12 Best Things To Do In Newcastle NSW

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I do know Newcastle nicely. Or not less than I believed I did.

After we took our highway journey round Australia, and landed in Australia’s seventh greatest metropolis, we realized there have been so many issues to do in Newcastle as a household that we hadn’t seen earlier than.

I quickly found there was extra to Newcastle past the riverfront stroll, Nobby’s Seashore and numerous pubs.

Newie (because it’s known as by the locals) was the place to exit after I was youthful. It was a 90 minute practice journey away from the place I grew up and I used to come back right here so much to benefit from the nightlife. It was all the time saved for particular events and memorable moments.

However, a metropolis is greater than its nightlife. Now as a household, we had dipped into Newcastle a number of occasions over the previous couple of years, and we’ve found that Newcastle has had fairly the resurgence over the previous few years. There are such a lot of extra sights now than there was.

That can assist you plan your journey, I’ve listed all the very best sights in Newcastle and issues to do, so that you and your loved ones can take advantage of out of your journey.

Is Newcastle Price Visiting

Newcastle was all the time often called a celebration metropolis however that notion is altering. It’s applied a number of inventive applications to deliver again the tradition and humanities to the town.

Artists have been invited on particular applications to work and showcase their items within the metropolis centre and there was an enormous development within the cafe and restaurant scene.

It’s additionally turning into fairly the espresso and foodie haven, and also you’re by no means wanting quirky locations to eat in Newcastle.

It’s not nearly pubs and trade anymore. Newcastle is a metropolis of wealthy historical past, quirky tradition and superb surroundings. It’s additionally a metropolis of superlatives and a deepening soul.

For that motive, it’s positively price a go to.

Newcastle Historical past

Earlier than I present you the very best issues to do in Newcastle, listed here are a number of attention-grabbing information we found about Newcastle:

• It’s the second oldest metropolis in Australia. There’s argument with Hobart, however the fact is Newcastle was settled first in 1797, however colony didn’t work. Hobart started in 1804, Newcastle returned after that and efficiently re-settled.
• Newcastle recorded the primary Australian export of coal in 1799 when 50 tonnes was shipped to Bengal through Sydney.
• It’s a convict metropolis and place of the primary convict industrial exercise in Australia.
• In 1801 Australia’s first coal mine was established in Newcastle beneath the current website of Fort Scratchley utilizing convict labour.
• Fort Scratchley’s 6-inch weapons fired on a Japanese submarine throughout World Conflict II. That is the primary and solely time that Australian Weapons have fired on an enemy vessel throughout struggle.
• Set on the foot of Newcastle’s Shepherds Hill and King Edward Park, The Bogey Gap is considered one of Australia’s oldest ocean baths. The Bogey Gap was carved out of the cliffs by convicts by order of Commandant Morisset in about 1820.

You possibly can study extra concerning the historical past of Newcastle on the Newcastle Museum, for those who’re .

Issues to Do in Newcastle

Now you already know a bit of bit extra concerning the metropolis, it’s time to introduce you to the highest sights in Newcastle…

1. Go to Fort Scratchley

I used to be pleasantly shocked by Fort Scratchley. I’m embarrassed to say in spite of everything my years of coming to Newcastle, I didn’t know of its existence! No pubs in it I assume.

Aside from a few of the greatest views in Newcastle looking to the ocean for some whale watching (from June to November), throughout the harbour to Stockton seaside, and again over to a reasonably cityscape, Fort Scratchley has immense worth in its historical past.

This fort was nicely positioned to guard the town of Newcastle with weapons on prime of the fort and within the tunnels under that each one goal upon the ocean, harbour entrance, and river.

On our go to to Fort Scratchely, we realized that Nobbys lighthouse on the highest of the hill on the northern finish of Nobby’s Seashore was as soon as an island.

A break wall was constructed to guard the harbour and so created considered one of Newcastle’s hottest seashores and, as it’s a south going through seaside, helped to create a few of Newcastle’s greatest browsing breaks.

It was unlikely an enemy vessel would make it via the harbour into the town. Throughout WWII the Fort fired upon a Japanese submarine that bombarded Newcastle with shells.

The six inch weapons are nonetheless used as we speak throughout particular ceremonies akin to Anzac and Australia Day providers. And sure, they hearth blanks. (I did examine).

The ladies actually liked working across the tunnels and I extremely suggest you pay the payment to see this a part of the Fort. I don’t assume you’ll admire the Fort as a lot with out doing it.

