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20 Fun Things To Do In Newcastle For the Best Trip 2023

There are so many fun things to do in Newcastle, NSW, Australia and you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit the city sooner!

Newcastle is a city and port in the Australian state of New South Wales. It is located at the mouth of the Hunter River, about 105 miles (170 kilometers) northeast of Sydney.

1. How to get to Newcastle

You can take the train from Sydney to Newcastle Interchange. This trip takes about 2.5 hours. If you’re staying in this lovely city for the weekend, rent a car here so you can get around easily.

20 Fun and Free things to do in Newcastle, NSW

1. Don’t miss Newcastle Museum.

newcastle-museum-australia
Things To Do In Newcastle: Museum

Visit Newcastle Museum to learn more about the city’s history. It is free to enter and contains exhibits that trace the city’s evolution from convict beginnings to modern, vibrant cities.

Kids will enjoy the theatrics of Newcastle Museum’s Fire & Earth exhibition, housed in three railway workshop buildings, while teens will enjoy A Newcastle Story.

Map: 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

2. Take a whale-watching tour.

Newcastle-whale-watching
Things To Do In Newcastle: whale-watching

Did you know that over 35,000 humpback whales pass by Newcastle’s coastline during their annual migration? The whale migration season runs from June to November along Australia’s East Coast.

3. Fort Scratchley is a historical site where you can learn about the past.

Newcastle-Fort-Scratchley
Things To Do In Newcastle: Fort Scratchley

Welcome to Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defense installation built to defend against Russian invasion.

The 60-minute Tunnel Tours at Fort Scratchley provide unique insight into the Fort’s history but remember to leave time to explore the museums, galleries, and parade and ceremony grounds above ground.

Fort Scratchley is open from 10 am to 4 pm six days a week (closed Tuesdays). Every day at 1 pm, you can witness the Field Gun Firing (excluding Tuesdays).

Map: 1/3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East NSW 2300, Australia

4. Spot unique Australian animals at Blackbutt Reserve

Newcastle-Blackbutt-Reserve
Things To Do In Newcastle: Blackbutt Reserve

You can get up close and personal at Blackbutt Reserve with native Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, and emus. This popular attraction, located in the heart of Newcastle’s suburbs, spans 182 hectares and includes native animals, walking trails, playgrounds, and peaceful picnic areas.

Map: Carnley Ave, New Lambton NSW 2305, Australia

5. Swim at a Golden Beach in Newcastle

Newcastle-beach
Things To Do In Newcastle: Beaches

For a good reason, Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, and Newcastle is a prime example. If you spend a few hours in Newcastle, you will probably come across many beautiful beaches.

Nobbys Beach, located just beneath Newcastle Lighthouse, is well worth a visit for a refreshing swim or a scenic beach walk.

The pet-friendly Horseshoe Beach is located on the other side of the narrow peninsula. Do you want your dog to love you even more? This is where they should go! Many other animals are welcome here, including horses, which are pretty common.

6. Investigate Nobby’s Lighthouse

Newcastle-Nobby's-Lighthouse
Things To Do In Newcastle: Nobby’s Lighthouse

Nobby Lighthouse is one of the most iconic places to visit in Newcastle. It was built in 1857 and used to burn China Tea Oil to guide ships through the night. The lighthouse still serves as a beacon, guiding ships to Newcastle Port more than 150 years later.

Walking around Newcastle will provide you with a view of Nobby Lighthouse. These large white walls are an excellent place to begin your list of things to do in Newcastle.

Map: Newcastle East NSW 2300, Australia

7. Walk along the Newcastle Breakwall.

Newcastle-Breakwall
Things To Do In Newcastle: Breakwall

Newcastle Breakwall is easily accessible after visiting Nobby Lighthouse. You’ll find yourself there just a little further down the smooth asphalt road!

If you want to enjoy the cool breezes from the South Pacific then take a walk along the Newcastle Breakwall. Pay attention to the weather. If the sea is rough and the waves are too big, water will flood the walkway and wet it.

8. Go to the Bogey Hole.

Bogey-Hole
Things To Do In Newcastle: Bogey Hole

The Bogey Hole is a small ocean bath rebuilt with convict labor around 1820. It is easily accessible via a little winding road that runs through King Edward Park, and the addition of stable stairs makes the attraction even more accessible.

If you’re looking for something different to do in Newcastle, look no further! It is not only the oldest ocean pool in New South Wales but also highly refreshing due to the constant flow of ocean water into the bath.

Map: Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

9. Run or cycle along the Fernleigh Track.

Fernleigh-Track
Things To Do In Newcastle: Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track begins in Adamstown and ends in Belmont; the return trip took about 2 hours. Bring plenty of water and food with you on this bike ride. We did see a cafe along the way, and near the Adamstown end, there’s the Fernleigh Cafe, which is just off the beaten path and serves up some fantastic food. Check the opening and closing times, as they close at 2 pm during the day.

