At this centuries-old port town you will find antique attractions and art museums. Beyond the city centre explore beaches, nature reserves and wine country.
Discover the historic cityscape, remote beaches and budding culture of the port town of Newcastle. Explore the old buildings and museums of Newcastle’s downtown area, then branch out into the surrounding countryside to find beaches and a wide selection of wineries.
At over 200 years old, Newcastle is one of the oldest cities in Australia. Throughout its history, it has served as a convict-miner colony, a shipping hub and an important centre of industry for the region. Start out at Newcastle Cathedral, where you can get a great aerial view of the city from the steeple of the hilltop church. The red-brick cathedral is one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Learn about the history of this age-old port city at the Newcastle Museum. Discover the city’s humble origins as the site of a colony for convict-miners. While the colony itself has not survived, a 19th-century jail designed by some of Newcastle’s earliest architects is on display at the Lock-Up Cultural Centre. The building has been repurposed as an art gallery, so you can experience Newcastle heritage while exploring the city’s contemporary culture.
Spend an afternoon enjoying Newcastle’s beaches. Survey the waterfront from Nobby’s Head, which looks out over the city and the port. Surfers should head to Dudley Beach, a long, exposed stretch to the south of town. Families should visit Nobby’s Beach, which has calmer waters and is more centrally located. Otherwise, relax in one of the ocean baths.
Explore the area’s natural beauty at Blackbutt Reserve, a 182-hectare (450-acre) bush park. Discover trails, wildlife exhibits and panoramic views just 8 kilometres (5 miles) from town.
Newcastle is a 2-hour drive from Sydney and a 90-minute drive from the Hunter Valley, famous for its vineyards and quaint villages. Take a wine-tasting tour and sample some of Australia’s finest wines. With its outdoor attractions and intriguing past, Newcastle is a destination not to miss.
Top hotels in Newcastle
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
The Executive Inn
4.5 out of 5
10 Rugby Road, New Lambton, NSW
NZ$146
per night
18 Dec. - 19 Dec.
Situated in the entertainment district, this luxury hotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Blackbutt Reserve and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from University of Newcastle. Newcastle ...…Situated in the entertainment district, this luxury hotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Blackbutt Reserve and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from University of Newcastle. Newcastle ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (1,411 reviews)
"They need to cater for smokers. Standing out the front isn’t a good look for business and when it rains there’s no where to Have a smoke without getting wet. maybe cater for smokers to be able to sit down have a drink and smoke would be good Other than that the hotel is great from food to ..."…""They need to cater for smokers. Standing out the front isn’t a good look for business and when it rains there’s no where to Have a smoke without getting wet. maybe cater for smokers to be able to sit down have a drink and smoke would be good Other than that the hotel is great from food to ..."WWW…"
Rydges Newcastle (formerly Crowne Plaza Newcastle)
4.5 out of 5
Wharf Rd & Merewether St, Newcastle, NSW
NZ$207
per night
18 Dec. - 19 Dec.
Located in the heart of Newcastle, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newcastle Civic Theater, Nobbys Head Beach and Newcastle Beach. Merewether Beach ...…Located in the heart of Newcastle, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Newcastle Civic Theater, Nobbys Head Beach and Newcastle Beach. Merewether Beach ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (1,472 reviews)
"Clean hotel, very nice employees. Shower a bit old but other than that, accommodations were nice."…""Clean hotel, very nice employees. Shower a bit old but other than that, accommodations were nice."WWW…"
Corner Of King And Steel Streets, Newcastle West, NSW
NZ$93
per night
15 Dec. - 16 Dec.
Located in the heart of Newcastle West, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Newcastle Civic Theater, Christ Church Cathedral and King Edward Park. Merewether ...…Located in the heart of Newcastle West, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Newcastle Civic Theater, Christ Church Cathedral and King Edward Park. Merewether ...WWW…
3.9/5Good! (1,619 reviews)
"Nothing in particular, except perhaps the back yard views from the windows"…""Nothing in particular, except perhaps the back yard views from the windows"WWW…"
Overlooked by a 19th-century lighthouse atop a rocky headland, this beach and its long breakwater wall are perfect for sunset strolls and romantic moments.
Upload your portrait to the Face Wall, see a 19th-century locomotive and play with fire in the steel manufacturing simulation of this fascinating museum.
Sandboarding, Port Stephens You have to experience sandboarding in Port Stephens. The thrill of sliding down the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes is so much fun! From our meeting point at Birubi beach, you will board our custom built off road vehicles to start your adventure on the short, bouncy ride into the largest moving sand mass in the southern hemisphere.
Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese, Choc & Liquer Tastings
NZ$143
Visit boutique wineries guided by local experts and learn about the wine making process while tasting over 15 different wines. Indulge in local produce and sample gourmet cheeses, chocolate and fudge. Find your favorite and buy some to take home.
Take on the sands of Stockton Beach with an ATV ride that carries you across some of the biggest dunes around. This outing lets you challenge yourself on the high, shifting slopes for an adventure that's both casual and exhilarating.
Embark on a tour around the oldest and most historic areas of Newcastle whilst learning about the city's dark, often violent past. Retrace the steps of infamous criminals and venture down prominent alleys and nooks, listening to the captivating tales that proves truth is stranger than fiction.
CoastXP’s Adventure Tour is a premier offshore boating experience showcasing the magnificent Hunter coastline. Experience the breathtaking coastal scenery of Newcastle, with pods of resident dolphins, seabirds, turtles and other marine life.
Boutique Wine Tasting with Greek Restaurant (Luncheon)
NZ$89
Elite Private Transfers and Hunter Valley Touring offer a self plan wine tasting experience. We provide the vehicle and the driver and you provide the destinations! From the time we pick up until the time we drop you off, you get to decide where we go and for how long.
The beaches are amazing. How lucky we are in Australia to have such lovely beaches for long long stretches.
5/5 - Excellent
Laura
25 Nov. 2019
Newcastle was lovely though.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
4 Nov. 2019
Extremely underrated City
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveller
27 Oct. 2019
Limited and expensive food options.
Central city district appears deserted.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
26 Oct. 2019
Beautiful place, parking not the best
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
25 Oct. 2019
Love Newcastle Now the light rail construction has been completed . The beautification in the centre looks great & it has all come back to life in & around the inner city
