Newcastle Guidebook
Sightseeing
Anzac Memorial Bridge
24 Memorial DrAt one end of the Anzac walk, hand gliders alight from the car park out over the sea
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Strzelecki Scenic Lookout
28 Memorial DrAt one end of the Anzac walk, hand gliders alight from the car park out over the sea
Newcastle Beach
Literally on the doorstep.
Newcastle is fortunate enough to have two ocean baths facilities, Newcastle and Merewether, that sit on its pristine coastline and are open year round for the community to enjoy. Newcastle Ocean and Merewether Baths both have a long history as popular swimming spots. Newcastle Ocean Baths was opened in 1922 and Merewether Baths in 1935.
The Merewether Baths are open all year round, subject to maintenance and cleaning (USUALLY THURSDAYS) . At present, Merewether Baths are cleaned weekly and the cleaning schedule is available at City of Newcastle website.
Please Note: The Ocean Baths are closed ALL day on Scheduled cleaning days to allow adequate time for cleaning and maintenance to occur. The required times will vary dependent on weather conditions on the day. To find out more about Ocean Baths Cleaning check City of Newcastle website.
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Merewether Ocean Bath
3a Ocean StNewcastle is fortunate enough to have two ocean baths facilities, Newcastle and Merewether, that sit on its pristine coastline and are open year round for the community to enjoy. Newcastle Ocean and Merewether Baths both have a long history as popular swimming spots. Newcastle Ocean Baths was opened in 1922 and Merewether Baths in 1935.
The Merewether Baths are open all year round, subject to maintenance and cleaning (USUALLY THURSDAYS) . At present, Merewether Baths are cleaned weekly and the cleaning schedule is available at City of Newcastle website.
Please Note: The Ocean Baths are closed ALL day on Scheduled cleaning days to allow adequate time for cleaning and maintenance to occur. The required times will vary dependent on weather conditions on the day. To find out more about Ocean Baths Cleaning check City of Newcastle website.
The Bogey Hole ocean pool is an Insta dream, and a 'must see' attraction on the Newcastle coastline. Impressive at full flight, or in a moment of calm, take a moment to enjoy the Bogey Hole next time you are in King Edward Park.
The Bogey Hole was hand-hewn out of a wave-cut rock platform by convicts for Major James Morisset, in 1819 for his personal use. Whether this work represented the enlargement of a naturally occurring rock pool used by Aboriginal people is not known.
As Morisset was the longest-serving Commandant of Newcastle, the pool was originally referred to as the 'Commandant's Baths'. The name 'Bogey Hole' came into regular usage sometime after, and is said to come from the Dharawal word meaning 'to bathe'.
The Bogey Hole is situated at the foot of Shepherds Hill, or as it was known in the 1820's "sheep pasturage hill". Geologically, the rock in the area is sandstone/conglomerate typical of the coastal areas of the Hawkesbury Sandstone deposit on which Newcastle was built.
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Bogey Hole
Shortland EsplanadeThe Bogey Hole ocean pool is an Insta dream, and a 'must see' attraction on the Newcastle coastline. Impressive at full flight, or in a moment of calm, take a moment to enjoy the Bogey Hole next time you are in King Edward Park.
The Bogey Hole was hand-hewn out of a wave-cut rock platform by convicts for Major James Morisset, in 1819 for his personal use. Whether this work represented the enlargement of a naturally occurring rock pool used by Aboriginal people is not known.
As Morisset was the longest-serving Commandant of Newcastle, the pool was originally referred to as the 'Commandant's Baths'. The name 'Bogey Hole' came into regular usage sometime after, and is said to come from the Dharawal word meaning 'to bathe'.
The Bogey Hole is situated at the foot of Shepherds Hill, or as it was known in the 1820's "sheep pasturage hill". Geologically, the rock in the area is sandstone/conglomerate typical of the coastal areas of the Hawkesbury Sandstone deposit on which Newcastle was built.
King Edward Park was dedicated as a recreation reserve in 1863. Within the grounds was a bowling green and the Obelisk, built as a navigational marker in 1850; the focal point is a Victorian rotunda.
The park has spectacular ocean views, Norfolk Island pines and a sunken garden usually ablaze of colour.
On the southern boundary are the remains of the Shepherds Hill Battery and Gunner's Cottage which were in regular use from 1890 to World War II.
The park also has links with Newcastle's penal past, with the Bogey Hole (or convict hewn ocean bathing pool) at the foot of the eastern cliff face.
