Things to Do in Newcastle (By a Local)

Deciding on the best things to do in Newcastle, Australia can be incredibly difficult if you don’t know what’s on offer.

I am a Newcastle local who has lived in the area for over two decades. In this post, I will guide you through 19 of the best sights to see and places to visit.

Read on to find out where to get the best history lessons and beautiful views of this wonderful city, which should definitely be on your list of destinations in Australia. Oh, and if you want to know where to hand-feed wild kangaroos just outside of the city, then keep on reading!

19 Fun Things to Do in Newcastle

Nobbys Lighthouse

See the iconic lighthouse that has been guiding ships to Newcastle Port for over 150 years.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Weekdays

Nobbys Lighthouse is one of the most iconic sites in Newcastle. Built in 1857, it originally burnt China Tea Oil to guide ships through the night. More than 150 years later, the lighthouse still acts as a beacon, guiding ships to Newcastle Port.

Nobbys Lighthouse sits on a large chunk of rock that once was an island, known as Nobbys Head. The island held great significance to the Aboriginal people Mulubinba and it soon became important to the European settlers after the first sighting in 1770.

This island was originally much larger at around 60m in height, but using convict labor this was reduced to its current 27.5m. This was to accommodate early sailors as their ship’s sails would lose all wind when they passed behind the large island.

By just walking around Newcastle, you will most likely get a view of Nobbys Lighthouse. These large white walls are a fantastic place to start ticking off your Newcastle bucket list.

Newcastle Breakwater

Stroll along this pier to enjoy the view and feel the South Pacific Ocean breeze.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 Hours Open daily

Newcastle Breakwater is easily visited after Nobbys Lighthouse. Just continue a little further down the smooth asphalt road and you’re there!

Building of the original pier began in 1818 (once again with convict labor, resulting in the loss of many lives due to the savage sea). Although construction continued all through the day and night, it took 38 years to complete.

Walking along Newcastle Breakwater is a great way to feel the South Pacific Ocean breeze. If you visit during rough seas or storms be careful as large waves can slam into the giant rocks so aggressively that water can easily reach the path and drench everything!

Bathers Way Coastal Walk

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a dolphin pod while walking this 5km trail.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4974 6000 | Website | Hours: 24 Hours Open daily

This beautiful 5 km trail is one of Newcastle’s best and most famous walks. While it takes around two hours to get from Nobbys Headland to Glenrock Reserve, I highly suggest stopping at places along the way – many of them are on this list!

If you are lucky, seeing a pod of dolphins is not uncommon and some viewpoints along Bathers Way offer your best chances. If you’re visiting during the winter months, keep an eye out for migrating whales as well!

For more information about the area, look out for yellow information signs. They give a wonderful insight into the history of the area. If you enjoy walking and beautiful scenery, make sure Bathers Way Walk is added to your itinerary.

Bogey Hole

Take a refreshing dip in what’s said to be the oldest ocean pool in New South Wales.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Personally, this is one of my favorite places. The Bogey Hole is a small ocean bath built, once again, by convict labor around 1820. It is easily reached from a winding little road leading through King Edward Park, and the addition of stable stairs means the attraction has never been easier to reach.

While getting to this lovely little swimming hole is now easier, getting in can be dangerous. High swells can send water surging over the rock which forms a barricade from the ocean. For this reason, visiting at low tide can make it a little safer, but always be on guard.

If you’re after unique activities, this is it! Not only is it said to be the oldest ocean pool in New South Wales but it’s also incredibly refreshing with ocean water constantly flowing into the bath.

King Edward Park

Pack a picnic and have a fun day out for the whole family.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4974 2807 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily

Newcastle’s King Edward Park is wonderful picnic location for the whole family. Pack some sandwiches or have an Australian-style BBQ at one of the public hot plates.

Large open fields provide plenty of room for children to run or for a traditional game of backyard cricket. Another iconic place to see is situated in the heart of King Edward Park, the beautifully preserved Victorian Rotunda.

A short walk from the center of the park finds the World War 2 sites of Shepards Hill Battery and Gunner’s Cottage along with stunning views of the coastline.

A great spot for the whole family, with plenty of grass to relax on, and room for kids to run till their heart’s content.

Newcastle’s Golden Beaches

Go on a beautiful beach walk or take a refreshing swim.

📍 Google Maps

Australia is renowned for its stunning beaches for good reason — and Newcastle is a prime example of that. Spending just a few hours around Newcastle, you will most likely encounter more than one beach.

Nobbys Beach is located just beneath Newcastle Lighthouse and is definitely worth a visit for a refreshing swim or a beautiful beach walk.