• Fort Scratchley is opened Weds- Mon from 10-4pm.
• Tunnel excursions are $12 grownup, $6 for teenagers, $30 household

2. Examine Out The Lock Up

The Lock-Up was Newcastle’s Police Station from 1861 till its closure in 1982.

The heritage listed cells, as soon as held offenders who had been drunk and disorderly, insulting cops, tried suicide, swearing in public or who had been concerned in historic occasions such because the Coal Strike of 1909, the Clara Road Eviction riots through the Nice Despair and the 1979 Star Resort riot (which is sung about within the Chilly Chisel track, Star Resort).

The constructing now contains six cells – each males’s and girls’s – a really uncommon instance of a padded cell, and two train yards separated for women and men.

There’s additionally the lobby, which was additionally the cost room—the place the place the riff raff had been measured, photographed and charged.

It was solely a matter of time. That’s what you get for not eager to sleep!

• The Lock up is opened Wednesday – Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• Excursions Common Tour (20mins) $3 per particular person, Detailed Tour (45mins) $5 per particular person
• Situated 90 Hunter Road Newcastle.

Lock Up Centre Artwork

Newcastle is a College city which brings numerous tradition, innovation and humanities unto itself. We had been impressed to listen to of the Artists in Residents program on the Lock Up Centre.

It’s contained in the outdated metropolis jail, and artists can now take up residence in an condo on the primary flooring for as much as three weeks at a time, in an effort to analysis and research for his or her newest masterpieces.

Contained in the historic constructing can also be curated exhibitions by Lock-Up workers and native artists.

Newcastle Artwork Gallery holds the second largest assortment of artwork in NSW and there are many smaller personal artwork galleries to peruse.

There’s additionally a number of well-known names to have come from Newcastle: Jennifer Hawkins, Silverchair, Andrew Johns, Clive Churchill, Yahoo Critical.

3. Examine Out Newcastle’s Espresso Tradition

For quirky tradition, boutique buying and significantly good cafes Darby Road is the place to wander of a day. The one tense factor is making an attempt to decide on which of the 20 cafes to chillax in.

I like to recommend Frankie’s Place.

I used to be actually happy to see how a as soon as drab and boring metropolis centre is now providing all kinds of eclectic and funky cafes, eating places, and outlets.

It’s all due to the Renew Newcastle undertaking. Renew Newcastle was based to assist remedy the issue of Newcastle’s empty CBD.

It goals to seek out artists, cultural tasks and neighborhood teams to make use of and keep these buildings till they change into commercially viable or are redeveloped.

I solely want we had extra time to discover. Renew Newcastle was discovering makes use of which can be usually so attention-grabbing they’re turning into vacationer sights

4. Examine Out the Newcastle Metropolis and Farmer’s Market

Let’s discuss concerning the meals in Newcastle. Effectively I used to be impressed.

From Spanish tapas, to fancy French delicacies, and German prosting enjoyable, Newcastle is bringing on the tradition. Take a look at Sprocket Roasters, and Estabar for some nice meals.

However debatable the very best place to seek out meals in Newcastle is on the farmer’s market. Each Sunday the town holds a Newcastle Metropolis and Farmer’s Market out on the Leisure Centre. It’s a fantastic place to choose up contemporary and low cost produce.

There are a number of stalls that promote different conventional market wares like wind chimes, crafts, and hand-woven baggage.

5. Examine Out the Gorgeous Newcastle Seashores

Novacastarians are significantly spoilt for pure magnificence.

The shoreline beckons surfers, day trippers, well being nuts and people wishing to sit down in peaceable silence. We stood and watched the surf for a while – lovely breaks, with little competitors for them.

Newcastle has three distinctly totally different sandy seashores, they usually’re interlinked by one nice coastal stroll known as Bathers Manner which options rugged cliffs and reefs, rock swimming pools, enormous salt water ocean baths, heritage websites and parklands.

Merewether Seashore is among the most well-known seashores as a result of it has an ocean pool, and it’s additionally the place worldwide browsing competitions are held.

Not solely does Newcastle have an infinite decide of oceans to take pleasure in, the Hunter River additionally meanders via. Newcastle is a port city so you may sit and watch freighters, small fishing vessels or cruise boats sail out and in.

There are many picnic areas or eating places to benefit from the view.

6. Go Sand Boarding in Port Stephens

To the North, only a brief ferry experience from Newcastle lies the Stockton sand dunes in Port Stephens, the most important shifting coastal sand mass within the southern hemisphere.

