The East Coastline of Australia is an outright gem, making it incredibly popular with both international and regional travelers. Situated just north of Sydney on Australia’s East Shore is the dynamic, multicultural city of Newcastle.
With a buzzing coffee shop scene, excellent coastlines and charming stores, Newcastle has plenty to provide and it’s most definitely worth the trip. If you’re visiting Newcastle ensure you include these points to your to-do list!
#1 Get hold of a coffee on Darby Street
If you consider yourself a bit of a coffee snob, do yourself a favor and make your way to Darby Street, situated slap bang in the center of the CBD. This certain location of Newcastle is full of eccentric coffee shops, clothing stores and also great restaurants.
Stroll along the road, choose someplace that excites you and aim for a seat outside. This way you can drink your coffee while watching the Newcastle locals walk past. This just happens to be a desired pastime of mine on the weekend.
Is all that coffee getting you hungry? I believe it’s time for brunch and you’re in the perfect place because I like to think that cafe’s on Darby Street specializes in brunching! Make a stop at Goldbergs, Three Monkeys or one of the many other places along the street and dig into their breakfast menu.
#2 Check out the Bogey Hole
Cool down and head for a swim at Newcastle’s Bogey Hole, which was created by convicts in 1820 by order of Commander Morisset. Initially called the ‘Commander Baths’, the baths were relabeled later on to include the aboriginal heritage of the location.
In the summer this place is exceptionally popular with several locals that wish to avoid the crowded sandy beaches. It’s likewise fairly a fantastic area to obtain that ideal Instagram shot, with the opportunity to capture the outstanding jagged coastline.
#3 Explore the Hunter Valley
Just forty mins from Newcastle, the Hunter Valley is home to more than 150 vineyards, making it among Australia’s most well-known wine growing areas. Head out there for a day trip or perhaps even stay the night.
You just simply cannot travel to the Hunter Valley without visiting at least one of the many wineries that the region has to offer.
If you’re battling to select just one, then I strongly suggest joining a wine tour. This is truly enjoyable and a useful method of seeing the destination and sampling top quality wines. Some tours often include lunch or gourmet tastings as well.
There are several wine trips available in the Hunter Valley so study up and definitely book in advance. The tour company, Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours offer half and full day tours with many different options to customise the perfect tour for you!
There is so much more to do in the Hunter Valley than continuously taste wine. The area is filled with fine dining, delicious chocolate as well as exquisite cheese sampling, and lots of family fun activities like aqua golf and also hot air ballooning. It’s most definitely worth the journey!
#4 Have lunch at Merewether Surfhouse
If you want a remarkable dish and an extraordinary view, look no further than Merewether Surfhouse! Call the restaurant beforehand and book yourself a seat along the window so you can enjoy the 270-degree uninterrupted coastal views of the stunning Merewether Beach.
Order a beverage, grab some fresh seafood dishes and take the time to relax. This is a great way to wind down on a sunny afternoon.
#5 Take a trip on the Newcastle’s Famous Tram
Go back in time and get on Newcastle’s Famous Tram for a chance to see the location in style. I understand this does not seem like much, however, getting to check out the city of Newcastle in a historical tram is a really fantastic method to get your bearings.
I would certainly suggest doing this in your initial couple of days in Newcastle as the tram driver will certainly have the ability to explain to you intriguing and historically rich areas in the location. This way you’ll know what places you want to head back to in the following days you have to spend in Newcastle!
Author Bio:
Alex is a 23 year old lover of life, brunch & adventure. After moving to Sydney when finishing a journalism degree, he began his blog Inspire A Better Life to positively influence others to get out there and see all life has to offer.
Join Alex as he discovers this life one day at a time, documenting his thoughts and other along the way!
