Newcastle

Travel Guide

Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle featuring 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 port city for over two hundred years. It exports huge amounts of coal, and was once a leading industrial centre. Today its economy is diverse and its arts scene, on the rise. The central city is home to heritage buildings and museums. There are miles of superb uncrowded surf beaches on its doorstep, and to the west is the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine-growing and gourmet food regions.

History buffs will enjoy gazing at Newcastle's heritage factories and colonial buildings. Check out Newcastle Cathedral for a look at one of its oldest and most significant. Climb the stairs to the top to get a great view of the city. To learn about the convict-miners who fist occupied the area, visit the Newcastle Museum. The convict heritage of the city may be responsible for the irreverent, fun-loving attitude of the locals.

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

Spend a few hours by the ocean 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 and coastline. 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 with good waves. Visit the Newcastle or Merewether Ocean Baths for a saltwater fix without the waves.

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

Foodies and wine lovers should take the time to explore the charming towns and grape-growing areas of the Hunter Valley. There are dozens of wineries with cellar-door tastings, and plenty of superb local cafés and restaurants serving up gourmet treats to go with the 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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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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Catherine Hill Bay

If you're spending some time in Catherine Hill Bay, Catherine Hill Beach and Moonee Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Catherine Hill Bay
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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
Little National Hotel Newcastle

Little National Hotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
44 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW
The price is RM453 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
RM453
RM499 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (516 reviews)
"Staff were accomadating in allowing me to accept a delivery from sydney that arrived ivernight."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Little National Hotel Newcastle
Rydges Newcastle

Rydges Newcastle

4.5 out of 5
Wharf Rd & Merewether St, Newcastle, NSW
The price is RM604 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
RM604
RM665 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Good location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Rydges Newcastle
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG

4.5 out of 5
514 King Street, Newcastle West, NSW
The price is RM422 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM422
RM464 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable room, staff are very friendly and the breakfast was also very good. Easy walk to the harbour with a number of options for dining and drinks."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG
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! (832 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,878 reviews)
"Location was great. It would have been helpful to know the complex was under construction before we got there. For example, we were sent a map the day before so we could locate our villa - and the map included a pool. Also listed on the amenities list; the pool is not yet built. Not a huge deal. ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 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! (1,528 reviews)
"Amazing Staff. They went above and beyond. Third party booking agent did not pass on necessary request for single beds so I do not rate them highly at all."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 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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