Hotels in Newcastle

Newcastle, Australia is arguably one of the most interesting cities in the country. Surrounded by stunning beaches, an amazing cityscape, and quirky cafes, you wouldn’t run out of things to do during your stay. What is great about this city is that it also isn’t far off from other tourist destinations so going here wouldn’t be much trouble at all.

How to Get There

The main regional airport in New South Wales is the Newcastle Airport. Getting here from other parts of the country via plane isn’t much trouble because domestic flights are serviced every day. Three major carriers head to Newcastle and these are Qantaslink, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar. Travelling via bus and rail is also readily available since these networks connect it to different cities.

Getting Around

Getting around Newcastle is pretty easy because of the public transport system in the city. The rail service runs from the city interchange to the centre and the beach. The bus system is also extensive enough to get around. Some parts of the city at a certain time frame remains to be free of charge. Otherwise, you would need an Opal Card. You can use this card on rail, bus, and ferry. A bicycle share scheme is available for people as well.

Top Things to Do

Newcastle is a great city, especially for those who are a lot more adventurous. Excellent beach sites are all over Newcastle. In Nobbys Beach you will get to admire the golden sand and beautiful lighthouse. Nobbys Lighthouse is located in a chunk of rock near the island. The Nobbys Breakwall nearby is a nice place to stroll in. You will be able to admire the South Pacific Ocean from this view.

The Bogey Hole is a popular spot especially during the summer too. This is a rock pool beside a cliff that is constantly hit by waves. Ocean baths are nearby too if you do not feel like going to the ocean. In the area, there is the Newcastle and Merewether Baths. You will be away from the swells and marine life you will encounter at sea.

Of course, there is more to Newcastle than just the beaches. The city is blessed with amazing wildlife and it is quite an abundant trip for people who love nature walks and animals. In Glenrock Conservation Reserve, you will find hiking trails and a stunning picturesque view of the ocean at its peak. Getting here is just a 10-minute drive away from the centre. You will find a lagoon and a beach here as well. Blackbutt Nature Reserve is also another option especially if you are travelling as a family. You will find a playground for kids and a BBQ area. You can also feed the wildlife around the area like kangaroos and emus. For the adventurous, you can head to the suburb of Stockton. You can go sandboarding and camping here.

For a more culturally immersive experience, Fort Scratchley should be on your list. Apart from the scenic view of Newcastle, this area is also deeply rooted in aboriginal history. It also played a role during the bombing of the area during the second world war. The Convict Lumberyard is also another stop. Built in the 1800s, the site was used to source material like coal, lime, and timber. You will find plaques in the surrounding area that will tell you more about it.

What to Eat

Newcastle is known for dining, but most especially its recent wave into coffee. In every street corner, you will have a wide array of options to go to especially for breakfast or brunch. Suspension Espresso is a cafe known for its great ambiance. It would be a great place to sip your coffee and chat with friends before getting on with the day. Ground Floor is popular after the beach.

For a hidden gem, Baked Uprising is the spot if you want something off the touristy areas. For a meal, Subo remains to be popular among the tourists and locals. It is a bistro headed by former Chef of the Year, Beau Vincent and his wife Suzie. They serve Singaporean style crab and other Malaysian dishes that are made with seasonal herbs.

Scotties has been around since the 1950s and people continue to go there for good reason. It is the favorite restaurant for fish and chips. Throughout the years, the restaurant has innovated and has started sourcing ingredients locally especially seafood. Talulah Bar is the place to go to if you want all-day breakfast. Although they also have a lunch and dinner menu that is catered depending on the season.

Nightlife

If there is one thing about Newcastle, it’s that people love their craft beer. In recent years, the wave has sprouted out various homegrown brands that the locals have come to love. Downtown, you will find The Grain Store and The Hop Factory that serves 10 rounds of beer. Although if you prefer wine, Hunter Valley is littered with wineries that have gained recognition on its own. Bus tours are available which would take you to the different hotspots.

Where to Stay

The CBD would be your best bet if you wish to be close to different areas like restaurants and shopping districts. The wide variety of accommodations ranging from luxury to affordable also makes it an ideal place to look. Tighes Hill is a lot more different than the centre because it is still an up and coming neighbourhood. It is quiet and it is loaded with a lot of great cafes. Merewether is the spot if you want to be close to the sea. Perfect for people who are always in swimsuits, this place is just a walk away from the beach. Catching waves would be perfect in this spot.

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