Newcastle’s transformation from a smelly, industrial port to one of Australia’s leading smart cities has led to a tourism revival. We like what we see.
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Where the rail line once stood, flowers (lavender and society garlic) are blooming and cafes, cycle paths, a vibrant piazza and lime picnic lawns have sprung up. Today, the honeysuckle smells sweet and tourism is booming in Australia’s second oldest and possibly most under-rated city.
With its own brand of industrial seaside charm, the city at the heart of the Hunter is easier to get around and less expensive than many more high profile coastal jaunts.
Part of its Smart City Strategy and ten-year Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle’s revival includes the new (e-bikes, trams and hip eateries) and cashing in on the old – a stunning coastline and heritage baths and buildings.
Whether you’re planning a two-day or week long idle, here’s the best of the old gold and the new to enjoy.
Chillax by the water
Take your pick of laidback hotels with true-blue water views along the flower-scented Honeysuckle Waterfront or salty Newcastle Beach – with the coast and eateries literally at your door. A waterfront room at the popular Rydges Newcastle, for example, starts at $275 a night.
Rydges Hotel, Newcastle.
Coastal cycling
The upgraded 6km long Bathers Way – with striking sea views between Nobby’s and Merewether Beach – offers one of the most scenic short cycle paths in the country.
The first Australian city to have an electric bike hire network, in 2018, Newcastle established 19 e-bike charging stations and 100 e-bikes for hire across the city (through e-bike company Bykko).
Cycling the Bathers Way.
Ways to get wet
Bathe in history at the circa 1922 Newcastle Ocean Baths or soak in the Bogey Hole, a rock pool hand-cut by convicts in the 1820s, and Australia’s earliest known example of a purpose-built ocean swimming pool.
Continue your ocean crawl exploring the surf and sand of Newcastle, Nobby, Bar, Dixon Park and Merewether Beach, (the latter also has a baths).
Nobby’s Beach.
Fuel up
After all that outdoor exercise dip into the cafes and restaurants along Darby street or watch the tugboats and ships go by at one of the many waters edge eateries, hotels and bars.
At The Station precinct the food ranges from high-end open-air dining at Signal Box, a newly restored restaurant in the signal box of the old rail station, to the down-to-earth comfort eats of regular food truck nights.
Absorb the past
Towering over the skyline, Fort Scratchley and the old clock tower of Customs House add further 19th century charm to the city. Visit these and other architectural beauties (on foot or bike) along the self-guided Newcastle Heritage Trail.
Other historical gems include Nobby’s lighthouse, Cathedral Park, the 1929 Civic Theatre, and the wreck of the Adolphe.
The refined beauty of Customs House.
Meander the markets
Trawl the markets for fresh produce, gourmet goodies, boutique wines, handicrafts and more. The Food and Flower Market is on at Sandgate Wednesday till Friday (7am-2pm) and weekends (8am-12pm). Newcastle City Farmers Market opens at the Showground, Broadmeadow (7am-1pm) most Sundays.
Getting there
Newcastle is located 160 kilometres north of Sydney and can be accessed by air, rail, bus and car. Direct flights are available at Newcastle Airport to and from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Ballina/ Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Adelaide, Canberra and Dubbo.
Getting about
Commencing in 2019, a handy light rail system stops at six key spots in the city centre including Newcastle Beach, Civic, Honeysuckle, Queens Wharf and Newcastle Interchange (in Wickham).
The light rail is a great way to get around.
Further afield
Newcastle is well positioned for other attractions with the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie within an hour’s drive.
At Stockton Beach (across the Hunter River and accessible by ferry) you can stroll, sand-board, quad-bike, horse or camel ride the 32-kilometre long dunes – the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
See also:
–Tyson Mayr’s top five things to do in Newcastle
–First look: Sydney’s first six-star hotel
