Newcastle + Surrounds
Food scene
House made crumpets, a fabulous brunch menu featuring local produce, free sparkling mineral water on tap and great coffee.
9 residents recomanen
Equium Social
5 Maitland RdHouse made crumpets, a fabulous brunch menu featuring local produce, free sparkling mineral water on tap and great coffee.
Have a drink in the stylish bar or become a distiller for the day at Earp Bros Distillery in Newcastle’s harbourside village of Carrington. Start with a gin tasting, learn about gin’s fascinating history before blending two of your own custom-made gins from a vast selection of Australian and international botanicals. Participants even get to label and name their blends.
12 residents recomanen
Earp Distilling Co.
41 Darling StHave a drink in the stylish bar or become a distiller for the day at Earp Bros Distillery in Newcastle’s harbourside village of Carrington. Start with a gin tasting, learn about gin’s fascinating history before blending two of your own custom-made gins from a vast selection of Australian and international botanicals. Participants even get to label and name their blends.
The Edwards is owned by former Silverchair bass player Chris Joannou. Novocastrian born-and-bred Joannou is also co-owner of The Criterion Hotel and lauded eatery Flotilla but the much-loved Edwards is where his hospitality journey began.
Having literally risen from the ashes of a fire which saw it closed for just over a year, The Edwards is housed in a former dry cleaning business owned by Joannou’s parents in the post-industrial streetscape of Newcastle’s West End.
Both the food and welcome are as warm as a summer’s day at this local fixture. Try the Spanner crab omelette, XO sauce, ginger and shallot or tuck into a signature Eddies burger on the farm to plate menu washed down with a local ale.
40 residents recomanen
The Edwards
148 Parry StreetThe Edwards is owned by former Silverchair bass player Chris Joannou. Novocastrian born-and-bred Joannou is also co-owner of The Criterion Hotel and lauded eatery Flotilla but the much-loved Edwards is where his hospitality journey began.
Having literally risen from the ashes of a fire which saw it closed for just over a year, The Edwards is housed in a former dry cleaning business owned by Joannou’s parents in the post-industrial streetscape of Newcastle’s West End.
Both the food and welcome are as warm as a summer’s day at this local fixture. Try the Spanner crab omelette, XO sauce, ginger and shallot or tuck into a signature Eddies burger on the farm to plate menu washed down with a local ale.
There’s no better place to experience the culinary leap that’s taken place in the former steel city than hatted Subo, delivering fine dining Novocastrian style since 2011. Behind the cork door, this smart hatted bistro delivers a twice-seasonal tasting menu, attentive service and hand-picked wines.
24 residents recomanen
Subo
551D Hunter StThere’s no better place to experience the culinary leap that’s taken place in the former steel city than hatted Subo, delivering fine dining Novocastrian style since 2011. Behind the cork door, this smart hatted bistro delivers a twice-seasonal tasting menu, attentive service and hand-picked wines.
Take an alfresco seat at Nagisa where elevated Japanese bites are served with a theatrical twist. Be sure and try the smoked salmon carpaccio and Nagisa’s own award winning “Amato” gin as yachts sail home from twilight racing.
13 residents recomanen
Nagisa
1 Honeysuckle DriveTake an alfresco seat at Nagisa where elevated Japanese bites are served with a theatrical twist. Be sure and try the smoked salmon carpaccio and Nagisa’s own award winning “Amato” gin as yachts sail home from twilight racing.
Grab a coffee at local favourite Praise Joes where the welcome is as warm as the coffee.
Praise Joe urban pantry
20 Elizabeth StGrab a coffee at local favourite Praise Joes where the welcome is as warm as the coffee.
Former MasterChef contestant Reece Hignell has opened an old school bakery in his hometown of Newcastle. Inspired by his late nan, Hignell’s nostalgic creations are based on his grandmother’s recipes and draw cake lovers from afar afield as Sydney and Mudgee. The lemon tart and carrot cake literally walk out the door.
Cake Boi
48 Lindsay StreetFormer MasterChef contestant Reece Hignell has opened an old school bakery in his hometown of Newcastle. Inspired by his late nan, Hignell’s nostalgic creations are based on his grandmother’s recipes and draw cake lovers from afar afield as Sydney and Mudgee. The lemon tart and carrot cake literally walk out the door.
