March 26, 2025

25 things to do in Newcastle

Looking for inspiration close to home? Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor soaking up the coast, this is your guide to 25 things to do in Newcastle.

1. ENJOY A FRIDAY NIGHT AT VAMP WINE ROOM

Every Friday from 5pm, enjoy the perfect mix of exceptional wines, delicious gourmet bites, and music at Vamp.

2. STAY AT BONVILLA ESTATE

Sip on some Semillon and enjoy the sweeping valley views on a weekend away with friends in the Hunter Valley at this spacious luxury villa on Bonvilla Estate.

3. A LUXURY SLEEPOVER AT BANNISTERS IN PORT STEPHENS

With each room designed for calm and relaxation, you can recharge your batteries with a night at Bannisters in Port Stephens.

4. SOAK UP THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF ZENITH BEACH

Sheltered from the wind directly below the Tomaree Headland, Zenith Beach is perfect for a day of relaxation on the sand.

5. PRACTICE YOUR SWING AT RIPPIT GOLF

Gather your friends or family for a few hours of fun to play mini golf, experience the driving range and simulators, and then unwind with dinner at the on-site bistro.

6. SAIL AWAY FRIDAYS AT THE NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUB

Start your weekend early at NCYC as happy hour kicks off from 3pm. Watch the boats on the harbour while you enjoy free wine tastings.

7. SHELL & SPRITZ APERITIF HOUR AT THERMIDOR

Book your last work meeting of the day at Thermidor for oysters and jugs of cocktails with your colleagues.

8. VISIT THE ART GALLERY AT PACC

Experience a regional culture fix at the PACC Art Gallery where vibrant local and national contemporary artworks are exhibited. Stay on at the bar or enjoy a show in the theatre.

9. TOCAL FIELD DAYS

Enjoy learning about our region’s rich agricultural industry and technology across three days in May. Catch the bus to Tocal Homestead for history, food, and animal encounters.

10. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY ON A SUPERYACHT!

Treat yourself to a fun night out and boogie to the beats of top-notch DJs or live music, on board The Cruiser Nightclub.

11. SUPPORT LOCAL AND GO THRIFT SHOPPING IN ISLINGTON

Start at the Village People Op Shop in support of Got Your Back Sista before checking out the great mix of vintage, pre-loved, and unique boutiques.

12. HAVE A SWIM AT THE BOGEY HOLE

The historic ocean pool hand-carved by convicts in 1819 is the perfect spot for a picturesque and refreshing dip. Wind your way through King Edward Park before jumping in.

13. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF NEWCASTLE AND TAKE THE FERRY TO STOCKTON

Pack a picnic and your opal card and hop on board the Stockton Ferry from Queens Wharf in Newcastle. Enjoy a day out in Stockton and see the city from the other side of the harbour.

14. EXPLORE THE HUNTER STREET MALL AND CATHEDRAL

Take a stroll through the Mall where boutique shops, street art, and cafes line the laneways. Meander up to Christ Church Cathedral for views over the city.

15. GET A CULTURE FIX AT THE LOCK UP ART GALLERY

Explore contemporary art within a historic former police station and holding cells offering immersive exhibitions in the creepy but fascinating preserved spaces.

16. ENJOY A BIKE RIDE ALONG THE NEWLY EXTENDED FERNLEIGH TRACK

Explore this scenic 15km rail trail linking Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Walk or cycle through peaceful bushland, old railway tunnels, and historic stations, perfect for nature lovers.

17. GET BEHIND THE KNIGHTS AT MCDONALD JONES STADIUM

Feel the electrifying atmosphere at McDonald Jones Stadium, cheering on the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Enjoy local fan traditions, pre-game entertainment, and thrilling rugby league action.

18. TRY A SURF LESSON AT NOBBY’S BEACH

Experience Newcastle’s iconic surf scene with a lesson at Nobbys or Merewether Beach. Professional instructors cater to all skill levels, helping you catch waves in one of Australia’s best surfing spots.

19. WANDER AROUND MAITLAND’S LEVEE PRECINCT

The Levee area offers a riverside experience with heritage buildings, artisan markets, shops, and boutique cafes. Stroll along the Hunter River and explore local culture, then end your day with a visit to the fascinating Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

20. CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW ON DARBY STREET

Darby Street is Newcastle’s trendy café and boutique district, perfect for a relaxed wander. Discover independent bookshops, unique fashion stores, top-notch coffee spots, and restaurants in this lively, creative hub.

21. TREAT YOURSELF TO A HATTED DINNER OUT

Newcastle and the Hunter Valley are home to so many great restaurants with a number of newly hatted options. Try Bistro Penny, Flotilla, or Humbug in Newcastle or Muse, Margan, EXP., and Bistro Molines in the Hunter Valley for a night to remember.

22. VISIT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

Delve into Newcastle’s rich history and culture through interactive exhibits, including the Supernova hands-on science centre and the Fire and Earth showcase, which uncovers its industrial heart.

23. SPEND THE DAY AT MEREWETHER BEACH

Start with a coffee at the beach before exploring the rockpools at low tide. Be sure to swim in one of the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere, then end with a long lunch at Merewether Surfhouse or the recently re-opened Beach Hotel.

24. DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING

Explore the marine paradise that is Port Stephens on board a cruising vessel. See playful bottlenose dolphins year-round and majestic humpback whales during migration season, May to November.

25. DINNER AND A SHOW AT THE CIVIC THEATRE

Park your car at Wickham and take the light rail to the Civic precinct. Enjoy a pre-show dinner and a cocktail at one of the many restaurants in Newcastle West, including Rombergs at the top of the Crystalbrook Kingsley hotel.

WORDS | LAURA JACKEL

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