The beach and the city side-by-side, that’s just one of the amazing things about Newcastle. The fact that you can be walking down the main street, turn left, and the beach is suddenly there, still kinda melts my mind. Moreover, Newcastle has become a fantastic destination for food lovers, with trendy restaurants popping up overnight and alluring little coffee houses dotting street corners and hidden alleyways. Bright street art and cute boutiques, very big guns and spectacular coastal walks, epic food scene and insane coffee game… Newcastle has it all and so much more!
Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify
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Day One
Morning
First things first – coffee. Get yourself down to One Penny Black, one of my favourite Newcastle cafes. If it’s not too chilly, I recommend nabbing a seat outside and enjoying the fresh morning air. The decor here is lovely, with a rustic, charming and welcoming vibe. The service is fantastic and the food delicious, my favourite breakfast bite being the super-yummy avocado on toast with poached eggs (plenty of avo, lots of flavours!) Also, it’s important to note that the coffee is fantastic. Afterwards, take a stroll around the corner on Wolfe Street, heading up the hill, and down the laneway to your right, brightly adorned with street art of all shapes, sizes, and colours.
While Newcastle is a small place and easy to get around, you’re really going to enjoy it best if you can drive yourself from place to place and maximise your time. I’d recommend hiring a car for the trip, just the smallest, cheapest one is fine.
Hiring a car? We recommend booking it here
If you’re looking for a great way to get acquainted with Newcastle and soak in some seriously spectacular views, head over to Bar Beach. This gorgeous stretch of sand is a local favourite and perfect for a morning swim or just stretching your legs along the shore. The natural rock pool tucked into the northern corner is brilliant for a calmer swim if the surf is pumping, and there’s ample free parking right above the beach, which is a win.
After you’ve enjoyed some time on the sand or in the water, take the walk up to the Newcastle Memorial Walk. I won’t lie, the climb up from Bar Beach is a bit of a workout, but the views you’ll get from the top are absolutely worth it. This stunning 450-metre clifftop walkway was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and features steel silhouettes of soldiers along the path. The 360-degree views over the coastline, city and beyond are genuinely breathtaking. If you want to make it easier on yourself, park up at Strzelecki Lookout instead and walk the flat section, then descend the stairs down to Bar Beach. Either way, it’s an absolute must-do and one of Newcastle’s top attractions.
Mid-day
At this stage of the day, I’d recommend you take in the very best views of Newcastle. Head up to Fort Scratchley, once a coastal defence installation (war/battle stuff) but now a really cool museum! Not only that, but the views up there are the very best Newcastle has to offer and, given entry is free, it’s a must-do. You can either wander around the grounds, soaking in the million-dollar views and the warm sunshine or join a guided tour, which is actually pretty cool cos you get to see some BIG guns and explore the tunnels.
Ready to unwind? Get your fine self over to the Merewether Surf House for lunch in the restaurant. Now, you guys, I’m going to have to insist you ring ahead and book yourself a seat along the windows, overlooking the beach and offering the BEST coastal views. The food here is to die for, honestly, the seafood is incredibly fresh, everything is cooked to perfection and is just so, so tasty. Amazing food, great service, ice-cold beers and unimpeded views of the water – it’s pretty much perfection.
After you’ve soaked in those ocean views and enjoyed your meal and you’re feeling a bit sore from all the walking and exploring, head to Soul of Siam Remedial Thai Massage on Hunter Street. This is hands down one of the best remedial massages I’ve ever had and, trust me, I’ve had a few. The therapists here know their stuff and the treatment is seriously effective. It’s the kind of massage that leaves you feeling like a new person.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on parking, you pretty much have to pay everywhere and the local ticket guys are brutal! Be sure to check the parking, buy a ticket if needed and display it.
Evening
Love food? Well, you’re going to love Subo. With its totally understated facade and simple fit-out, you won’t quite be prepared for the amazing food that’s coming your way. But, a word of warning, be sure to wear your stretchy pants because you aren’t going to want to pass up a single bite (actually, don’t do that, wear something better, this is a nice place.) Rather than being a hoity-toity ‘fine dining’ restaurant, Subo simply creates delicious, high-quality food in a relaxed setting that’s warm and welcoming. Subo serves, exclusively, a five-course set menu that varies with the season – a great way to sample the best, current, produce and experience Newcastle’s food scene.
Day Two
Morning
Another day, another breakfast! Start your second day in Newcastle the very best way possible, with a visit to Moor. I loved the chilled-out atmosphere at Moor, the kind of place you could sit for a little while, sipping coffee after coffee, soaking in the world around you. The breakfast menu boasts classic favourites, like bacon and poached eggs on sourdough, as well as Middle Eastern influences, like Shakshuka or their gorgeous brekky bowl. The coffee here is also fantastic, so be sure to show up hungry and in need of a good cup of get-up-and-go.