A popular place for family picnics and barbecues, and now a movie venue in summer. The park also has a playground and public toilets.
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King Edward Park
Reserve RoadKing Edward Park was dedicated as a recreation reserve in 1863. Within the grounds was a bowling green and the Obelisk, built as a navigational marker in 1850; the focal point is a Victorian rotunda.
The park has spectacular ocean views, Norfolk Island pines and a sunken garden usually ablaze of colour.
On the southern boundary are the remains of the Shepherds Hill Battery and Gunner's Cottage which were in regular use from 1890 to World War II.
The park also has links with Newcastle's penal past, with the Bogey Hole (or convict hewn ocean bathing pool) at the foot of the eastern cliff face.
A popular place for family picnics and barbecues, and now a movie venue in summer. The park also has a playground and public toilets.
Fort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation, is now a museum. It is located in Newcastle East. It was built in 1882 to defend the city against a possible Russian attack. However, its guns were not fired in anger until 8 June 1942, during the shelling of Newcastle. The Australian Army left the site in 1972.
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Fort Scratchley
3 Nobbys RdFort Scratchley, a former coastal defence installation, is now a museum. It is located in Newcastle East. It was built in 1882 to defend the city against a possible Russian attack. However, its guns were not fired in anger until 8 June 1942, during the shelling of Newcastle. The Australian Army left the site in 1972.
Mużew ta 'Newcastle
6 Workshop WayLots of interactive things for kids.
Nobbys Lighthouse
Stockton - Newcastle
Grab a ferry from Queens Wharf
Newcastle Ocean Baths
30 Shortland EsplanadeArt Deco baths
The iconic Merewether Beach is home to the international surfing competition, Surfest. It is part of a beach reserve that stretches from Dixon Park in the north to Burwood Beach in the south - with superb views in all directions.
Enjoy a coffee at a beachside cafe and watch as locals walk their dogs, parents juggle caffeine and kids with sandy hair and the surfers' roll-up by the dozen.
Walk a bit further down the beach promenade, and you'll find Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest Ocean Baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
Merewether Beach is the southern end of the popular Bathers Way walk.
Merewether Beach
The iconic Merewether Beach is home to the international surfing competition, Surfest. It is part of a beach reserve that stretches from Dixon Park in the north to Burwood Beach in the south - with superb views in all directions.
Enjoy a coffee at a beachside cafe and watch as locals walk their dogs, parents juggle caffeine and kids with sandy hair and the surfers' roll-up by the dozen.
Walk a bit further down the beach promenade, and you'll find Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest Ocean Baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
Merewether Beach is the southern end of the popular Bathers Way walk.
Markets
Handmade products and good food options. Once a month.
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The Olive Tree Market
Darby StreetHandmade products and good food options. Once a month.
Popular market featuring amazing local produce and hand made goods.
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Newcastle City Farmers Market
Griffiths RoadPopular market featuring amazing local produce and hand made goods.
Honeysuckle Food scene
Honeysuckle Precint & surrounds
Not technically Honeysuckle but only a short walk. Born and raised in northern California, Owner and Head Chef Eric Flores grew up surrounded by Mexican culture. Expect a casual approach to Californian-style Mexican food in a stripped-back converted fruit shop.
Where: 11 Steel St, Newcastle West
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11 Steel StNot technically Honeysuckle but only a short walk. Born and raised in northern California, Owner and Head Chef Eric Flores grew up surrounded by Mexican culture. Expect a casual approach to Californian-style Mexican food in a stripped-back converted fruit shop.
Where: 11 Steel St, Newcastle West
Light Years - Newcastle
Owner Taiyo Namba wanted to create a restaurant that showcased only the best Hunter produce, cooked over fire – and that's exactly what you get when you dine at Âpé.
Where: 16 The Boardwalk, 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Âpé Yakitori Bar
Owner Taiyo Namba wanted to create a restaurant that showcased only the best Hunter produce, cooked over fire – and that's exactly what you get when you dine at Âpé.
Where: 16 The Boardwalk, 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Since opening in 2004, Nagisa has been earned a reputation for consistently delivering the freshest and most innovative Japanese cuisine in Newcastle. Located in the Honeysuckle precinct overlooking Newcastle Harbour, Nagisa effortlessly fuses the elegance and tradition of Japanese cuisine with modern flavours.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Nagisa
Since opening in 2004, Nagisa has been earned a reputation for consistently delivering the freshest and most innovative Japanese cuisine in Newcastle. Located in the Honeysuckle precinct overlooking Newcastle Harbour, Nagisa effortlessly fuses the elegance and tradition of Japanese cuisine with modern flavours.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Casa Nova Italian Restaurant & Bar, Honeysuckle
Can also order online
casanovaitalian⚫️com⚫️au
Boutique cafe and restaurant offering international share plates, craft beer and hearty breakfasts.
