Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens

Newcastle is a bustling coastal city with surf-friendly beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene.

The coastline is one of Newcastle’s main attractions, whether you’re interested in water sports, relaxing on the beach, or getting the best views. You can explore the coast with walks such as the Newcastle Memorial Walk, a six kilometer track that is open to the public twenty-four hours a day. You can also relax for the day in one of Newcastle’s rock pools and ocean baths, like the Merewether Ocean Baths or Bogey Hole.

To explore the city’s heritage and history, visit the Newcastle Museum and the Fort Scratchley Historic Site. Or explore the current culture of Newcastle by taking a walk down Darby Street, an iconic avenue with boutique shops, florists, and local eateries. Newcastle is a foodies’ paradise, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars to try. You can also connect with the local queer culture at Bernie’s Bar, a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Newcastle is a city that embraces the artistic and the eclectic, with street art and outdoor galleries throughout the city center as well as contemporary art galleries like The Lock Up and Blackstone Gallery. You can also time your visit to coincide with New Annual, a yearly arts and culture festival that highlights contemporary art and performance.

Newcastle has a very active queer community, and the annual Newcastle Pride Festival is not to be missed. Newcastle Pride also runs smaller events throughout the year, so follow them on socials to get up to date information about what’s on.