After breakfast, take a trip to Bogey Hole for stunning ocean views and, if the weather is warm enough, a swim. Also known as the Commandant’s Baths, Bogey Hole was originally constructed by convicts in 1820, for the private use of Lieutenant-Colonel James Thomas Morisset. Now, you can catch gorgeous ocean views from above and go for a dip that feels rather daring. I’d also recommend pausing on the walk down and stopping to take in the jagged coastline with waves crashing against it – a perfect spot for photos.
If you find yourself in need of a pre-lunch, post-breakfast snack, head directly to Uprising. This fantastic local bakery produces a tantalising range of freshly baked goods, including amazing fresh bread, tarts, pies, and brioche concoctions that will melt your mind. I cannot, ever, in my life, turn down an opportunity to eat a citrus tart of any variety, so I had to try their lemon and white chocolate tart and, holy heck, it rocked my world. 10/10 would recommend.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about running into traffic, because there isn’t really any! It’s great!
Mid-day
If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs and take in more of the waterside, I’d definitely recommend taking a bike ride along the waterfront and, if you fancy it, around town too. I jumped aboard SwipeNRide Bikes, operated by BYKKO, on the waterfront side of Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. I took a fantastic mid-morning ride along the water, stopping along the way, then heading up to Fort Scratchley. It was a really nice way to see things from a different angle and was actually really fun!
If you’re hunting for something special for lunch, you need to get yourself over to Arno on King Street. This Italian-inspired deli is the real deal, serving up Florence-style panini that are nothing short of spectacular. The place is small and unassuming, but trust me, what comes out of that kitchen will blow your mind. I had the No. 10 and was in absolute heaven. These panini are way more filling than they look and taste incredible. The bread has a perfect chew, and the fillings are generous and packed with flavour. Pair your panini with a glass from their carefully curated wine list or grab a coffee and peruse their selection of imported Italian goodies. It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or to pick up something special to take home.
Evening
Wait until you’re good and hungry, then get yourself over to Rustica. This place has the coolest fit-out, with these amazing lanterns coming out of the ceiling like jagged shards of crystal. The menu here offers a range of Mediterranean options that will have your mind split in two, trying to decide what to get. The tapas are fantastic, honestly, just so good! I split three tapas and small plates, with a regional plate and dessert added on for good measure. The highlights were undoubtedly the incredible gnocchi (I’m still dreaming about it) and the insanely good chocolate fondant that, you guys, totally exploded with oozy, gooey chocolate when attacked with a spoon.
Pro Tip: It doesn’t take very long to get anywhere as everything’s close by, which makes getting around very easy and convenient
Where to stay
Need some ideas on where to stay in Newcastle? Here are three options with tips for three different trips (in no particular order):
1. Rydges Newcastle
Located along the water, the Rydges Newcastle offers gorgeous one-bedroom rooms with double doors that open to a modest balcony and gorgeous water views, perfect for sunset. Still easy walking distance to everything you’ll want to see, Rydges offers accommodation that feels like it’s in a space all its own. The one-bedroom apartment is plush and comfortable, sometimes a little too much, making it hard to want to leave the room. Leave the balcony doors open and a lovely water breeze comes in through the curtains.
I also loved the food, with the breakfast buffet offering good-quality favourites and a few fun extras, like fresh juice and DIY muesli stations (and soy milk ready to go! Yes!) and, for lunch, I really enjoyed the perfect plump ravioli. Even if you aren’t staying at Rydges, it’s worth checking the menu and popping in for lunch. Rydges Newcastle would be perfect for anyone taking a staycation or looking for somewhere special and comfortable to stay.
2. NOAH’s on the Beach
If you want great beach views, look no further than NOAH’s on the Beach.. Newcastle’s only 4-star beachfront hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony. Located a short stroll from the CBD, harbour and a selection of great breakfast spots and restaurants, I loved that I could lay in with coffee (from a local coffee shop a stroll away) watching the surfers on Newcastle Beach. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable and parking was free of charge under the hotel. I didn’t get to eat at the onsite restaurant but it looked good and has great views. NOAH’s on the Beach. would be perfect for families, couples or business people simply because of the location.
3. The Lucky Hotel
You’ll find The Lucky Hotel right in the heart of Newcastle, with a uniqueness all its own. The building dates back to the 1800s and is a super cool slice of Newcastle’s history. It’s been renovated and restored, with a quirky, uber-cool vibe. With the bar and restaurant downstairs, the hotel rooms above have direct and all-too-easy access to The Lucky’s great American BBQ menu. You’ll find yourself feasting on chips and burgers, scarfing down pulled pork and sticking your face directly into their amazing brownie bowl, in no time at all. The rooms are small and simple, offering the essentials (free wifi, anyone?!) and comfort to provide low-fuss lodgings for weary travellers. This spot would be perfect for younger guests or anyone in town to catch a gig or have a bad and boujee weekend.
Book The Lucky Hotel here
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Tours: TourRadar
Travel eSIM: Saily
Author: Matthew Turk
Matt is a Brisbane-based adventurer and content creator passionate about travel, growth, fitness and creativity. Matt loves crafting vibrant content that inspires and entertains.
