Sunday 24 May 2020

Top 10 Reasons to Visit

Newcastle is surrounded by golden sand beaches and a breathtaking coastline, with a beautiful working harbour as well as cafes, restaurants and bars stretching from the city to the suburbs.

1. City hub
Newcastle is the epicentre of the Hunter Region, offering a cosmopolitan experience and major events, and is less than an hours drive from wine tasting in the Hunter Valley and whale watching in Port Stephens.

2. Beaches and baths
Newcastle is perched at the water's edge, and every beach is waiting for surfers and sandcastles, sunrise photography and sunset picnics. From dawn onwards, expect to see surfers riding the waves and early risers doing their morning laps in the ocean baths. With six beaches, two ocean baths and the Bogey Hole to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to jumping in, getting wet and cooling off.

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3. Nature's playground
The great outdoors has never looked so good! Newcastle is home to an abundance of significant natural attractions that make being outside so much fun. From the nature reserves of Blackbutt and Hunter Wetlands where walking trails, picnics and up-close-and-personal animal experiences reign supreme, to the waterside paddle boarding, kayaking and sightseeing adventures the harbour and river provide. Just 10 minutes from the CBD, you’ll find Glenrock State Conservation Area, a mountain biking mecca, and the perfect place to unwind and explore the bush trails that lead to Glenrock Lagoon, Burwood Beach and beyond.

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4. Newcastle oozes history
As one of Australia’s oldest cities, Newcastle has a rich and proud history, and is bursting with stories to tell. Coal and steel have long been the focal points of the city’s industrial history, celebrated at the Newcastle Museum. Fort Scratchley and Nobbys Lighthouse have offered protection and guidance for the centuries, as has the Obelisk. The convict-built Bogey Hole is the oldest ocean pool on the east coast, while Christ Church Cathedral dates back to 1804.

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5. Cultural hub
Newcastle is jam-packed with artistic and cultural experiences in which to immerse yourself – the majority of which are all within walking distance in the CBD. The Newcastle Art Gallery is certainly a feather in the city’s cap, housing around 6,500 works of art. The stunning, heritage-listed Civic Theatre has entertained locals and visitors alike for the best part of a century. Plus, The Lock-Up, the city’s first gaol, is now an art space showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions.

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6. World-class walks and cycle trails
Marvel at the jaw-dropping panoramic vistas Newcastle has to offer on a walk or cycle around the city. The Bathers Way path, hugging the coastline from Nobbys to Merewether Beach, is a 6km walking track popular with active locals. Don’t miss the Anzac Memorial Walk, part of the Bathers Way, which is a stunning tribute to our region’s Anzacs and the city’s steelmaking heritage. Other popular walking and cycling trails include the Fernleigh Track, Throsby Creek and Carrington areas, Newcastle Foreshore, Blackbutt Reserve and Glenrock State Conservation Area.

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7. Events for everyone
Newcastle has a jam-packed events calendar. From major sporting events such as the Newcastle 500 Supercars Finale and international surfing competition, Surfest, to weekly craft and farmers markets. Every school holidays sees a range of activities at the Museum and Art Gallery, while Civic Theatre has shows from dance and music, to theatre and comedy.

Whether you’re into literature, sport, music, kids shows or art – Newcastle has an event for you.

What's On

8. Food, drinks and after dark
Newcastle is a city that loves the good things in life. By day it’s beach, surf, brunch and coffee. By night it’s food, drink and live music. Whether you’re after fine dining or chilled eats, craft beer or cocktails, Newcastle is spoilt for choice. Our favourite areas include Beaumont Street, King Street, Darby Street and Newcastle East.

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9. Shopping, shopping and more shopping
If you are looking for a new outfit, local art or handmade treasure, you can find it in Newcastle – minus the congestion of the big cities. With three major markets, boutique shopping malls and shopping centres, you can while away the hours in book shops, jewellery stores and photography studios … whatever the heart desires.

10. Working harbour
The harbour has been a key feature of Newcastle life for over two centuries. It’s the oldest export port in Australia (coal to Bengal, 1799), and has about 4,000 shipping movements per year. The harbour is also home to a variety of cruising and boating experiences, from a leisurely afternoon on the water with a glass of wine, to more high-octane adrenalin-fuelled fun. You can also catch a ferry to Stockton and explore the shipwreck walk, while keeping your eyes peeled on the headland for the active Nobbys Lighthouse.

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