Australia's sixth largest city, Newcastle boasts some of Australia's best beaches. Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether and Stockton Beaches are all within 5 km of the city centre. All six beaches are patrolled and offer your family a safe place to swim and relax. Alternatively you can enjoy the protection of our ocean baths.

Newcastle's spectacular coastline and pristine beaches have been celebrated with the creation of the Bathers Way, a five kilometre coastal walk that starts at Nobbys and finishes at Merewether Beach. Experiencing the remarkable Bathers Way should be a “must” during any visit to Newcastle.

Newcastle is built around a large working harbour, the entrance to which is guarded by Nobbys Lighthouse and Breakwater. The adjacent foreshore area is the perfect place to while away the hours watching the busy harbour traffic while enjoying a drink or meal in one of the harbourside cafes, bars or restaurants.

Large expanses of grassy parklands on the harbour's edge are perfect for a relaxing family picnic. Mingle with the hundreds of Novocastrians who flock to the foreshore each weekend for recreational activities such as kite flying, roller blading, jogging or bike riding.

Newcastle offers something for everyone, spend summer days on beautiful beaches, enjoy your favourite food or drink, or find a place where you can simply relax with family and friends.  

Nature - Only 10 minutes from the city centre you can experience the best of nature at Blackbutt Reserve. Modern spacious facilities allow close viewing of wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, emus, wallabies, wombats and a wide variety of Australian bird species.

Relax in glorious King Edward Park and take in the spectacular coastal views. Or discover the many other smaller parks scattered throughout the city.

Arts & Culture - Newcastle has gained a solid reputation for the wealth of talent emanating from the city, such as teen band silverchair. Host to a colourful and expansive array of cultural events each year such as Shoot Out Film Festival and This Is Not Art, Newcastle is attracting world-wide attention.

The city boasts a rich and varied cultural life with a wonderful selection of theatres, cinemas and concert venues offering a diverse range of experiences.  

Heritage - Discovered in 1797, Newcastle is the site of the second European settlement in Australia. A city rich in history, a visit to Newcastle provides countless opportunities to uncover our convict past. Take a dip in the Bogey Hole, which was cut into ocean rocks by convict labour in 1819. You will realise the convicts' amazing achievement when you see the waves crashing into the pool.

Perched high above Newcastle Harbour is Fort Scratchley. This was constructed during the Crimean War to protect the city from invasion. In 1942, at the height of World War II, the fort returned fire at a Japanese submarine shelling BHP, the only fort in Australia to have engaged the enemy in a maritime attack.