Nobby's beach and lighthouse in an aerial shot of Newcastle, Australia
COASTAL CALM WITH URBAN VERVE

Cruise to Newcastle, Australia

Newcastle, Australia, offers all the seaside charm of the New South Wales coast with a pleasantly traffic-free and uncrowded vibe. Check out Fort Scratchery, where you'll find the best views of the shoreline as well as a museum and memorial to this spot's importance as a defense outpost in World Wars I and II. Cruise to Newcastle and get ready to hit the waves: Head down to Nobbys Beach to take a dip, go surfing or see the picturesque lighthouse. Or drive less than an hour out to Hunter Valley, home to more than 150 vineyards producing award-winning Shiraz and Chardonnay.
National Language English
Currency Accepted Australian Dollar (AUD)

Things To Do in Newcastle

The Nobbys Head Lighthouse in Newcastle, Australia

Find Your Best Beach

The Nobbys Head Lighthouse in Newcastle, Australia

The Nobbys Head Lighthouse in Newcastle, Australia

Find Your Best Beach

Nobbys Beach is a popular option for families and surfers. Meanwhile, Mereweather Beach is home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest ocean baths complex, which is essentially an open saltwater swimming pool. Newcastle Beach also has ocean baths and is one of Australia's best surf locations. Which beach will you choose?

ANZAC Memorial Walk and Bar Beach in Newcastle, Australia

Walk the Bathers Way

ANZAC Memorial Walk and Bar Beach in Newcastle, Australia

ANZAC Memorial Walk and Bar Beach in Newcastle, Australia

Walk the Bathers Way

The Bathers Way is a scenic five-kilometer walk. It takes you from Nobbys Headland's lighthouse to Glenrock Reserve and Burwood Beach. Along the way, you can stop for a swim at Newcastle Beach and visit Fort Scratchley, which is Australia's only fort to engage an enemy in a maritime attack.

An ancient aboriginal Australian painting in the Newcastle Museum
An ancient aboriginal Australian painting in the Newcastle Museum

Cool Off With Culture

If you're ready to head indoors, visit the Newcastle Museum or Newcastle Art Gallery. The art gallery has a large Australian art collection, spanning from settlement to today. It includes Aboriginal bark paintings and Australian ceramics. Newcastle Museum's collection features 11,000 objects of local significance, such as the historic Fishing Tree and iconic trains.

Duck confit with braised cabbage, baked apple and cranberry sauce served on snow white plate with cutlery on black table background
Duck confit with braised cabbage, baked apple and cranberry sauce served on snow white plate with cutlery on black table background

Local Cuisine

Newcastle is home to a wealth of excellent eateries serving up creative takes on the local bounty for you to enjoy during your cruise. Try Spanner Crab from nearby Fraser Island, spiced duck confit served charred celeriac or garlic prawns caught straight from the ocean. For breakfast, grab a bacon and egg roll from local favorite The Edwards.

Stuffed toy Kangaroo souvenirs for sale at the markets in Australia
Stuffed toy Kangaroo souvenirs for sale at the markets in Australia

Shopping

For a Newcastle souvenir, such as local postcards and shirts, visit the aptly named Newcastle Shop at Newcastle Museum. Alternatively, Blackbird Corner is a locally owned store stocked with clothing and gifts from various independent Australian designers. Darby Street is the city's go-to spot for boutique shopping: Head here for unique fashions and handmade jewelry.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 It's very easy to walk between Newcastle's best beaches and the main thoroughfare, Hunter Street.
2 Remember to always safely swim between the red and yellow lifeguard flags at all Australian beaches.

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