A day out in Newcastle
Newcastle is in New South Wales. Hopalong knows 14 things to do and 8 places to eat here, plus day trips to Hunter Valley. Prices are approximate adult prices in A$.
Top things to do in Newcastle
Newcastle Museum
Free · Honeysuckle · about 75 min
Hands-on science and the city's coal and steel story.
Bogey Hole and Bathers Way
Free · Newcastle East · about 90 min
A convict-cut ocean pool and a clifftop walk between beaches.
Fort Scratchley
Free · Newcastle East · about 75 min
Harbour fort with free entry; tunnel tours cost extra.
Anzac Memorial Walk
Free · Merewether · about 45 min
A clifftop bridge with views down the coast.
Bathers Way coastal walk
Free · Newcastle East · about 120 min
Five kilometres from Nobbys to Merewether Ocean Baths, past lookouts and beaches.
King Edward Park and the Obelisk
Free · City · about 30 min
Clifftop park with a lookout over the ocean and city.
Nobbys Beach and breakwall
Free · Newcastle East · about 60 min
Walk the breakwall to the lighthouse as ships pass.
Merewether Ocean Baths
Free · Merewether · about 90 min
One of the biggest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere.
Newcastle Art Gallery
Free · City · about 60 min
Free gallery with a strong Australian collection.
Blackbutt Reserve
Free · Darby Street · about 90 min
Koalas, wallabies and bushwalks close to town.
Free things to do in Newcastle
- Bogey Hole and Bathers Way (Newcastle East): A convict-cut ocean pool and a clifftop walk between beaches.
- Fort Scratchley (Newcastle East): Harbour fort with free entry; tunnel tours cost extra.
- Nobbys Beach and breakwall (Newcastle East): Walk the breakwall to the lighthouse as ships pass.
- Anzac Memorial Walk (Merewether): A clifftop bridge with views down the coast.
- Merewether Ocean Baths (Merewether): One of the biggest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere.
- Newcastle Art Gallery (City): Free gallery with a strong Australian collection.
- Newcastle Museum (Honeysuckle): Hands-on science and the city's coal and steel story.
- Blackbutt Reserve (Darby Street): Koalas, wallabies and bushwalks close to town.
Where to eat
- Café lunch on Darby Street (Darby Street, around A$25): Newcastle's café strip.
- Dinner at Honeysuckle (Honeysuckle, around A$55): Harbourside restaurants by the wharf.
- Fish and chips at Merewether (Merewether, around A$20): Eat by the beach.
- Mr Sister Coffee (Honeysuckle, around A$22): One of Newcastle's most popular cafés, at Newcastle West.
- Slang Coffee Brewers (City, around A$22): Hip CBD breakfast spot run by local roasters.
- Good Brother Espresso (City, around A$18): Known for its toasties.
- Estabar (Newcastle East, around A$15): Beachfront café and gelato at Newcastle Beach.
- Sherwood Coffee Bar (Hamilton, around A$18): A Hamilton coffee favourite.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- Nobbys Beach and breakwall · step-free · pram-friendly
- Anzac Memorial Walk · step-free · pram-friendly
- Newcastle Art Gallery · step-free · pram-friendly
- Newcastle Museum · step-free · pram-friendly
- Blackbutt Reserve · step-free · pram-friendly
- King Edward Park and the Obelisk · pram-friendly
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Day trips from Newcastle
Hunter Valley
- Cellar-door tastings (A$20): About 50 minutes' drive to Pokolbin. Organise a driver.
Typical weather in Newcastle
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 27°C | 8 |
| April | 13°C | 22°C | 8 |
| July | 7°C | 18°C | 8 |
| October | 13°C | 22°C | 8 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.