The Newcastle Weekender Guide

Alex from design trio Kip & Co heads to Newcastle on the NSW Coast to hang out with the cool kids. 

I originally headed to Newie to spend time with my sister who made a sea change from Arnhem Land to Newcastle. I love spending weekends there because not only do I get some quality family time, but I’ve fallen in love with Newie’s pumping art and foodie communities, relaxed pace and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect balance between Australia’s cosmopolitan city centres and whimsical seaside towns. Expedia’s Kiwi travellers usually spend 1-2 nights in town – that’s the perfect amount of time to get a good dose of Newie culture – especially if you use my weekend guide!

Saturday

1. Rise up at Uprising

This place has more hipster-cred than a vegan Brunswick street artist on a fixie. No longer Newcastle’s best-kept secret, the organic bakery and cafe is drawing people from up and down the New South Wales coast who’ve heard whispers of the berry custard brioche. The coffee is so good you’ll smash two before your kimchi and provolone sandwich is finished and be buzzing around singing their praises all weekend long.

2. Walk it off down Darby Street

Hit up the cosmopolitan heart of Newcastle with a stroll down trendy Darby Street. The place is chockas with boutiques to lighten your wallet; favourites include interior’s mecca (and Kip & Co stockist!) Willows Home Trader, clothing and record store, Abicus, and womenswear outfit, Scout.

3. Get merry at Mereweather

Mereweather is seriously jaw dropping. There’s a cracking coastline if you feel inclined to grab a board and try your luck, or if you’re cruising at my speed you’ll just want to soak up the views from the Mereweather Surf House. If you’re picturing some Home and Away moment, forget it, Flathead and Bobbie would be totally out of place here. Grab a proper old-school fish and chips and milkshake downstairs in the uber cool cafe (sandy, bare feet and bikinis welcome), then head upstairs and kick back with a beer on the lounges.