Top Things to do in Newcastle
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What to do and see in Newcastle, New South Wales: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Newcastle, Australia including Newcastle Memorial Walk, Blackbutt Reserve, Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Museum, Dudley Beach, Dixon Park Beach, Christ Church Cathedral, Merewether Beach, Merewether Baths, Nobbys Beach.
Restaurants in Newcastle
1. Newcastle Memorial Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,871 reviews
Reviewed By dshah2018 - Newcastle, Australia
Spectacular views of Newcastle and its beaches. Brilliant design; from just a hill it has been transformed into a regular walking trek while giving a great tribute to the Australian WW1 diggers! Not to be missed..
2. Blackbutt Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 830 reviews
Breathtaking wildlife exhibits, variety of flora and fauna, extensive range of nature trails and free entry makes for a great day at Blackbutt Reserve. An extensive boardwalk is featured throughout the wildlife exhibit providing easy pram and wheelchair access and viewing platforms. Guided tours and private animal encounters available (bookings essential). Our Kiosk provides tea/coffee, cold drinks and australiana souvenirs. Daily feeding times: 10.30am Wombat feast 10.45am Bird brunch 1.30pm Nocturnal nourish 2.00pm Koala dining Wildlife exhibits open 10am to 4.30pm daily. Closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday and before 1pm Anzac Day. Picnic facilities open 7am to 7pm daily. Weekend reptile show held at 11am, tickets available at the Kiosk.
Reviewed By debraleem2016 - Wallsend, Australia
Great place to go to for a walk a picnic or to see some amazing Australian wildlife. Plus it’s all free except for the parking and animal food. I love this place clean toilets bbq areas and safe playground equipment. Wheel chair friendly and lots to see. A great place to take overseas visitors
3. Fort Scratchley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 784 reviews
Reviewed By simonc721 - Munich, Germany
You can wander around the fort for free: there are some gun emplacements facing out to sea and three rooms describe the history of the fort (including how Newcastle was attacked by a Japanese submarine in WWII) and there are volunteers in army uniform around the site to explain things further. I also saw the 1pm cannon firing and did the paid ($12.50, 1h20m long) tunnels tour to see where the gunpowder and shells were stored and how firing the guns worked.
4. Newcastle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By bobbier461 - Sydney, Australia
The museum is fantastic, plenty to see and do. The exhibitions are fabulous, especially the coal and steel exhibitions. There is lots of hands on activities for kids and adults. The old Newcastle tram and train are great. It is free admission. The museum building itself is great, as is the Civic park in front of the museum. This is definitely a must do if visiting Newcastle.
5. Dudley Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Andyjam2110 - Newcastle, Australia
Nice spot without the crowds of other places. Whether it’s a surf, fish, swim or walk through the bush to the rock pools it’s a great place to spend half the day.
6. Dixon Park Beach
7. Christ Church Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By sirbaden - Swansea, Australia
An amazing place to capture some amazing views of Newcastle and the coastline. The hills to access the cathedral are steep so walkers be aware!
8. Merewether Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By BarryH1966 - Newcastle, Australia
This has to be one of the best beaches on the east coast, great views, great surf and great coffee from the Blue Door Kiosk, Coffee with a View!
9. Merewether Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Oscarsmith7 - Brisbane, Australia
Really good place to swim, both for the kids and the lap swimmers. Loads of space and it's nicely protected from the waves
10. Nobbys Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By JimGargan_54 - Newcastle, Australia
This beach is located within walking distance of the Newcastle CBD. Only South Newcastle Beach is closer. It has an easterly aspect. Conditions at the beach can vary greatly depending upon the tide and wind direction. There is ample parking and modern clean amenities that are ell maintained. The beach is patrolled by Council Life Guards through the week and Surf Life Saving Australia Life Savers on the weekend. These people are approachable and helpful. They are keen to share their local knowledge and ensure that you enjoy the beach in safety. Please respect their advice. The beach is suitable for long walks, surfing fishing and generally a first encounter for toddlers. The adjacent park enjoys the very best of the diminishing sunshine at the end of the day as well as views of the busiest harbour in the southern hemisphere. Dogs are not welcome on Nobby's Beach however they are welcome on the adjacent harbourside "Horse Shoe Beach". Google "Pasher Bulker" to see photos of an unplanned visit to Nobby's Beach by a merchant ship. Nearby are harbourside walks punctuated with licensed premises, cafe's and restaurants and even a museum. Dont leave Newcastle without spending a day here. Aim for Sunday afternoon to experience Newcastle's dynamic live music scene at nearby "Queens Wharf Hotel", "Honeysuckle Hotel" and "Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club". Newcastle was the nursery for "The Screaming Jets" and "Silver Chair". Nobby's Beach is walking distance from public transport to Sydney (bus & rail) and Newcastle Airport (bus).
