Newcastle

Travel Guide

Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle showing surfing and waves
Soak up the history of one of Australia’s oldest cities, hit the beach, or head out into the countryside to spot local wildlife or explore wineries.

Newcastle has been a portcity for over two hundred years. It exports huge amounts of coal, and was oncea leading industrial center. Today its economy is diverse and its arts scene,on the rise. The central city is home to heritage buildings and museums. Thereare miles of superb uncrowded surf beaches on its doorstep, and to the west isthe Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine-growing and gourmet foodregions.

History buffs will enjoygazing at Newcastle's heritage factories and colonial buildings. Check outNewcastle Cathedral for a look at one of its oldest and most significant. Climbthe stairs to the top to get a great view of the city. To learn about theconvict-miners who fist occupied the area, visit the Newcastle Museum. Theconvict heritage of the city may be responsible for the irreverent, fun-lovingattitude of the locals.

Visit the Lock-Up CulturalCentre to explore a 19th-century jail complete with padded cell and exerciseyard. Inside you’ll see exhibitions by local artists. For more art, drop by theNewcastle Gallery. There are some excellent Australian works as well as regularexhibitions.

Spend a few hours by theocean at Foreshore Park. There are playgrounds for kids and also picnic areas.Walk the breakwater and climb Nobby’s Head for excellent views of the city andcoastline. When it’s time to cool off, take a swim at one of the many beaches.Try Nobby’s Beach for calmer surf or Dudley Beach for an uncrowded stretch withgood waves. Visit the Newcastle or Merewether Ocean Baths for a saltwater fixwithout the waves.

Drive 5 miles (8 kilometers)from town to Blackbutt Reserve. It’s a 450-acre (182 hectare) bush reserve with hiking trails ofvarying difficulty, and animal exhibits including wallabies, koalas and nativebirds.

Foodies and wine loversshould take the time to explore the charming towns and grape-growing areas ofthe Hunter Valley. There are dozens of wineries with cellar-door tastings, andplenty of superb local cafés and restaurants serving up gourmet treats to go withthe local wines.

Where to stay in Newcastle

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Caves Beach

Some popular features of Caves Beach include its beaches and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Lake Macquarie or Catherine Hill Beach are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Caves Beach
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Merewether

Unique features of Merewether include the beaches and bars. Make a stop by Merewether Beach or Merewether Ocean Baths while you're exploring the area.

Merewether
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Swansea

While there might not be top attractions in Swansea, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lake Macquarie and Belmont Golf Course.

Swansea
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Charlestown

Shopping, restaurants and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Charlestown. Check out Charlestown Square or Twin Creeks Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Charlestown
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Belmont

Unique features of Belmont include the lake views and shopping. Make a stop by Blacksmiths Beach or Lake Macquarie while you're exploring the area.

Belmont
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Warners Bay

Unique features of Warners Bay include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Lake Macquarie or Hunter Ice Skating Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Warners Bay
Little National Hotel Newcastle
Little National Hotel Newcastle
4 out of 5
44 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW
The price is €101 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€101
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (311 reviews)
"Absolute best experience of a hotel. Self check in so fast & easy, fresh modern apartment with secure parking. Staff on hand if you need help. Great location."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Little National Hotel Newcastle
Rydges Newcastle
Rydges Newcastle
4.5 out of 5
Wharf Rd & Merewether St, Newcastle, NSW
The price is €127 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€127
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Fantastic"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Rydges Newcastle
The Executive Inn
The Executive Inn
4.5 out of 5
10 Rugby Road, New Lambton, NSW
The price is €101 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€101
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"there could have been a toaster in the room"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

The Executive Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
4 out of 5
Corner of Wright Lane and, Settlement Lane, Newcastle, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Newcastle Beach and ...
7.4/10 Good! (783 reviews)
Would highly recommend this property
"My apartment was wonderful, spacious, clean & modern. All amenities that you could want for a short or long stay including washing machine and tumble dryer!!"

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
Jesmond Executive Villas
Jesmond Executive Villas
4 out of 5
189 Newcastle Road, Jesmond, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Newcastle Beach and Allowah ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,804 reviews)
"Alot of street kids and people hanging out at the front of hotel and making too muj noise throughout the night but overall the room was good and comfortable aircon was really good though."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Jesmond Executive Villas
Crown on Darby
Crown on Darby
4 out of 5
101 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,492 reviews)
"Thankyou for your hospitality,staff were really helpful and welcoming,property was clean and close to everything."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Crown on Darby
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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