The sand dunes have shaped the background of many movies, together with the favored Australian ‘Mad Max’ movies. It’s additionally a well-liked spot for 4 wheel driving, quad bike driving, and sandboarding excursions. It’s wild, distant and unpopulated.

7. Examine Out The Vineyards and Wineries of Hunter Valley

To the west are the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, an especially standard and well-known Australian vineyard space.

But it surely’s not solely recognized for having the very best wine in Australia, you may as well pattern cheese and chocolate, in addition to different alcoholic drinks akin to beers and spirits in Hunter Valley.

Go to native boutique wineries and distilleries and ignite your style buds!

8. Go to The Hunter Wetlands

Then there was the Hunter Wetlands Centre.

I’d by no means heard of it, which is a disgrace as a result of it has extra fowl species than Kakadu Nationwide Park. Kakadu!!!

It’s a very peaceable and particular place that may be appreciated through its strolling trails or by Segway.

9. Loosen up on the Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral, also called the Cathedral Church of Christ the King, is a surprising constructing in Newcastle that has an enormous garden and grounds that you would be able to sit on and loosen up.

Photographers will love photographing the intricate structure of the constructing, whereas historical past lovers will take pleasure in exploring the pews and corridors contained in the church.

You will see Newcastle’s principal Conflict Memorial and Memorabilia artifacts contained in the church, in addition to lovely non secular art work and stained glass home windows.

As lovely because the constructing is, keep in mind it’s nonetheless a home of worship, and to be quiet and respectful when visiting.

10. Take the Children to Oakvale Wildlife Park

See a few of Aussie’s native wildlife from koalas, wombats, kangaroos, emus and extra on the Oakvale Wildlife Park.

The park is 25 acres huge and has solely native Australian animals, from home cattle to unique animals.

You possibly can stroll across the park and see the animals, or participate in wildlife encounters the place you get to satisfy the animals up shut.

This is among the prime issues to do in Newcastle with children.

Should you loved the expertise at Oakvale, then you may as well see extra native animals at Blackbutt Reserve, however I solely suggest visiting one wildlife park for those who’re brief on time.

11. Stroll the Anzac Memorial Stroll (Newcastle Memorial Stroll)

Should you’re searching for outdoorsy issues to do in Newcastle, then a delicate stroll alongside the 450 meter Newcastle Memorial Stroll is the perfect technique to spend a number of hours absorbing the solar and taking within the views.

The stroll takes you to Strzelecki Lookout (between Bogey Gap, King Edward Park and Bar Seashore).

It was created in 2015 to mark the a hundredth Anniversary of the WWI ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Military Corps) touchdown at Gallipoli.

Alongside the stroll, you’ll go metal sculptures of troopers on the trail, that are to commemorate those that misplaced their lives through the struggle.

12. Go to Glenrock State Conservation Space

Situated simply 5km exterior of Newcastle is the Glenrock State Conservation Space within the Lake Macquarie native authorities space. It’s recognized for its rugged forest and wonderful climbing and mountain biking trails.

It has many seashores, bush walks via the rainforest and waterfalls, and can also be house to the long-lasting Glenrock Lagoon.

The Glenrock Lagoon is a small contemporary water creek that sits behind Glenrock Seashore. It’s the proper place to go for a swim if the waves on the seaside are too sturdy.

The place to remain in Newcastle?

Newcastle does have fairly the scarcity of lodging choices, which is on their long-term plans to enhance upon.

We stayed on the Quest serviced flats. It was very snug, clear and centrally situated. We love condo stays and this one checked off all the pieces on the record.

We liked the Winter Hotter’s bundle which included a Quest DVD Pack – popcorn, marshmallows, scorching chocolate combine tin and limitless DVD rent and a complimentary bottle of Hunter Valley Wine on arrival.

I immensely loved watching a film from the mattress, which was like mendacity on a fluffy white cloud (a a lot totally different Newcastle evening time expertise from after I was 21).

Remaining Ideas on Issues to Do in Newcastle

I totally loved my weekend in Newcastle.

I believed I knew it so nicely and it ended up being an expertise the place I felt as if I used to be exploring a brand new metropolis for the primary time. Newcastle gives a lot greater than enjoyable bars and dance flooring.

There’s richness, in addition to magnificence, and a relaxed vibe.

I feel it’s a spot you may use a base for a number of weeks to have a calming and fulfilling journey expertise. Gradual journey at its greatest. I perceive why Lonely Planet listed in its Prime 10 Greatest on the planet Record for 2011.

I’m excited to see the place Newcastle goes as a result of I feel it is just starting in its transformation and could have an unbelievable quantity to supply travellers.

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