FORT SCRATCHLEY

Perched above Newcastle Harbour, this fascinating military site was constructed during the Crimean War to protect the city against a feared Russian invasion. During WWII the fort returned fire on a Japanese submarine, making it the only Australian fort to have engaged in a maritime attack. Learn all about it on a guided tour of the fort and its labyrinth of underground tunnels.

NEWCASTLE MEMORIAL WALK

A new tourism infrastructure with a personal connection for thousands of locals that is set to become one of the most spectacular coastal walks in Australia. The walk was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 1915 and the commencement of steel making in Newcastle; it acts as a magnificent memorial to the men and women of the Hunter who served their community and their country.

The structure cost $4.5m to build and is a 450-meter long cliff top walkway that links Newcastle’s Strzelecki Lookout to Bar Beach.

BATHERS WAY

This scenic coastal path from Nobbys Beach to Glenrock Reserve winds past swathes of beach and fascinating historical sites including Fort Scratchley and the Convict Lumber Yard. Interpretative signs describing Indigenous, convict and natural history dot the 5km trail. Look out for the Merewether ‘Aquarium’, a pedestrian tunnel that has been transformed into a pop art underwater world by local artist Trevor Dixon.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Dominating the city skyline, gathering pilgrims, visitors, and tourists to enjoy its architecture, music and art. Newcastle's Anglican cathedral (built 1892) is filled with treasures like a gold chalice and remembrance book set with precious stones, made from jewellery donated by locals who lost loved ones in WWI. The self-guided tour brochure offers an insight into special features such as the stained-glass window by Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.

YOGA LOFT

YOGA loft is Newcastle's only luxury yoga studio with stunning ocean views!

There are yoga classes suitable for the beginner to advanced yogi. Kids classes, prenatal yoga, workshops, retreats, and teacher training are also on offer.

Try a class today with one of YOGA loft's introduction deals on your visit to Newcastle.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

Discover the true character of this city in all its beauty, grit, colour, and life.

Explore the natural environment, early Aboriginal life and Newcastle's history and beliefs.

A Newcastle Story is the place for Novocastrians and visitors to discover answers to how and why we are a distinct and fascinating community. It is an exciting and colourful exploration of our identity through stories, objects, and modern audio-visual display techniques.

BLACKBUTT WILDLIFE RESERVE

Blackbutt Reserve is a unique natural attraction where you can explore the wildlife exhibits and participate in nature-based activities. Blackbutt Reserve covers an area of 182 hectares with over ten kilometres of walking tracks. The Reserve has many types of Australian wildlife; bird’s coloured parrots Cockatoos, Emus, Wombats, Kangaroos, and Wallabies. Equipped with two main picnic areas each with their own unique features making it easy to find a location to have a family lunch, sausage sizzle or lay a blanket down and emmerse yourself in nature.

ESTABAR GELATI AND ESPRESSO BAR - Newcastle East

A five-minute walk from Newcastle Beach Hotel to Estabar where you will find excellent coffee or a Spanish-style hot chocolate at this sun-drenched cafe-overlooking Newcastle Beach. When the temperature soars, stop in for the best gelato in town.

Enjoy friendly service with a view. With its close proximity to the beach, you can sit down and relax next to the ocean and then take a peaceful stroll along the waters edge.

RUSTICA

The name says it all; Rustica is a home-style beach restaurant bringing flavours of the Mediterranean to Newcastle. Rustica's unique interior features authentic and handcrafted pieces from both local artisans and obscure foreign locations. With an intimate atmosphere, experimental menu, and impressive wine cellar, Rustica is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion in Newcastle.