Sightseeing
Zig zag along the boardwalk that runs through the mangroves at Carrington along Throsby Creek. Hear birds chirp, see fish, crabs and a colony of bats.
Carrington Mangrove Boardwalk
Carrington Mangrove BoardwalkZig zag along the boardwalk that runs through the mangroves at Carrington along Throsby Creek. Hear birds chirp, see fish, crabs and a colony of bats.
Follow the coastline to Strezlecki Lookout where the Anzac Memorial Walk (part of the six-kilometre Bathers Way) offers gob smacking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and out to the Hunter Valley from the clifftop walkway.
69 residents recomanen
Newcastle Memorial Walk
24 Memorial DrFollow the coastline to Strezlecki Lookout where the Anzac Memorial Walk (part of the six-kilometre Bathers Way) offers gob smacking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and out to the Hunter Valley from the clifftop walkway.
The iconic Bogey Hole is one of Newcastle’s most Instagrammable landmarks and loved by locals. Best viewed from above (access is from King Edward Park) the hand-hewn swimming hole is equally impressive when smashed by pounding waves or when the sea is languid and calm.
69 residents recomanen
Bogey Hole
Shortland EsplanadeThe iconic Bogey Hole is one of Newcastle’s most Instagrammable landmarks and loved by locals. Best viewed from above (access is from King Edward Park) the hand-hewn swimming hole is equally impressive when smashed by pounding waves or when the sea is languid and calm.
Newcastle's highest profile beach, Nobbys Beach is favoured by families, those learning to surf and local dolphins.
With the beach on one side and a public recreational area on the other, it's an idyllic spot to spend the day.
A must-do is the walk along the Nobbys break-wall underneath the iconic Nobbys Lighthouse. If you are lucky, you can watch a coal ship being ushered into the harbour by hard working tug boats.
Nobbys Beach is the northern point of the popular Bathers Way walk.
76 residents recomanen
Platja de Nobbys
Nobbys RdNewcastle's highest profile beach, Nobbys Beach is favoured by families, those learning to surf and local dolphins.
With the beach on one side and a public recreational area on the other, it's an idyllic spot to spend the day.
A must-do is the walk along the Nobbys break-wall underneath the iconic Nobbys Lighthouse. If you are lucky, you can watch a coal ship being ushered into the harbour by hard working tug boats.
Nobbys Beach is the northern point of the popular Bathers Way walk.
Tours
Take a guided tour from Amos, a local Aboriginal man raised in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region.
Tours start at Muloobinba ferry wharf, then move onto Nobby’s Head, the Strzelecki War Memorial and finally the Glenrock State Forest/Lagoon, all while relaxing in air condition 11 seater bus with scenic views and with just a short walk to see pictures Glenrock Conservation Area. Tours end with a didgeridoo performance.
Muurrung Marai
Margaret StreetTake a guided tour from Amos, a local Aboriginal man raised in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region.
Tours start at Muloobinba ferry wharf, then move onto Nobby’s Head, the Strzelecki War Memorial and finally the Glenrock State Forest/Lagoon, all while relaxing in air condition 11 seater bus with scenic views and with just a short walk to see pictures Glenrock Conservation Area. Tours end with a didgeridoo performance.
Shopping
Explore vintage shops at the Islington end of Beaumont Street including Planet Islington, Fynde and Hide And Seeker for both clothes and retro treasures. Good coffee can be found at Suspension while across the rail tracks you'll find multiple bars and eateries.
15 residents recomanen
Beaumont Street
Beaumont StreetExplore vintage shops at the Islington end of Beaumont Street including Planet Islington, Fynde and Hide And Seeker for both clothes and retro treasures. Good coffee can be found at Suspension while across the rail tracks you'll find multiple bars and eateries.
Browse the fab antiques and then enjoy brunch at the neighbouring cafe with its all day menu.
Coliseum Antiques
118 Maitland RdBrowse the fab antiques and then enjoy brunch at the neighbouring cafe with its all day menu.
Explore the boutiques, bars and cafes along Newcastle's hippest strip. Bustling Darby Street offers cool stores like Blackbird Corner, Abicus, Boho Luxe, great cafes like the Autumn Rooms, Baba Yaga and arguably Newy's best gelato at Monella.
