Discover Off-Beat Bars, Inspired Local Eats, Inviting Beaches And More In Newcastle

You know all about Newcastle. You know it has golden beaches, endless adventure options, a superbly quirky yet also very chic shopping scene, and one of the most thriving food scenes in NSW.

You also know it’s a comfy two-hour drive from Sydney, or an easy flight to Newcastle airport from Victoria, Canberra and Southeast Queensland. But you’re not quite sure what to get stuck into while you’re there, and you need help deciding.

No problem—these are Urban List's top picks for the best things to do in Newcastle.

Get Captivated By The Coastlines

There are incredible beaches to explore in Newy, and only so much time to dip into the water or wriggle your toes in the sand. Take them in from way up high on this scenic helicopter flight, where the crashing waves look like tiny ripples and the whole city, including the parts you’ve yet to discover, is within eyeshot. It’s the best kind of boujee. If the timing works out, then make this whale watching experience a top priority; few things heal the soul more than seeing these majestic creatures up close. To get up close and personal with the coastline, the iconic ANZAC Memorial Walk is a given.

Insider Intel:

• For your fish and chips fix on the beach, we recommend checking out Scratchleys—it's a local institution. 

Get Stuck Into The Local Food Scene

Hopefully, you’ve got a lot of time to explore, because Newcastle is covered for must-visit restaurants, bars, and cafes. This ultra-trendy bike tour kicks off in Nobby’s Beach before heading to the suburbs, showing the best of the area: think street art and local food and drink haunts while you pedal and ponder your move here. There’s also a walking bar tour for roving boozers that like to keep in the know, local style. 

For a quick restaurant rundown: There’s the hatted Subo, a minimalist ode to Modern Australian dining. There’s MEET, the double-entendred BBQ gastronomy haven with cocktails aplenty. There’s Merewether Surfhouse, where seaside sundowners mingle with sweeping views, and upstairs Surfhouse Italian makes it the perfect party. Then there’s The Flotilla in Wickham, a testament to quality local produce with a community feel. 

For bevs, you can’t beat Uptowns’ 80’s & 90’s basketball (yup) bar for a bit of fun. Coal & Cedar, and The Underground bring that speakeasy energy that just feels right with a cocktail in hand. Fuel up the next day with coffee at the minimalist (so you know it’s cool) Mr Sister or visit the legends at Good Brother in Newcastle East.

Insider Intel:

• If you need more, we've pulled together a list exclusively for Newcastle's best restaurants.

Shop Local With It

If there’s one thing the Newy locals do well, it’s a shopping day. It would be remiss of us not to mention Hamilton’s Beaumont Street, complete with the natural drops at Vera Wine, and you simply cannot miss out on the vintage bonanza that is The Retro Wardrobe.  Further down the street in Islington, you'll find the independent boutique Yard Sale Trading Co., plus a plant-lover's dream at High Swan Dive. Finally, head to Wickham’s Studio Lott, home to covetable furniture, fashion, and homewares curated by an ex-Vogue Living editor. 

Insider Intel:

• Browsing markets more your scene? Check out The Olive Tree Market, a love letter to the area’s thriving creative arts scene, on the first Saturday of each month.

Stay At These Epic Hotels And Resorts

Accommodation is a personal choice, we understand. You might like it plush, or you might like a place to simply plonk your bags and get out the door. We’re huge fans of the brand new QT Newcastle, which opened this year and continues its signature style of quirky, cheeky luxury and combined it with fluffy robes and comfy beds, plus cocktails and surprises around every corner. For a simple but quality stay, Quest Newcastle has you covered, with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for groups and families. Then there’s the beloved Lucky Hotel, a quirky pub-style spot that’s ideally located in the heart of the city, so it’s the perfect place to start exploring. Dream. 

Insider Intel:

• Get ready for a well-deserved and rejuvenating trip to Newcastle. KAYAK is making it easy by curating flights, accommodation, rental cars, and vacation packages all in one place.

Image credit: Visit Newcastle | Instagram