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The Happy Wombat
575 Hunter StBoutique cafe and restaurant offering international share plates, craft beer and hearty breakfasts.
The Icon Thai Restaurant
The Kingfish
Think a white-washed space with plenty of timber accents, share plates like burek and grilled octopus, and summery cocktails. It’s about sharing multiple courses, drinking, celebrating, and lingering with your loved ones.
Where: 2/11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
BLANCA Honeysuckle
Think a white-washed space with plenty of timber accents, share plates like burek and grilled octopus, and summery cocktails. It’s about sharing multiple courses, drinking, celebrating, and lingering with your loved ones.
Where: 2/11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Located in one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings, Signal Box is an upmarket bistro-style dining experience by the harbour. With a focus on seafood, Signal Box offers up innovative, modern Australian cuisine. Everything is made in-house and from scratch too – from pickles and stocks through to sodas and juices.
Where: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
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Signal Box Newcastle
155 Wharf RdLocated in one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings, Signal Box is an upmarket bistro-style dining experience by the harbour. With a focus on seafood, Signal Box offers up innovative, modern Australian cuisine. Everything is made in-house and from scratch too – from pickles and stocks through to sodas and juices.
Where: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
Thermidor is an oyster bar and brasserie in waterfront Honeysuckle – an apt location, considering the menu is what described as "coastal" cuisine. Expect live oyster shucking, three types of sashimi at all times, and quality local ingredients cooked over fire.
Where: Shop 1/7 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Thermidor
Thermidor is an oyster bar and brasserie in waterfront Honeysuckle – an apt location, considering the menu is what described as "coastal" cuisine. Expect live oyster shucking, three types of sashimi at all times, and quality local ingredients cooked over fire.
Where: Shop 1/7 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Food scene
Worth it for the view. Bar has good cocktails and bar food.
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Merewether Surfhouse
5 Henderson ParadeWorth it for the view. Bar has good cocktails and bar food.
The Wickham Boatshed
91 Hannell StEarp Distilling Co.
41 Darling StRooftop at QT
Masa Madre Sourdough Pizza
40 Railway StSticky Rice Thai Restaurant Wickham
116 Hannell StSituated on the rooftop of the Crystalbrook Kingsley, floor to ceiling glass walls provide views all the way to Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley for diners at Roundhouse Restaurant. The menu focuses on modern Australian flavours with emphasis placed on working with native ingredients. It's a must-visit for foodies and those who want to experience luxury dining in Newcastle.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle (until recently was the administration offices of City of Newcastle Council)
Roundhouse
Situated on the rooftop of the Crystalbrook Kingsley, floor to ceiling glass walls provide views all the way to Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley for diners at Roundhouse Restaurant. The menu focuses on modern Australian flavours with emphasis placed on working with native ingredients. It's a must-visit for foodies and those who want to experience luxury dining in Newcastle.
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle (until recently was the administration offices of City of Newcastle Council)
Sitting at the corner of King and Watt Street is one of Newcastle’s original and most loved restaurants, Bocados. The restaurant has delivered authentic Spanish flavours for more than a decade in its homely, intimate space. Order the pan con tomate to start, then do as the Spanish do and share tapas dishes like tortilla Española, gambas al ajillo, and chorizo a la romesco.
Where: 25 King St, Newcastle
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Bocados
25 King StSitting at the corner of King and Watt Street is one of Newcastle’s original and most loved restaurants, Bocados. The restaurant has delivered authentic Spanish flavours for more than a decade in its homely, intimate space. Order the pan con tomate to start, then do as the Spanish do and share tapas dishes like tortilla Española, gambas al ajillo, and chorizo a la romesco.
Where: 25 King St, Newcastle
Refined dining in a relaxed space is at the heart of Elementa. Perched just back from the water in Maryville, it's a dreamy spot for an evening drink, or better yet, to linger over a delicious dinner. The options on the sophisticated menu are plentiful, but if you can't decide, order the Chef's Choice and let Head Chef Jess Brooks take away the tyranny of choice as you sit back and enjoy.
