A Complete Guide to Newcastle, Australia - Hidden and Local Gems
In my short time living in Newcastle, Australia, it was a goal of mine to learn the area like it was the back of my hand. Although I was so excited to be in Australia and see other parts of the beautiful country, there are so many local and hidden gems only a short ride away from where I lived. If you are looking for what to do in your time in Newcastle, Australia, this is for you!!
Where To Stay
I lived on campus at my University in Callaghan, but I’ve listed some of my favorite areas and what you can expect to find there.
Hunter Street- A long stretch of cafes and shops, this is one of my favorite areas of Newcastle. If you take Hunter Street all the way to the east end, you will eventually hit beautiful beaches. This area has a little bit of everything.
Newcastle East - This area is an extremely chill and laid back area of Newcastle located closely to Nobby’s Beach and the harbor. It has cute cafes, restaurants, and night life and is such a prime location.
Bar Beach/Darby Street - Another beachy area that would be great to stay in. Darby street has a good bit of cafes and restaurants and is about a 15 minute walk to Bar Beach. Not centrally located but has its own perks and action.
Callaghan - Extremely residential. This was a perfect locations as a college student mainly because I was situated on a bus stop and close to a train station. If you are a student at UoN this is my top recommendation, I lived in International House and loved it. As a tourist, this would be my last recommendation as all of the “action” that I was involved in had to do with me being a student.
Where To Beach
Merewether Beach- This beach is my absolute favorite in Newcastle. Many beaches that I visited in Australia feature beach baths which is essentially a pool filled with beach water; Merewether had my favorite beach bath.
Newcastle Beach- The most centrally located, and popular beach in Newcastle. I spent most of my beach days at Newy Beach! It has a great walking path as well as a beach bath which makes it ideal for people who want the perfect mix of chilling and activity. If you walk to one end you will run into Nobby’s Beach and if you walk to the other, you will stumble across my favorite spot in Newcastle, the Bogey Hole.
The Bogey Hole- Not technically a beach but a sea bath carved into the side of cliffs surrounding Newcastle Beach. On relatively calm days, it is such a fun swimming spot and is home to so many creatures that have come in with waves. On more hectic days, it’s fun to watch the waves crash in from the hill.
Nobby’s Beach- Every time I went to Nobby’s Beach i saw some sort of unreal wildlife. In the winter, this is a spot where whales frequently breach and every time is is breathtaking. With a beautiful light house and great surfing conditions, this is a family favorite.
Where to Eat
Breakfast/ Coffee: Good Brother Espresso - Great Coffee and Bagels.
Lunch: Lulus Cafe- The Chipotle of poke bowls. So good and so many options.
Dinner: Scottie’s- A quick walk up from Newcastle Beach. Yummy seafood, live music, and amazing vibes.
Dessert: Doughheads- The best doughnuts Ive ever tasted!! The flavors change regularly but theres always something that sounds and tastes amazing.
A Day Trip Away
Stockton Beach Sand Dunes - This place is unreal, sand dunes as far as you can see! There is a bus that runs from Newcastle to close to the beach although you will have to walk a little.
Tomaree Mountain- My friend Emily and I made to trip to Nelson Bay to hike Tomaree Mountain and I’m not sure how this happened but we got massively lost and ended up off roading about 10 minutes from the hike. So don’t make the mistake we did in thinking we could figure out how to get there on our own and save a map of the area on Google maps, service is spotty! (: The hike was about 45 mins straight up steep stairs but the view at the top was amazing.
Nearnie Campground and Picnic Area - I was so lucky to live with people who were born and raised in and around Newcastle. My friends and I went to this campsite where one of them had been going since they were young. Making friends with locals will give you an experience that you would never find on Google! And thats a wrap. I hope your trip to Newcastle is everything and more! What are your Newcastle favorites?
until next time,
xx devon
