The beautiful harbour city of Newcastle has so much to offer any holidaymaker, with beaches aplenty and a vibrant city life to boot. If you're into surfing, fine dining, arts and culture or simply want a relaxing holiday in a visually stunning location, Newcastle is the perfect destination.
Before you head off, book in nearby holiday accommodation. Try Mantra Aqua in Nelson Bay, which is less than an hour's drive away from Newcastle. There's a huge array of room types to suit the whole family, from a two room apartment through to the three bedroom deluxe penthouse, plus two separate barbeque entertaining areas, a kids' water fountain and a lagoon pool. Work out in the on-site fitness centre before soaking your tired muscles in the spa, then venture out to Newcastle at your leisure. When you're there, make sure you check out the following four attractions.
Bathers Way
Bathers Way is one of the most spectacular coastal walks in New South Wales, linking sandy beaches together from Nobbys Headland through to Merewether. The walk will take you around two to three hours at a regular pace, but fitness enthusiasts may wish to power walk or even run along the blissfully beautiful path. The journey will take you past rock pools, ocean baths, parklands and plenty of windswept rugged cliffs, perfect for photo opportunities. The pathway is sealed and is suited to families, though there are some steeper areas to watch out for.
Pack your cossie for a dip in Merewether Beach at the end of the walk or simply sit on the sandy shores and watch some of the best surfers in the business carve up the waves. Along the walk, keep your eyes peeled for the yellow information signs that outline Newcastle's heritage, culture and natural wonders - along with telling you where to go!
Newcastle Art Gallery
Newcastle Art Gallery is one of the most important and substantial in regional Australia, with a vast collection of indigenous and non-indigenous artworks. It also boasts the Southern Hemisphere's largest collection of modern Japanese ceramics, alongside public programs such as film screenings, guided tours, art workshops and lectures.
Opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Friday 11 March 1977, the gallery was the nation's first purpose built regional gallery, and is today home to 6,100 works of art. The building itself serves as a functional example of early 1970s architecture.
If you're into surfing, fine dining, arts and culture or simply want a relaxing holiday in a visually stunning location, Newcastle is the perfect destination
Subo
Subo is one of Newcastle's most beloved restaurants, ranked number one by TripAdvisor with a solid five-star ranking. Its awards and acclaims are plentiful, but what about the food? It's truly delicious, blending high quality bistro food in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Seasonal menus show the restaurant's commitment to sourcing the best local ingredients possible, reflected in dishes such as the Darling Downs wagyu flank, served with mountain pepper, Queensland blue pumpkin, capers, parsley, pickled onion and saltbush. Enjoy a five-course set menu that won't break the bank, and discover why everyone loves Subo.
Hunter Wetlands Centre
Hunter Wetlands Centre offers you an experience like no other - the chance to explore the park on a segway. The centre spans 45 hectares, making a segway not only a very cool way to get around, but also a convenient one.
The centre is involved in wetlands conservation, education and nature tourism, having been lovingly brought back to life after being a dump in the mid-1980s. Don't just limit your trip to segway riding, however - there's plenty more to do here. Canoe down Ironbark Creek over 2km of trail to enjoy a picnic lunch under serene rainforest shelter, or bring your bike and cruise along one of the park's many trails.