Newcastle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle
Newcastle which includes surf and surfing
Soak up the history of one of Australia’s oldest cities, hit the beach, or head out into the countryside to spot local wildlife or explore wineries.

Newcastle has been a port city for over two hundred years. It exports huge amounts of coal, and was once a leading industrial centre. Today its economy is diverse and its arts scene, on the rise. The central city is home to heritage buildings and museums. There are miles of superb uncrowded surf beaches on its doorstep, and to the west is the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine-growing and gourmet food regions.

History buffs will enjoy gazing at Newcastle's heritage factories and colonial buildings. Check out Newcastle Cathedral for a look at one of its oldest and most significant. Climb the stairs to the top to get a great view of the city. To learn about the convict-miners who fist occupied the area, visit the Newcastle Museum. The convict heritage of the city may be responsible for the irreverent, fun-loving attitude of the locals.

Visit the Lock-Up Cultural Centre to explore a 19th-century jail complete with padded cell and exercise yard. Inside you’ll see exhibitions by local artists. For more art, drop by the Newcastle Gallery. There are some excellent Australian works as well as regular exhibitions. 

Spend a few hours by the ocean at Foreshore Park. There are playgrounds for kids and also picnic areas. Walk the breakwater and climb Nobby’s Head for excellent views of the city and coastline. When it’s time to cool off, take a swim at one of the many beaches. Try Nobby’s Beach for calmer surf or Dudley Beach for an uncrowded stretch with good waves. Visit the Newcastle or Merewether Ocean Baths for a saltwater fix without the waves.

Drive 8 kilometres (5 miles) from town to Blackbutt Reserve. It’s a 182 hectare (450-acre) bush reserve with hiking trails of varying difficulty, and animal exhibits including wallabies, koalas and native birds.

Foodies and wine lovers should take the time to explore the charming towns and grape-growing areas of the Hunter Valley. There are dozens of wineries with cellar-door tastings, and plenty of superb local cafés and restaurants serving up gourmet treats to go with the local wines.

Where to stay in Newcastle

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Merewether

Unique features of Merewether include the beaches and bars. Make a stop by Merewether Beach or Merewether Ocean Baths while you're exploring the area.

Merewether
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Caves Beach

Some popular features of Caves Beach include its beaches and restaurants. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Lake Macquarie or Belmont Golf Course are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Caves Beach
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Charlestown

Shopping, restaurants and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Charlestown. Check out Charlestown Square or Twin Creeks Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Charlestown
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Swansea

While there might not be top attractions in Swansea, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lake Macquarie and Belmont Golf Course.

Swansea
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Warners Bay

Unique features of Warners Bay include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Lake Macquarie or Hunter Ice Skating Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Warners Bay
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Belmont

Unique features of Belmont include the lake views and shopping. Make a stop by Blacksmiths Beach or Lake Macquarie while you're exploring the area.

Belmont
Little National Hotel Newcastle

Little National Hotel Newcastle

4 out of 5
44 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$167 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$167
per night
31 Aug - 1 Sept
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (456 reviews)
"It’s always an amazing experience staying at LN Newcastle ! Thank you"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Little National Hotel Newcastle
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG

4.5 out of 5
514 King Street, Newcastle West, NSW
The price is AU$143 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$143
per night
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Convenient location
"Friendly service , welcoming check-in Room very clean , would of liked some sanitation gel in breakfast area Close to Newcastle interchange 5 min walk"

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle by IHG
Rydges Newcastle

Rydges Newcastle

4.5 out of 5
Wharf Rd & Merewether St, Newcastle, NSW
The price is AU$198 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$198
per night
3 Aug - 4 Aug
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Our room had recently been renovated, new furniture, curtains, new bathroom and freshly painted. Great views from the balconies. We would have like more options in the In-Room dining menu."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Rydges Newcastle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Jesmond Executive Villas

Jesmond Executive Villas

4 out of 5
189 Newcastle Road, Jesmond, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Newcastle Beach and Allowah ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,856 reviews)
"Easy no fuss online check in! Fantastic short walk to shops with plenty of dinner options! Parking was fine. Property was great size with big outdoor area for 2 adults 3 children. Only 1 thing i would suggest is regular deep clean of the property. Its the little things that matter. Overall a great ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Jesmond Executive Villas
Honeysuckle Executive Apartments

Honeysuckle Executive Apartments

4 out of 5
Corner of Wright Lane and, Settlement Lane, Newcastle, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Newcastle Beach and ...
7.4/10 Good! (814 reviews)
Great experience in Newcastle
"Great place to stay, close to restaurants and the wharf restaurants. Clean and easy to access with the code system and no entry card or keys to worry about."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Honeysuckle Executive Apartments
Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

4 out of 5
111 Scott St, Newcastle, NSW
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Newcastle. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (957 reviews)
Nice stay.
"Had an issue with the type of room booked and it's unavailability. They were as accommodating as they could to resolve the issue and make it right. Rooms are nice and comfortable with great access to the surrounding area, very historical."

Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2025

Terminus Apartment Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Newcastle