12 Best Things To Do In Newcastle NSW

Sponsored by Visit Newcastle

I know Newcastle well. Or at least I thought I did.

When we took our road trip around Australia, and landed in Australia’s 7th biggest city, we realized there were so many things to do in Newcastle as a family that we hadn’t seen before.

I soon discovered there was more to Newcastle beyond the riverfront walk, Nobby’s Beach and a lot of pubs.

Newie (as it’s called by the locals) was the place to go out when I was younger. It was a 90 minute train journey away from where I grew up and I used to come here a lot to enjoy the nightlife. It was always saved for special occasions and memorable moments.

But, a city is more than its nightlife. Now as a family, we had dipped into Newcastle a few times over the past couple of years, and we have discovered that Newcastle has had quite the resurgence over the past few years. There are so many more attractions now than there used to be.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve listed all the best attractions in Newcastle and things to do, so you and your family can make the most out of your trip.

Is Newcastle Worth Visiting

Newcastle was always known as a party city but that perception is changing. It’s implemented a few creative programs to bring back the culture and arts to the city.

Artists have been invited on special programs to work and showcase their pieces in the city centre and there has been a huge growth in the cafe and restaurant scene.

It’s also becoming quite the coffee and foodie haven, and you’re never short of quirky places to eat in Newcastle.

It’s not just about pubs and industry anymore. Newcastle is a city of rich history, quirky culture and amazing scenery. It’s also a city of superlatives and a deepening soul.

For that reason, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Newcastle History

Before I show you the best things to do in Newcastle, here are a few interesting facts we discovered about Newcastle:

• It is the second oldest city in Australia. There is argument with Hobart, but the truth is Newcastle was settled first in 1797, but colony didn’t work. Hobart began in 1804, Newcastle returned after that and successfully re-settled.
• Newcastle recorded the first Australian export of coal in 1799 when 50 tonnes was shipped to Bengal via Sydney.
• It’s a convict city and place of the first convict industrial activity in Australia.
• In 1801 Australia’s first coal mine was established in Newcastle under the present site of Fort Scratchley…