Newcastle 5 Minute Guide

For Australia’s second oldest city there is so much to see and do, the hardest part will be deciding!

There are 10 main locations and activities that cannot be missed when visiting Newcastle.

Head For The Beach
This has to be the top activity when in Newcastle. Where else in the world do you have so many world class beaches all within 5km from the city centre? You also have a choice of the best Ocean Baths with the biggest on in the Southern Hemisphere.

Go Shopping
Bag an antique in either Newcastle city centre, Mayfield or Islington. Or visit the trendy fashion shops along Darby Street. Wonder along the city mall for big departments stores and small boutiques. There are over 600 shops to explore in the Mall, Hunter Street and King Street in the city centre.

King Street
This is the spot to find quality boutique shops. Select from a huge range covering homewares, gift shops, even day spars and hair salons. It’s Newcastle exclusive street where you find some stunning shopping and beautiful things to keep you coming back for more.

The Mall
This is the heart and soul of Newcastle, the city Mall has been transformed into a  popular place to go shopping and visit the major department store David Jones. It covers two big blocks and includes many quality boutique shops that will have something for everyone. You will also find some beautiful buildings that enhance your shopping experience.

East End
Explore the heritage and culture of Newcastle oldest precinct. The East End has some amazing architecture that just has to be explored. It’s right near the beach so you can take a dip after you’ve strolled through the street. There are also some good restaurants, cafes and coffee shops to explore.

West End
Bounded by Hunter, Parry, King and Union streets you will find Market Town as the main attraction in this area. Market town is a large shopping centre that is great to find shopping and other essentials. There is also a great antique shop here and some quality furniture shops. Hunter Street is also a great chance to stretch the less on a long stroll into the city where you will find many shops and hotels and pubs. 

Honeysuckle
This is Newcastle’s newest precinct. Stretching along the river you will find spectacular preserved architecture and a mix of newer developments that are mixed use of residential, commercial and retail. There are some exciting new cafes, restaurants and galleries here. Honeysuckle is one Australia’s largest urban renewal projects. Grad a coffee and relax by the river watching the huge ships that glide by.

LiveSites
This is a fantastic cultural events program that takes place once a month in various locations throughout the city. It includes exciting things such as outdoor performance, installations, concerts, open-air cinema, and even mass public dance classes! All events a re free of charge. It’s a great way of experiencing a part of Newcastle and meeting some of the locals.

Newcastle Culture
The Newcastle Regional Art Gallery is one of the very best regional art galleries in the country. It has over purchased over 5,000 artworks from many excellent Australian artiest and has a dynamic and varied exhibitions throughout the year. Just across the road is the majestic Civic theatre, it is a beautifully restored art deco building that has shows ranging from Billy Connelly to dance classes, it can also be booked out for weddings. Right next door to the gallery is the Newcastle Library, it also has an exhibition space with excellent small exhibits throughout the year. Just up the road is the Newcastle  Regional Museum. It is the largest non-metropolitan museum in the state. 

Night Life
The nightlife in Newcastle is excellent, there are many local bands and acts to keep you entertained. Newcastle enjoys the reputation as a city with a terrific choice of nightclubs, bars and other entertainment venues where you can dance or dine over a delicious meal. Head to Beaumont street in Hamilton, Darby street or some of the many night spots down in Honey Suckle.