The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

NewcastleOnce a working-class, no-nonsense destination, Newcastle is now a cultural hot-spot attracting fodies and outdoor adventurers alike! Home to some of the best beaches in the country, you'll be surprised by this North Coast gem.

Newcastle is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, located between a working harbour and the beautiful beaches of the north coast of New South Wales. It is known for its beaches, laid back lifestyle, its busy harbour and eclectic arts scene. Its former working wharves are being transformed into areas of entertainment and recreation. Nobbys Beach marks the start of Bathers Way, a spectacular five kilometre coastal trek that stretches to Merewether Beach passing five beaches and the historic ocean baths. Visit Blackbutt Reserve and see koalas, kangaroos, wombats and bird life just six kilometres from the city centre. Nearby Stockton Beach is famous for its sand dune system and four wheel driving. Hire a canoe at the Hunter Wetlands Centre and explore a network of ponds and a diverse range of waterbirds. Or take a day trip to the Hunter Valley wineries.

Gallery

Things to do

Newcastle Art Gallery

Newcastle Art Gallery presents a dynamic range of exhibitions and events for the local community and visitors alike and is nationally recognised for one of the finest public collections in Australia. 'Black Totem II', one of only two large sculptures ever produced by the late Australian artist, Brett Whiteley stands 11 metres high in the Gallery forecourt, and John Olsen's ceiling painting 'The sea sun of five bells' 1964 is on permanent display inside. Its collection continues to grow, through the support of the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, the Newcastle Art Gallery Society, and the benefaction of countless individuals, artists, and companies. Founded on a 1945 bequest from Dr Roland Pope consisting of almost 200 major Australian paintings, it now numbers more than 6,700 works. Key artists include Arthur Boyd, David Boyd, Rupert Bunny, Judy Cassab, Grace Cossington-Smith, John Coburn, William Dobell, Donald Friend, Emily Kame Kgnwarreye, Margaret Olley, Margaret Preston, Lloyd Rees, Brett Whiteley, as well as extensive Indigenous art and Japanese ceramics sub-collections. The nation’s first purpose-built regional gallery; Newcastle Art Gallery was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1977.

Swim and chill at Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach has a reputation for being one of the best surf locations in Australia and is a favoured spot for board riders wishing to catch that perfect wave off Newcastle Point. Lifeguard Services are provided seven days a week during the swimming season. A stroll between Newcastle Beach and Nobbys Beach will take approximately 15 minutes along the scenic Bather’s Way, with iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths in between. There is easy access from Newcastle Central Business District, train and bus facilities. Plus it has a kiosk and shaded table area, (kiosk open during swimming season), volleyball nets and change room facilities available.

Walk The Bathers Way

Newcastle’s Bathers Way is one of the premier coastal walks in New South Wales, stretching six kilometres from Merewether Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north. Spectacular views abound from start to finish, with the stunning coastal vistas at the top of Strzelecki Lookout and the iconic stretch of sand leading up to Nobbys Lighthouse, and the convict-built Bogey Hole among the many highlights. Equally impressive is the area’s rich history, steeped in tales of shipwrecks and convicts, wartime defences, and peacetime developments. And before all that, Aboriginal settlement and the use of this land by the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples. Stop for a break at beach kiosks and cafes along the way or pack a picnic and enjoy a slower pace. While you're there take some time to enjoy the Newcastle Memorial Walk, a 450m elevated walk that offers 360 views of the coast, all the way to Stockton Sand Dunes and the Hunter Valley. Parking is available at the start of the walk, Nobbys Beach, or if you would like to join the walk at a different location parking is available at King Edward Park, Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach and Merewether Beach.

Explore Newcastle's harbour by kayak

Join Newcastle Kayak Tours and enjoy a leisurely guided kayak tour of Newcastle’s world-renowned harbour. See up close and personal the inner workings of the world’s largest coal export port, also the many natural features on display during a two and a half hour or three and a half-hour guided tour. Newcastle Kayak Tours are relaxing, fun and safe for the whole family, ages from five to 80. No experience is required, and minimal fitness is necessary.

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