impressive Bathers Way Walk passes here too.

If you're looking for an active all ages experience to do with friends and family in Newcastle, the Bathers Way walk is a must-do outdoor adventure (6km one-way) along the coast, connecting our many great places to stop and swim, plus historical highlights, while taking in the natural beauty of the coast.

Strzelecki Lookout is the high point of Bathers Way and is a favourite spot for paragliders. It also marks one end of the elevated 450m Anzac Memorial Walk, where you can take in sweeping beach views and revel in the crystal-clear waters below.

Nobbys Beach and Macquarie Pier mark the far end of Bathers Way, stretching northeast. During summer in Newcastle, Nobbys Beach is a bustling hive of outdoor fun; paddle boarding to beginner surfers, snorkelers to windsurfers, simply find your inspiration and choose your adventure.

Whether you're heading out for dinner with family or friends, the Honeysuckle dining precinct offers an abundance of cultural inspiration in a beautiful waterfront location. During summer in Newcastle it is the place to head to experience a vibrant atmosphere, summer cocktails at a nearby bar, sunset hour aperitifs, or course after course of fresh local produce as the daylight transforms to stars.

Enjoy a glass or two of Hunter Valley wine in the late afternoon, followed by fresh seafood, Japanese cuisine, or Australian pub classics. And nothing says holidays like harbour views, hot summer evenings, and time spent with your loved ones.

The iconic Bogey Hole is one of Newcastle’s most Instagrammable landmarks and loved by locals. Accessible via King Edward Park, the ocean swimming pool was carved out by convicts from a natural rock shelf and is on the NSW State Heritage Register as the earliest known example in Australia of a purpose-built ocean swimming pool.

Tuck your towel in a rock crevice with all the locals and then dip your toes into this unique part of our coast and history. Sometimes calm, other times chaotic, this is an ocean experience like no other.

Insider tip: Ocean temps during February are when the Bogey Hole is its most popular.

The Newcastle Memorial Walk is adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers, as well as the names of almost 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women who enlisted to serve during World War I.

As well as honouring the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War I, this date also marks the commencement of steel making in Newcastle; the ANZAC memorial walk was built using 64 tonnes of stainless steel for this very reason.

Ten minutes from the city centre, Blackbutt Reserve is the ultimate picnic spot amongst nature. Take a stroll through the bush, meet native wildlife, be dwarfed by soaring gums, and listen to a cacophony of bird calls.

The free animal trail features koalas, wombats, wallabies, finches, frogs and so much more. During school holidays there are also special events and all-age animal shows.

Located in the historic Honeysuckle Railway workshops, the Newcastle Museum is right in the heart of the city. The museum brings to life significant moments of past, present, and future in three major permanent exhibitions open free to visitors. A Sunday afternoon spent at the museum will keep the little ones happy.

Art lovers will delight in exploring Newcastle's eclectic range of independent art galleries and towering murals brightening up laneways and architecture. Art classes are available in some metro galleries, plus special art events occur throughout the summer.

Markets are a popular weekend event throughout summer and are a great way for visitors to pick up souvenirs, and handmade treats, plus get to know the local creators and makers.

The Station in Newcastle East frequently hosts markets that feature locally made treats and fashion items. Newcastle City Farmers Markets is also a great place to pick up fresh food and premium produce.

Newcastle is also home to many boutique shops selling artist wares and unique Newcastle mementos, so be sure to explore Darby Street and Newcastle East to find some truly local gems.

Whether visiting at the start of summer or stopping by in late February, a summertime holiday in Newcastle is bound to crossover with our exciting events calendar, including music festivals, cinema under the stars special screenings at King Edward Park, plus the many concerts and comedy shows at the Civic Theatre.

Laughing with house comedians, dancing to jazz, and enjoying live music while grabbing a drink at the bar will always be an hour or two well spent.

Summer in Newcastle is more than just a season – it's an experience filled with endless possibilities!

From the refreshing waters of our iconic ocean baths to the vibrant atmosphere of our waterfront dining scene, there's something special waiting around every corner.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun, Newcastle delivers unforgettable summer memories against a backdrop of stunning views.

Make the most of your visit and check out our accommodation options to turn your summer day trip into a perfect getaway. Your ultimate summer adventure in Newcastle awaits!