On the other side of the narrow peninsula is the pet-friendly Horseshoe Beach. Want to gain even more love from your dog? This is where to take them! Many other animals are welcome here – even horses are fairly common.

One safety tip – the ocean should be treated with the respect it deserves. Be careful of rough surf, ocean rips and always swim between the red and yellow flags. This allows lifeguards to spot you easier.

Newcastle Ocean Baths

Take a relaxing dip without the constant breaking waves.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4974 2000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon-Tue & Thu-Fri; 8 am – 5:30 pm Wed; closed Sat-Sun

Not excited by the constant breaking waves along the shore? Then visiting an ocean bath is your best option to immerse yourself in the ocean.

Two main pools can be found in this area: Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Baths. Opening in 1922 and 1935, respectively, these ocean baths are open all year round, apart from regular cleaning and maintenance.

If you’re not that confident in swimming in the ocean, this is the place to wet your feet (pun intended). Lifeguards are present throughout the day and unless the seas are very rough, you are protected by most of the swell and all marine life.

Hand Feed Wild Kangaroos

Bring the common Australian breakfast biscuits “Weet-Bix” and carefully feed these iconic animals.

📍 Google Maps

Is there anything more iconic to Australia than the kangaroo? I don’t think so!

Finding kangaroos outside of a zoo is very uncommon in the cities, but I’ll give an insider tip on how to find them:

The small town of Morisset is about an hour drive from Newcastle, depending on traffic. An alternative way to visit is to catch a train to Morisset station and book a shuttle service through Kroosn Shuttle Service for $20 p/p. 

Finding this park can be difficult as there are no signs indicating where to go. Follow directions to Morisset Hospital, as the kangaroos frequent a park technically on the grounds of the institution. Just be mindful that although you’re allowed to visit, Morisset Hospital is a working facility. 

While feeding these animals is possible by hand, keep in mind these are still wild creatures and should be treated as such. Kangaroos are deceivingly strong and thus can be dangerous, especially if they believe their joey (baby kangaroo) is in danger.

If you would like to feed these beautiful animals, I recommend the common Australian breakfast biscuits “Weet-Bix”. Most likely they will hop over upon hearing the rustling of an opening bag.

Blackbutt Nature Reserve

Visit native animals, including emus, koalas, wombats, birds, snakes, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4904 3344 | Website

If you would like to experience native animals in a more controlled environment, Blackbutt Reserve is the place to do it. With native animals and plenty of sights to see, this is an interesting family activity.

Many short trails weave throughout the nature reserves grounds, where the Australian bush is able to be enjoyed in almost complete isolation. Feeding emus, spotting koalas in eucalyptus trees, and visiting the various enclosures housing wombats, birds, and snakes rounds out an Australian wildlife experience.

Pleasingly, enclosures here are much more ethical than any zoo I’ve visited.

By checking feeding and show times online there is much to be learned on this wonderful day trip from Newcastle. Complete with a playground for kids and BBQ areas, it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Newcastle Memorial Walk

Take in the beautiful sights and pay your respects on this cliff walk.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4974 6000

The views along this 160-meter cliff walk are beautiful, but the Newcastle Memorial Walk holds a much more personal connection for many of the locals.

This section of Bathers Way located above Memorial Drive is a wonderful pathway commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing of WWI [Source]. Almost 11,000 names of men and women who enlisted in other conflicts, including World War II, are displayed along the walk.

ANZAC traditions run deep through the city of Newcastle, indeed throughout Australia, and this is a perfect blend of remembrance while taking in panoramic scenery.

For an extra touch of beauty, experiencing a sunset across Merewether Beach is a perfect way to end the day!

Fort Scratchley

Learn about both ancient and modern history while also enjoying the panoramic views of the South Pacific Ocean.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4929 3066 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily, Closed Tuesdays

History in Newcastle doesn’t get richer than Fort Scratchley. Both ancient and modern history are ripe at one of the city’s most recognized sites.

Ancient aboriginals used both the readily accessible coal seams at the base of the hill, and the height to get a great lay of the land. This fort also has much more recent history; On the night of June 7th, 1942, one Japanese submarine was fired upon. Making this Australia’s only coastal fortification to fire on a naval enemy.

While the artillery guns were decommissioned in 1962, and the base in 1972, Fort Scratchley was opened to the public in 2008.

Take a tour or just walk around this proud piece of Newcastle’s history. Not to mention, the panoramic views are beautiful in every direction over the South Pacific Ocean.

Hunter Valley

Sip delicious wines at one of vineyards in Australia’s most famous regions for wine production.

📍 Google Maps

The Newcastle area was one of the first locations in Australia to begin producing wine, and age has only allowed the production of better and better wine. Today over 120 wineries produce wine in one of Australia’s most famous areas for the alcoholic beverage.

