Newcastle, NSW, is a coastal city about 2.5 hours north of Sydney. It is known for its rich industrial history and a growing arts and dining scene, offering a mix of historic landmarks, sandy beaches, and a laid-back urban lifestyle. Locals often refer to it as Newcastle, NSW (New South Wales), to avoid confusion with Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK.
How to get to Newcastle from Sydney
This is the southern part of the east coast route on the Greyhound network. Greyhound buses typically travel this route 3 times a day, but I opted for a cheap train from Sydney (around 7 AUD, runs hourly) as the earlier Greyhound buses of that day were fully booked.
Newcastle
Newcastle is very laid-back, and one day should be more than enough to explore it. I got a bit stranded as the Greyhounds heading further north were fully booked, but I didn’t want to fly to Brisbane (which is a legitimate option) since I felt I wasn’t using my Greyhound pass enough. So, I stayed two days in this charming little city, where accommodation is relatively cheap – perfect for unwinding. There are two streets with cozy cafés for breakfast and a variety of international restaurants. The city also has a few interesting viewpoints and is great for casual strolls.
Things to do around Newcastle NSW :
- Nobbys Beach and Lighthouse – A must-visit for beach lovers, Nobbys Beach offers soft sands and surf-friendly waves. The nearby lighthouse provides a scenic backdrop and connects to a beautiful coastal walk, perfect for taking in the ocean views.
- Newcastle Memorial Walk – This elevated cliff-top walk commemorates ANZAC soldiers and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and city. It’s especially stunning during sunrise or sunset and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
- Bogey Hole – A unique ocean pool carved into the rocks by convicts in the 1800s. The Bogey Hole is a great place for a refreshing swim with a stunning view of the sea, while also being a piece of local history.
- Fort Scratchley – A historic coastal fort that once defended the city during World War II. Fort Scratchley offers guided tours and a chance to learn about Newcastle’s military past, along with fantastic views over the harbor.
- Hunter Street – The city’s vibrant main street is filled with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and a wide variety of international restaurants. It’s a great spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or sample diverse cuisines while soaking in the local atmosphere.
- Hunter Wetlands – I took a public bus to visit this small nature reserve, located about 40 minutes outside the city. It was quite thrilling as there are many exotic birds and at least one large snake – which I only noticed when I was about 1 meter from it and it decided to slither away from me. Whoops!