41 residents recomanen
Darby Street
Darby StreetExplore the boutiques, bars and cafes along Newcastle's hippest strip. Bustling Darby Street offers cool stores like Blackbird Corner, Abicus, Boho Luxe, great cafes like the Autumn Rooms, Baba Yaga and arguably Newy's best gelato at Monella.
Nature
Newcastle’s outlying suburbs are home to the city’s beating green heart. Meet native wildlife, be dwarfed by soaring gums and listen to a cacophony of bird calls at Blackbutt Reserve. Afterwards grab a coffee at Little Lane Espresso or one made from a 1963 Faema lever machine at sister café Corner Lane in neighouring New Lambton.
147 residents recomanen
Blackbutt Reserve Entrance
72 Carnley AveNewcastle’s outlying suburbs are home to the city’s beating green heart. Meet native wildlife, be dwarfed by soaring gums and listen to a cacophony of bird calls at Blackbutt Reserve. Afterwards grab a coffee at Little Lane Espresso or one made from a 1963 Faema lever machine at sister café Corner Lane in neighouring New Lambton.
Newcastle abounds with beautiful parks but if you can only pick one make it King Edward.
This spectacular historic park with its Victorian rotunda offers wide green open spaces tumbling down to the rolling Pacific Ocean.
A section of the Bathers Way cuts through the park affording walkers far reaching ocean vistas (and migrating whales in season).
There are majestic Norfolk Pines, a sunken garden and a fascinating remnant of our penal past - the iconic Bogey (indigenous word for bathe) Hole. Hand hewn out of rock by convicts, this Instagram-worthy ocean pool lies at the foot of the eastern cliff face.
Throw out the picnic rug and lap up this glorious green space.
52 residents recomanen
King Edward Park
Reserve RoadNewcastle abounds with beautiful parks but if you can only pick one make it King Edward.
This spectacular historic park with its Victorian rotunda offers wide green open spaces tumbling down to the rolling Pacific Ocean.
A section of the Bathers Way cuts through the park affording walkers far reaching ocean vistas (and migrating whales in season).
There are majestic Norfolk Pines, a sunken garden and a fascinating remnant of our penal past - the iconic Bogey (indigenous word for bathe) Hole. Hand hewn out of rock by convicts, this Instagram-worthy ocean pool lies at the foot of the eastern cliff face.
Throw out the picnic rug and lap up this glorious green space.
Bars
As the sun sinks head for the striking rooftop bar Romberg’s at the Crystalbrook Kingsley for a drink and then over to the heritage listed Civic Theatre next door for a show.
Romberg's
282 King StreetAs the sun sinks head for the striking rooftop bar Romberg’s at the Crystalbrook Kingsley for a drink and then over to the heritage listed Civic Theatre next door for a show.
This great local pub offers pub classics. Avoid going at raffle time or you won't get seat.
12 residents recomanen
Maryville Tavern
71 Lewis StThis great local pub offers pub classics. Avoid going at raffle time or you won't get seat.
Make for the rooftop bar at Merewether Surfhouse for sundowners where you can watch surfers and dolphins frolick on the rolling waves.
107 residents recomanen
Merewether Surfhouse
5 Henderson ParadeMake for the rooftop bar at Merewether Surfhouse for sundowners where you can watch surfers and dolphins frolick on the rolling waves.
This craft beer mecca showcase Australia's best and newest along with cider, local wines, cocktails, whisky and beer friendly fare. You can walk to The Blind Monk from Throsby Creek Retreat.
14 residents recomanen
The Blind Monk
76 Beaumont StThis craft beer mecca showcase Australia's best and newest along with cider, local wines, cocktails, whisky and beer friendly fare. You can walk to The Blind Monk from Throsby Creek Retreat.
Good Coffee
One of the early pioneers of the third wave coffee movement in Newcastle, Suspension Espresso still delivers the caffeine goods along with a great cafe menu. Walking distance from Throsby Creek Retreat.
19 residents recomanen
Suspension Espresso
3 Beaumont StOne of the early pioneers of the third wave coffee movement in Newcastle, Suspension Espresso still delivers the caffeine goods along with a great cafe menu. Walking distance from Throsby Creek Retreat.