Newcastle

About Newcastle

Newcastle is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a rich maritime history and a world-famous surfing destination, Merewether Beach. You’ll discover cool bars, quality restaurants and a lively arts culture in NSW’s second-biggest city, perched between a working harbour and beautiful beaches. Visit the attractions with the Newcastle Coastal Explorer, a bus tour.

Home to rock band Silverchair, Newcastle is two hours’ drive north of Sydney. Accommodation options range from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels. A leisurely drive away is the acclaimed Hunter Valley wine region, Australia’s oldest wine region.

Merewether Beach is one of Australia's National Surfing Reserves and home to the international Surfest surfing competition held every February. The waves helped shape the success of Mark Richards, who was crowned world surfing champion four times.

The delicious food scene in Newcastle includes awarding-winning restaurants such as Subo, bars and outdoor cafés. Sip cocktails at one of the many harbourside restaurants or bars at Honeysuckle or head for Beaumont Street in Hamilton for more outdoor cafés. Darby Street, in Cooks Hill, is a bohemian strip with eclectic boutiques, bookshops and cafés perfect for a late breakfast.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy skydiving near Newcastle. The city also offers heritage tours and Fort Scratchley Historic Site has spectacular views of the harbour and the vast Pacific Ocean. During the annual whale migration season, Nova Cruises will take you to where humpbacks play in the sparkling blue waters.

From Sydney, the train journey to Newcastle is less than three hours. A flight from Sydney to Newcastle Airport takes about 45 minutes. Port Stephens is 40 minutes’ drive from Newcastle and a great place to see dolphins in the wild.