Newcastle Beach
Newcastle
Home to golden sandy beaches, a breathtaking coastline and the gateway to Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley, Newcastle offers visitors an array of delicious cafes, iconic coastal swimming spots and outdoor adventure, making it the perfect weekend getaway for everyone.
Reasons to fly Qantas
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Places to stay
Newcastle is a culinary and artistic hotspot near the sea. You’ll find hotels and self-catering apartments right in the centre of town and amongst the action. Newcastle is also the perfect place to rent an Airbnb with areas like The Hill and Cooks Hill offering up architectural terraces and cottages that go back to the city’s history but with a modern twist. If you fancy a surf shack over a quaint cottage, Merewether is an excellent location that’ll position you close to the beach and close to all the eateries and shops in The Junction.
North of Newcastle, you’ll find idyllic Port Stephens. Stay in a boutique luxury resort or enjoy glamping on the water’s edge. Share the experience with your family in a holiday home, resort style apartments or beachside cabin.
South of Newcastle, discover Lake Macquarie. With the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, there’s plenty of space for water activities or just relaxing on sandy beaches. Stay at a stylish beach house, modern hotel, laid-back B&B or holiday park.
For wine over water views, venture to the Hunter Valley. As Australia’s oldest wine growing region, you’ll find acclaimed gourmet restaurants, delicious local produce and luxurious spa retreats.
Things to do
Newcastle is a big city with a coastal vibe and a thriving culture to explore. Dunking yourself underneath the pristine waters at one of the city’s many swimming spots should always be the first order of the day (no matter what time of year you’re visiting). Grab your board and head out for a surf at Merewether, plonk yourself down on the sand at Nobbys Beach or pay the charmingly retro Newcastle Ocean Baths a visit - there is no shortage of places to swim along this part of the coast.
For those wanting to while away an afternoon or stay for an evening in wine country, the Hunter Valley and its magnitude of cellar doors, like Krinklewood, Peppertree or Tempus Two, are just over an hour away by car or tour bus. This coastal community of creatives and thriving small enterprises is always finding new ways to reinvent and reinvigorate itself. Come soak up the coastal vibes and small-town style of this intriguing and innovative city.
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Food and drink
It will come as no surprise that the vast number of Newcastle eateries are as trendy and forward-thinking as its many other creative outlets. Turn lazy mornings into even lazier lunches at Bolton Street Pantry, Estabar, The Autumn Rooms or Coco Monde. Grab some pastries from Uprising Bakery and spend your Saturday mornings at the Olive Tree Markets. To get a taste for the city’s coastal spin on contemporary dining, book a table at local favourites like Sabo, Grain Store and Ginger Meg’s.
Top 10 things to do in Newcastle
Golden beaches, postcard-perfect ocean pools, a busy harbour and intriguing history make New South Wales’ second-largest city, Newcastle, a favourite travel destination. It’s also the gateway to some of the state’s best wines, 50km northwest in the Hunter region, and yet more beaches and whale-watching waters in Port Stephens, 60km to the northeast.
Getting around
From the airport: Newcastle Airport is located approximately 25 minutes drive from the town centre, and is serviced by taxis, shuttle bus services and rental cars.
In and around the city: buses and taxis service the Newcastle centre. Take a drive or join a tour to expand your horizons to the neighbouring regions.
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