Where: 76 The Lane, Maryville
Elementa
Refined dining in a relaxed space is at the heart of Elementa. Perched just back from the water in Maryville, it's a dreamy spot for an evening drink, or better yet, to linger over a delicious dinner. The options on the sophisticated menu are plentiful, but if you can't decide, order the Chef's Choice and let Head Chef Jess Brooks take away the tyranny of choice as you sit back and enjoy.
Where: 76 The Lane, Maryville
Slightly hidden away in Wickham, Flotilla is a foodie's dream. Flotilla updates its seasonal menu monthly and focuses on using Australian produce whenever possible. There's even a full vegetarian menu for both lunch and dinner, so everyone in the group can enjoy Flotilla's exquisite food. Aim to get a seat at the bar so you can watch the magic unfold in the open kitchen.
Where: 9 Albert St, Wickham
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The Flotilla
9 Albert StSlightly hidden away in Wickham, Flotilla is a foodie's dream. Flotilla updates its seasonal menu monthly and focuses on using Australian produce whenever possible. There's even a full vegetarian menu for both lunch and dinner, so everyone in the group can enjoy Flotilla's exquisite food. Aim to get a seat at the bar so you can watch the magic unfold in the open kitchen.
Where: 9 Albert St, Wickham
Concealed down an unexpected alley on King Street, wandering into Ginger Meg’s feels like you’ve stumbled into a Melbourne laneway bar but with a distinctly Novocastrian identity. Dining at Ginger Meg's is an adventure for the senses, from the decor to the tasty Pan-Asian menu.
Where: 212 King St, Newcastle
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Ginger Meg’s
212 King StConcealed down an unexpected alley on King Street, wandering into Ginger Meg’s feels like you’ve stumbled into a Melbourne laneway bar but with a distinctly Novocastrian identity. Dining at Ginger Meg's is an adventure for the senses, from the decor to the tasty Pan-Asian menu.
Where: 212 King St, Newcastle
Market St Basement has long been an inner city favourite for Italian fare. It's an atmospheric spot perfect for a date night or a meal out with friends. The rigatoni alla vodka is a stand-out on the pasta menu, as is the Picante pizza on the pizza menu. Don't miss out on the restaurant's fantastic cocktails to go with your Italian feast.
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle
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Basement on Market St
2 Market StMarket St Basement has long been an inner city favourite for Italian fare. It's an atmospheric spot perfect for a date night or a meal out with friends. The rigatoni alla vodka is a stand-out on the pasta menu, as is the Picante pizza on the pizza menu. Don't miss out on the restaurant's fantastic cocktails to go with your Italian feast.
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle
Located in the heart of the CBD, MEET offers a New York-style bar on one side and warehouse-style restaurant space on the other. When it comes to the menu, Brazilian and South American flavours are the primary influence – choose between either the seasonal list of share plates or order the signature Churrasco experience.
Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle
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Meet
9 Darby StLocated in the heart of the CBD, MEET offers a New York-style bar on one side and warehouse-style restaurant space on the other. When it comes to the menu, Brazilian and South American flavours are the primary influence – choose between either the seasonal list of share plates or order the signature Churrasco experience.
Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle
OH MY PAPA is an exploration of all the flavours that make Asian cuisines fantastic, paired with cheeky cocktails and super friendly service. There's yakitori and yum cha sections that are just made for sharing with friends – but careful, you might start fighting over who gets the last of the Szechuan prawn dumplings.
Where: 11 Perkins St, Newcastle
OHMYPAPA
OH MY PAPA is an exploration of all the flavours that make Asian cuisines fantastic, paired with cheeky cocktails and super friendly service. There's yakitori and yum cha sections that are just made for sharing with friends – but careful, you might start fighting over who gets the last of the Szechuan prawn dumplings.
Where: 11 Perkins St, Newcastle
One of Newcastle's most-loved Mediterranean restaurants, Rustica not only boasts a quality menu but also happens to offer up some of the best views and interiors in Newcastle. Sitting directly opposite Newcastle Beach, Rustica is an ideal spot for a long lunch or romantic dinner for two. Choose between the grazing tapas-style menu or go for the larger plates to enjoy all to yourself.
Where: 2/1 King St, Newcastle
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Rustica Newcastle Beach
1 King StOne of Newcastle's most-loved Mediterranean restaurants, Rustica not only boasts a quality menu but also happens to offer up some of the best views and interiors in Newcastle. Sitting directly opposite Newcastle Beach, Rustica is an ideal spot for a long lunch or romantic dinner for two. Choose between the grazing tapas-style menu or go for the larger plates to enjoy all to yourself.
Where: 2/1 King St, Newcastle