Precincts

Precincts

The unique geography and history has defined the city’s eight distinctive precincts, each oozing with individual character and alive with energy.

If you just don't know where to start, the best place to start is with a visit to our Visitor Information Centre. The team of expert locals can help you with activities to suit your interests and point you in the direction of hidden gems, local haunts and the best caffeine around. 

City Centre

The city centre is a mix of buildings, old and new, with rich architectural history blended with edgy new developments. The civic precinct is a focal point of the city centre. Here you’ll find the relaxed greenery of Civic Park, art from around the world at the Newcastle Art Gallery and the Civic Theatre, which is home to dance, comedy, music and family shows.

This 1,400 seat heritage listed building was opened in 1929 and is Newcastle's premier venue for live stage productions. From theatre and music to comedy and kids shows, there's something to suit everyone.

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Grab lunch on nearby Darby Street, pick a tree to sit under and enjoy this green space in the city centre. Take a walk through the Vietnam and WW1 War Memorials or take a selfie in front of the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1970. 

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Get the low down on local tips, upcoming events and hidden gems across the city and pick up a locally made gift for a friend (or yourself).

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Honeysuckle and Harbour

The harbour has been a key feature of Newcastle life for over two centuries. Today, the area is a thriving space with restaurants, cafes and bars taking pride of place and offering stunning water views, while the harbour itself home to a variety of cruises and boating experiences.

From Queens Wharf you can catch the ferry to Stockton and explore the beachside suburb, while keeping your eyes peeled on the headland for the active Nobbys Lighthouse. 

Whether you're on two feet or two wheels, the walk from Nobbys Beach to the Honeysuckle restaurant precinct (or any length in between) is the perfect way to wind down on the way to dinner, or wind up if you're looking to to stride out for some exercise. 

Jump on board a cruise or whale watching tour of the harbour and beyond and learn from a local while enjoying the sea breeze in your hair. 

Who doesn't love a water-side meal? Take your pick from tapas, Japanese, traditional pub grub, craft beer and cocktails. Sit back, watch the ships roll in and the people go by and enjoy a leisurely meal along Honeysuckle. 

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Newcastle East

The heritage precinct of Newcastle was the city’s original focal point due to its important geographic position straddling the harbour and the sea. Sitting high on the headland since 1858 is Nobbys Lighthouse, while standing guard over the city, as it has done for over 200 years, is Fort Scratchley. The ever-appealing Newcastle Ocean Baths are perfect for the morning dip, while Nobbys and Newcastle Beach are both great swimming and surfing spots.

Join a tour of Fort Scratchley and learn about the only fort in Australia to return enemy fire. From the tales of the tunnels to the views from the top we promise you won't be disappointed.

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As Australia's second oldest city, there's architecture and history at every turn. Explore Newcastle's storied past and grab a coffee and snack from one of the many cafes in the area.

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If history, architecture and walking are your thing, check out our other self-guided walks or join a guided tour. 

The Hill and Bar Beach

At the centre of the Hill and Bar Beach you’ll find the Anzac Memorial Walk – a stunning tribute to the Anzacs and the city’s steelmaking heritage. Simply a must, not only for its significance but also for its spectacular 360-degree views.

King Edward Park is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. Dating back to the 1800s, this Victorian park is perfect for a picnic. At the bottom of the park you’ll find the Bogey Hole, the oldest ocean pool on the east coast of Australia.

This must-do activity for first-time visitors to Newcastle is worth the (short) walk. Enjoy the fresh sea air, 360 degree views over the ocean, beaches, harbour and city. Don't forget to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins!

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If you're feeling energetic, add to your ANZAC Memorial Walk experience and walk part (or all) of the Bathers Way. This 6km walk hugs the coastline offering ocean and city views the whole way.

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King Edward Park was declared a public reserve in 1865 and continues to be a popular spot for picnics, weddings, hill sprints and dog walking. Among its defining features are the Victorian rotunda (erected in 1898), towering Norfolk Pines and sunken floral garden.

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The Junction and Merewether

Originally a junction of colliery railway traffic, the Junction today is a hive of activity, with coffee shops, boutique and big-name retail outlets and cosy restaurants creating just the right level of buzz.

The adjoining suburb of Merewether enjoys enviable views all the way up the spectacular Newcastle coastline. Merewether Beach, home to international competition Surfest, is where you find the Merewether Ocean Baths, built in 1923.

The Junction is simply bursting with choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner - and any snack in between. From artisan chocolates to ice cream and coffee, fill your belly before heading to nearby Merewether Beach.

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Perfect for morning laps, wave free frolicking or kids learning to swim, Merewether Ocean Baths are a favourite for locals and visitors alike. 

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Pick up an e-bike in the Junction and take a ride to Merewether Beach, Darby Street in Cooks Hill or further afield to Honeysuckle and the Foreshore.

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Cooks Hill

The lifeblood of Cooks Hill, Darby Street is a local favourite for quirky sidewalk cafes, shops and galleries.

The street is buzzing day and night with locals hanging out at the many cafes or seeking out the latest street designer wear, alternate music, second-hand books and unique jewellery, gifts and homewares.

The leafy streets branching off Darby Street are also dotted with private art galleries where you have the rare opportunity to meet the artists behind the works.

The heart of Cooks Hill, Darby Street, oozes cool and casual. Pick up a second hand book and a new outfit before settling into a meal at a quirky cafe.

Boasting a range of exhibitions and events the world inside the walls of Newcastle Art Gallery is not to be missed. If visiting with children, time your trip with weekly Art Cart activities.

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Download the Newcastle City App and choose from a range of self guided walking trails that wind through the stores, galleries and studios around Cooks Hill (and beyond).

Newcastle West

Part of the western end of the CBD, Newcastle West is home to a number of thriving businesses, as well as the city's transport hub, Newcastle Interchange. It also boasts a number of heritage-listed sites offering a glimpse into years gone by, including the Castlemaine Brewery and Miss Porter’s House Museum.

This flat, scenic path connects the Honeysuckle precinct to Wickham and Carrington. Admire the yachts, the stand up paddle boarders and dragon boaters and enjoy an easy stroll through this lesser known part of the city.

If arriving in Newcastle via train, the Newcastle Light Rail service offers a seamless connection from the Interchange to the CBD. Tap on with your Opal card and get to the CBD in minutes. 

If your visit to Newcastle coincides with open day (monthly), Miss Porters House offers a unique peak into 1900s life in Newcastle.

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Hamilton

Busting with bric-a-brac and antique shopping, Hamilton was home to Newcastle’s first Italian and Greek arrivals and, as a result, boasts a lively coffee culture ready to offer up the perfect brew for a morning energy boost.

Enjoy the day exploring the wide range of stores, before settling down for the evening at any one of Beaumont Street’s thriving bars, restaurants or cocktails bars. 

Head to the Islington end of Beaumont Street and lose yourself in the bric-a-brac stores, opshops and antiques followed by a pub lunch or toastie in a nearby cafe.

Home to the Newcastle Knights, Newcastle Jets W and Newcastle Jets, check the events calendar and join the sea of crowds to cheer on our local team.

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As with every suburb in Newcastle, Beaumont Street offers a range of cuisines from dumplings to Mexican - yum!

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