Things To Do In Newcastle

by Sophie Kepreotes on August 18, 2014

Entertaining friends or family from out of town?

Looking for something different and exciting to do with your weekend without the travel?

It is easy to forget the amazing opportunities and the wide range of activities that are available in our very own backyard of Newcastle.

Quite often we become too comfortable in our routine of having coffee at our favourite cafe spot, catching up with friends at the same pub or venturing out for the day to the same beach that we forget all of the other hundreds of things to do in Newcastle and it’s surroundings.

Here is a guide of ‘things to do’ in Newcastle.

1. Wine tour @ The Hunter Valley Vineyards

Located about 30minutes out of Newcastle, The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best known wine regions. With over 140 wineries to visit, you can choose to either take a day trip or stay overnight. This picturesque region of the Hunter offers a large selection of wine tasting tours available every day of the week.

For more Information visit- winecountry.com

2. Hunter Valley Gardens

A Great day out for the entire family, The Hunter Valley Gardens showcase the most amazing colours and fragrances spanning over 25 acres. With over 8km to walk you can visit all your favourite fairytale characters, explore the rose garden or take in the views from above the waterfall!

For More Information visit- huntervalleygardens.com

3. Dolphin and Whale cruise @ Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay, only an hours drive from Newcastle, is a great day out where you can embark on a whale watch cruise, go swimming, snorkelling and enjoy a water front lunch.

For more Information about the Whale Watch cruises visit- portstephens.org.au

4. BlackButt Wildlife Reserve

The BlackButt Reserve offers the perfect spot for a picnic with family or friends, a variety of different nature walks or a wildlife exhibition. With over 182 hectares of land, BlackButt Reserve allows you explore the wonders of  nature and our native Australian animals.

For more Information visit- newcastle.nsw.gov.au

5. Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track is a popular spot for both walkers and cyclists alike.  Spanning for 15km from Adamstown to Belmont, the track provides a peaceful and scenic route through beautiful bushland and wetland areas.

For more Information about Fernleigh Track visit- lakemac.com.au

6. Maitland Gaol

Maitland Gaol is over 150 years old, and after closing down in 1998 it has become a popular tourist attraction in the Hunter Valley. Both audio and guided tours are available as well as night tours and over night options on offer for the brave hearted.

For more Information visit- maitlandgaol.com.au

7. Fort Scratchley

Fort Scratchley is one of newcastle’s most iconic spots in the city. The views alone are worth the visit boasting panoramic  ocean, harbour and city views. Fort Scratchley also offer tours of the historic site as well hosting local events.

For more Information visit- fortscratchley.com.au

8. Newcastle Museum

The Newcastle Museum has become not only a tourist attraction but also popular among locals, especially aimed at school children. With free general admission and opened everyday except Monday, the Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, events and school holiday activities.

For more Information visit- newcastlemuseum.com.au

9. Bogey Hole

The Bogey Hole is a popular cooling off spot for Newcastle city locals, especially those who like to avoid the sand! The Bogey hole is also a historical spot for Newcastle after it was cut out into ocean rocks by convict labour in 1819.

The Bogey Hole is located between Bar Beach and Newcastle Beach next to King Edward Park.

10. Morpeth

Located on the Hunter River, Morpeth is a small country town which boasts it’s warm character and historic feel. Morpeth offers a great opportunity for some boutique shopping, well known bakeries, and it’s unique cafes.

For more Information visit- morpethhuntervalley.com.au

11. Beach walk

Newcastle is known as a beach city with spectacular beaches running right across our coastline. What better way to take in our breath taking views than by walking from Merewether Beach all the way across to Nobby’s Beach. Timed at about an Hour and a Half at a leisurely pace, you  feel like you could have been transported anywhere in the world.

12. 4WD on the Sand Dunes

The Stockton Beach Sand Dunes stretch over 32km and are just 30 minute drive from Newcastle City. Whether you have your 4Wd, take a tour and just choose to slide down the slopes on a bogey board, the dunes are guaranteed an adventure-filled day out.