Newcastle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle which includes surf and surfing
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.

Where to stay in Newcastle

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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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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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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
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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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Warners Bay

Unique features of Warners Bay include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Lake Macquarie or Hunter Ice Skating Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Warners Bay
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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
Little National Hotel Newcastle

Little National Hotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
44 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW
The price is NZ$175 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$175
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (446 reviews)
"Very nice modern hotel. Only annoying thing is Parking is a little expensive and street options not much better. Location fine if you are able to walk 500m to main honeysuckle cafe /restaurants etc."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Little National Hotel 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 NZ$166 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$166
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,008 reviews)
Perfect stay
"Great location and service. Great breakfast"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG
Rydges Newcastle

Rydges Newcastle

4.5 out of 5
Wharf Rd & Merewether St, Newcastle, NSW
The price is NZ$229 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$229
28 July - 29 July
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff were great. Beautiful view from our room. Comfortable bed. Spa bath not suitable to get in and out of for a shower."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Rydges Newcastle
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.
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,850 reviews)
"Overall is good. Like the location and the surroundings."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Jesmond Executive Villas
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! (812 reviews)
"It’s in a great spot, beds are comfortable, spa is great, will stay again"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4 out of 5
111 Scott St, Newcastle, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (954 reviews)
Nice stay.
"Had an issue with the type of room booked and it's unavailability. They were as accommodating as they could to resolve the issue and make it right. Rooms are nice and comfortable with great access to the surrounding area, very historical."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
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.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Newcastle