Map: Adamstown New South Wales 2289, Australia

10. Go to the Newcastle Art Gallery.

Newcastle-Art-Gallery
Things To Do In Newcastle: Art Gallery

Newcastle Art Gallery is a great place to get a dose of art. The gallery hosts a rotating exhibition schedule. Get your picture in front of the Newcastle Art Gallery with the Brett Whitely egg sculpture.

Please be aware that the Newcastle Art Gallery is closed for renovations and expansion. It is scheduled to reopen in 2024.

11. Take a stroll through a weekend market.

Newcastle-market
Newcastle-market

Newcastle is home to many talented makers and artisans, and there are a variety of markets to choose from on most weekends.

Locally grown produce and food stalls can be found at the Newcastle City Farmers Market and the Glendale Farmers and Artisan Market.

You can get fruit and vegetables in bulk for a meager price if you wait until they are packed up.

12. Take a stroll down the ANZAC Memorial Walk.

Newcastle-ANZAC-Memorial-Walk
Newcastle-ANZAC-Memorial-Walk

Spectacular coastal views and lovely walks are plentiful in this area, but this 450-meter-long clifftop walkway connecting Strzelecki Lookout to Bar Beach is to be noticed.

The ANZAC Memorial Walk, built to commemorate the ANZAC centenary, also connects to the Bathers Way promenade development, a six-kilometer coastal walk that takes in Newcastle’s beaches, stretching from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach.

Map: 24 Memorial Dr, The Hill NSW 2300, Australia

13. Caves Beach is where you’ll find the caves.

Newcastle-Caves-Beach
Newcastle-Caves-Beach

The caves are located on the far right side of the beach, but they are close enough. You’ll be able to walk through a couple of them; they’re small, but they’re worth a look if you’re in the area.

Map: Caves Beach, NSW 2281, Australia

14. Try your luck at a nearby fishing hole.

Newcastle-fishing
Newcastle-fishing

Fishing is a fun and inexpensive way to spend time with your family. With so many lovely waterways in the Newcastle area, you’re bound to find a new favorite fishing spot. Drop a line in the harbor from Carrington or Honeysuckle Wharf, or head out to Lake Macquarie from Wangi Point or the jetty at Green Point Reserve. Read our fishing tips for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter Valley families.

15. Investigate Lake Macquarie

Newcastle-Lake-Macquarie
Newcastle-Lake-Macquarie

Lake Macquarie, Australia’s largest saltwater lake, is nearby and offers many water-based activities. This lake is ideal for fishing, kayaking, boating, and sailing. If you’re looking for a quiet and picturesque walk around the lake, the Green Point Foreshore Walk between Belmont and Valentine is a must-see.

16. Take a stroll through Newcastle’s Foreshore Park.

Newcastle-Foreshore-Park
Newcastle-Foreshore-Park

Another great family activity in Newcastle is strolling through this park. It’s ideal for a laid-back day out, with plenty of open space for games and picnic tables. This Foreshore Park also hosts various events, such as shows and markets. One of the nice things about Foreshore Park is that it is close to many other fantastic things to do in Newcastle.

Map: 32 Wharf Rd, Newcastle East NSW 2300, Australia

17. Keep an eye on the traffic at Newcastle Port.

Newcastle-Port
Newcastle-Port

Coal is one of Australia’s most important exports, and the port of Newcastle is the world’s largest coal exporter. Large coal carrier tanker ships can be seen entering and exiting the port from Horseshoe Beach. It is all too easy to underestimate the size of these colossi.

The Pasha Bulker is one of the most well-known coal ships. In 2007, this infamous ship made international headlines when it ran aground during a ferocious storm that destroyed much of New South Wales East Coast.

18. Port Stephens Sandboarding

sandboarding-at-Birubi-Beach
sandboarding-at-Birubi-Beach

You don’t have to travel to the Sahara to get sick sandboarding photos! Instead, go sandboarding at Birubi Beach in Port Stephens, Australia, just a short drive from Stockton Beach!

What could be better than sandboarding? ENDLESS sandboarding! You can go as many times as you want for less than $20 before catching the 4WD bus back to the starting point.

19. View the coastal scenery along Bathers Way.

Bathers-Way
Bathers-Way

Bathers Way is a beautiful coastal path that connects Newcastle beaches to Nobbys Beach as part of the Great North Walk. You can walk, run, or bike along the path to enjoying the coast’s views, including beaches, viewing platforms, seating, and shady areas. Several paths, including the Newcastle Memorial Walk, connect Bathers Way.

20. Explore the beautiful Glenrock Lagoon.

Glenrock-Lagoon
Glenrock-Lagoon

Glenrock Lagoon is a small coastal creek within the Glenrock State Recreation Area and Awabakal Nature Reserve. The lagoon is well-known for its fishing and swimming, but it also has one of the best bushwalks in the area.

Map: Glenrock Lagoon, New South Wales, Australia

Maris Lopez
Maris Lopezhttp:////my-lifestyle.co
Hey there! I'm Maris, an American girl who is passionate about adventure, the outdoors and all things travel!
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