Most of the wineries have their doors open for tastings and it’s not an uncommon place for birthday parties and many other functions. Making approximately 3% of the nation’s wine, there is surely something for every wine lover in Newcastle.

The region of the Hunter Valley is under two hours by car, making for a perfect daytrip from Newcastle. Wine is a major attraction here, though looking out over the rolling hills covered in vineyards is a beautiful sight in itself.

Glenrock State Conservation Area

Hike through untouched nature just 5 km south of downtown Newcastle.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4946 4100 | Website | Hours: 24/7

If you’re wanting to visit a place that’s full of nature, look no further than the Glenrock State Conservation Area. Only 5km south of downtown Newcastle, it is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking.

The array of trails make for a great day out, from lush bush and green valleys to golden beaches and rocky cliffs, there is something on offer for every nature lover. Centrally located in the park lies the calm waters of  Glenrock Lagoon which is also an extremely popular attraction.

Always be on guard for wildlife, venomous snakes can be found throughout Australia and the bush is no exception. Keep an eye out for the native echidna – they can be tricky to spot but are always a highlight!

Lake Macquarie

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere.

📍 Google Maps | Website

This is another awesome day trip from Newcastle that is best for the adventure seeker. Lake Macquarie is a half-hour drive from Newcastle, and being the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere there is a great amount of exploring to be done.

Here you can rent out kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to explore the lake. It couldn’t be easier to have a great day out on beautiful Lake Macquarie.

Convict Lumberyard

Discover the origins and history of Newcastle at this site.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4974 2000 | Website | Hours: 24 Hours Open daily

In the early 1800s, this downtown site was used as a place to store locally sourced materials, including coal, limestone, and timber. After a three-year excavation that began in 1989, many items from the convict settlement period were uncovered, as well as ancient aboriginal artifacts found at deeper levels underground.

There are plenty of plaques detailing the site in more detail making it a great way to learn more about the origins of the city of Newcastle.

Grain Store Newcastle

Drink local craft beers at this favorite spot for both visitors and locals.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4023 2707 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm Tue – Thu; 11:30 am – 11 pm Fri – Sat, 11:30 am – 9 pm Sun; Closed Mon

Located in the heart of downtown Newcastle, The Grain Store is the perfect place to try local brews and socialize. Events are always taking place at this favorite amongst tourists and locals alike.

With over 20 beers on tap and a variety of spirits and wine, every drink enthusiast will find something they enjoy here. Boasting a substantial food menu packed with delicious options there isn’t much more you could ask for.

The building itself has a history steeped in alcohol production. Built in 1885 by Tooheys Brewing Company, it was used as a grain storage facility – hence the name.

Newcastle Port

See the massive coal carrier tanker ships entering and exiting the port.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4908 8200 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Sat-Sun

One of Australia’s largest exports is coal, and the port of Newcastle is the largest exporter of coal in the entire world. From Horseshoe Beach, large coal carrier tanker ships can be seen entering and exiting the port. It is easy to underestimate the size of these giants.

One of the most famous coal ships is the Pasha Bulker. This infamous ship made international headlines in 2007 after it ran aground during a savage storm that devastated much of New South Wales’ East Coast.

Tugboats are used to guide the massive ships in and out of Newcastle Port. It doesn’t take long for this busy port to put on a show.

Foreshore Park

Stroll around this beautiful space that’s perfect for a family day out.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4974 2000 | Website | Hours: 24 Hours, Open daily

Strolling around Foreshore Park is another great family activity. With wide open spaces for games and picnic tables, it is perfect for a relaxed day out. This park is also host to a number of events, including concerts and markets. 

Along with a pond that usually holds ducks floating around, the park has swing sets and playgrounds for kids to keep them active and well entertained for hours.

One of the best things about Foreshore Park is it is within a short walking distance of many other fantastic things to do. Overall, it’s a lovely spot that deserves a visit.

The Lock-Up

Learn about Newcastle’s convict history at this police station turned cultural center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +61 2 4925 2265 | Website

In operation from 1861 to 1982, The Lock-Up was built to support the Newcastle Police Station. While the confinement cells were mostly for short stays of three to four days. It is recorded that some detainees were subject to much longer stays.

In 2007, the once-grim housing was modernized into a cultural center, showcasing artworks and creative thinking projects. Other rooms including the padded cells strewn with graffiti and convict bathing and toilet facilities offer an insight into what prisoners of a different time were subject to.

Reserving this venue is also available, offering one-of-a-kind experiences for functions.

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Thanks for reading! Newcastle, Australia is an amazing city with plenty to offer almost every type of traveler. Up next, check out this Tasmania Itinerary.