Best Travel Guide of Newcastle Best Travel Guide of Newcastle
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Best Travel Guide Of Newcastle Best Travel Guide Of Newcastle 1. Introduction Newcastle is the second largest city in New South Wales and the oldest city in the state outside of Sydney. It is located just under 160 kilometres north of Sydney. For much of its history, Newcastle has been been an industrialised city with steel production, copper smelting, shipbuilding and engineering being the driving force behind the city's prosperity. However as some of these have been phased out, Newcastle has developed into a vibrant and progressive city, making the most of its spectacular surrounding beaches and the harbour entrance at the mouth of the Hunter River to foster growth and tourism. Heading south along the coast past the popular beach-side suburb of Merewether, sees Newcastle effectively merge into the Central Coast region which surrounds the vast inland waterway of Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lake where the coastal holiday resort town of The Entrance is located, Brisbane Water which Gosford overlooks and down past Woy Woy to the Hawkesbury River. 2. About Newcastle The famous East Coast trips of most travelers skip Newcastle and not unlike Brisbane, it has a reputation of being boring and less interesting than Sydney or Melbourne. While both capital cities are very vibrant and beautiful, so is Newcastle. The city is a great stop on most people’s travels or is a perfect weekend getaway for other Australians. Therefore I would love to invite you into my travel guide to Newcastle, New South Wales. Most spots in Newcastle are within (reasonable) walking distance and you’re bound to run into someone familiar around town. The reason to visit Newy, the second oldest city of Australia, is to experience the true Aussie way of life. You have the surfers, the beaches and amazing sunsets. Newcastle also throws in a great food scene, lively nightlife and excellent coffee. All of this at a significantly lower price as its big sister, Sydney, two hours south on the coast. Living in Newcastle, if only for a few weeks (thank you again T&C for having us!), was enough to make me realize I’m not done with Australia yet. Delicious eggs for breakfast, walking to the beach in the evening and taking in the amazing views. This is what makes Australia’s lifestyle so attractive to people all over the world. The weekends aren’t limited either with the Hunter Valley at only an hour drive, several fun scuba diving destinations close by and all the marine wildlife Australia has to offer swimming past the coast line. While working at a travel agency, I was encouraged to tell backpackers to skip Newcastle and go straight from Brisbane to Sydney. Why? Because there was no money to be made. What a shame! If you want to experience true Australian everyday life in an amazing setting, Newcastle is where you are going to where you want to be. 3. Things To Do In Newcastle 3.1.The ANZAC Memorial Walk A walk that was built to remember the Australian and New Zealand forces in the First World War, based in Anzac Cove to be specific. A 160 meter cliff top bridge takes you across from Mereweather in the direction of Newcastle center (or the other way around) and features breathtaking ocean views. Definitely a must when you’re in town (no dogs allowed). 3.2.King Edward Park From the ANZAC memorial walk you can continue to the Newcastle ocean bath or the center via King Edward Park. Spot the colors of the small flower gardens or watch playing kids. 3.3. Bar Beach Newcastle is most definitely a beach town with several beaches to choose from. Bar Beach is a beautiful long stretch of beach that will take you all the way to Mereweather Surfhouse (see below). There are also plenty of surfers to spot whether you want to partake or not. 3.4. Nobby’s Beach Reserve A collection of Nobby’s beach, Nobby’s Lighthouse and the dog beach at Horsehoe Bay. If only for the dog beach, this place is a must for a whole afternoon of smiling, no dog required. There is a also a patch of grass where people might be playing bubble soccer (hilarious), doing yoga or recording a music video (ok, that one was a bit odd). A great place to regain your energy and it’s very close to the action later on in the evening. 3.5.Bogey Hole Another great swimming spot in Newcastle. I didn’t visit this one personally but it will be on my list for my next visit! It’s another ocean bath but has a bit more of a natural vibe than the Newcastle or Mereweather bath. 3.6. Be Humbled By The Sand Giants At Stockton Beach One of the best things to do in Newcastle is to take a walk along the 32km Stockton Beach, one of the biggest beaches in New South Wales. It’s hard to miss the incredibly huge sand dunes that reach up to 30 meters in places, and are actually the largest continuously moving sand dunes not just in Australia, but in the entire southern hemisphere! Along with this, if you look out at low tide you may spot one of the many ships wrecked on this stretch of coastline. You will find Stockton Beach north of the city across the Hunter river. If traveling by car, you will need to drive in a little bit of a loop inland to cross the Tyne Bridge, if traveling by foot, jump on the Stockton- Newcastle ferry at Queens Wharf in the city centre for a 5min journey across the water. NOTE: A lot of the dunes are protected so you aren’t allowed to climb or sand board at Stockton Beach. 3.7. Go Sandboarding In Port Stephens You don’t have to go to the Sahara to get sick pictures of you sandboarding! Instead, just a short drive from Stockton Beach, go sandboarding at Birubi Beach in Port Stephens right here in Australia! What’s the only thing better than sandboarding? UNLIMITED sandboarding! For less than $20, you can go as many times as you’d like before catching the 4WD bus back to the starting point. 3.8. Visit Fort Scratchley Located within a few minutes walk from the city centre. Fort Scratchley towers over the foreshore offering incredible, 360 degree views of the region with a chance of spotting dolphins and whales in the pacific ocean! This site was important as it not only provided protection for the harbour, the city and the whole of New South Wales during World War II, but it was also the site for the first european coal mine in Australia, built by convict labour. Admission is free but the facilities are only open 10-4pm Wednesday- Monday. Afterwards, walk down to Nobbys Beach to dip your toes in the sand and see a different view of Fort Scratchley. Continue to Nobbys Headland to check out the lighthouse and rocks of the breakwall! 3.9. Re-Hydrate At Foghorn Brewhouse FogHorn Brewhouse was created by a pair of best friends in 2015 (goals). Since then, they have converted an abandoned warehouse into a fully operational brewery. They offer different types of beers, including IPAs, Pilsners, and ales. Their restaurant features American pub favorites paired with the perfect beer! By the way – if you’re in the city on a Wednesday night, be sure to try their schnitzel! I am very particular about schnitzel and am known to be a harsh critic. I came back here a second night to try it, and I have zero regrets! Besides, schnitzel is the perfect food to pair with a good beer! The art deco warehouse also frequently hosts live music and comedy performances. I love a good open mic night, and we had a blast seeing the best comedians Newcastle has to offer! Be sure to check their current events to see what’s on! If you want to continue the tour, just a 15 min down the road you will find The Grain Store, another of Newcastle’s great craft beer cafes in the city centre. 3.10. Feed The Emus At Blackbutt Reserve You get tired of the splash and surf, head inland to Blackbutt Reserve. Visit the unique Australian wildlife and take the opportunity to feed the emus! They also have all of the classic Australian critters – crocodiles, koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and more! 3.11. Take A Self Guided Walking Tour Of Beaumont Street If you’re hoping to learn more about the history of Newcastle, try this free self-guided walking tour around Beaumont Street! One of my favorite films is the Baz Luhrmann movie called “Australia.” The pictures and buildings in this tour reminded me of that film. I can’t recommend it enough! If history isn’t your thing, there are antique shops to browse through and coffee shops to enjoy! There are also tons of restaurants and cafes to check out in the area! 3.12. Jump Onboard A Harbor And Coast Sightseeing Cruise If you’re tired of seeing the ocean from the shore and you’re dying to get out on it, try out this harbor cruise! This eco-friendly cruise lasts for two and a half hours and gives you unobstructed 360-degree views that can’t be beat! Keep your eye out for elusive aquatic animals and marine life as you take the sites. From the boat you will have fascinating geological features pointed out to you.