Newcastle is feeling like our second home recently, having made a few trips there in the space of the first few months of the year, and after speaking to lots of locals plus discovering our own favourites, I wanted to share our eat, play, stay pointers for this beautiful coastal city.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEWCASTLE:
We’ve stayed in and around Merewether on all trips – Bar Beach is a stones throw to the beach on the first trip. Up in Merewether Heights during the peak season, which meant a drive down to the beach, not as convenient but peaceful and pretty all the same. The most recent trip we were in the heart of Merewether and a 3 minute walk to the beach. The accomodation (not gifted, fully paid) was perfect and I wanted to share it because it was beach bungalow done beautifully.
Rancho Relaxo (airbnb link here) sleeps 6 people with 1 king, 1 queen and 2 single beds. It’s spacious, considered and stylishly decorated.
The attention to detail (especially for a foodie) to the ceramics in the kitchen and serving platters, dining zone etc were gorgeous – HK Living definitely needs a mention here because so much of it featured in the accom.
WHERE TO PLAY IN NEWCASTLE:
Newcastle is a quiet but very connected community – to an outsider, at least, it seems that way. That’s a big part of its charm. It’s not an action packed city, it is however peaceful, friendly and the beaches are pristine. If you love activity out and about I’ve no doubt you’ll love these play locations:
+ Merewether Baths
+ Merewether, Dixon Park and Bar Beach all connected in one strip – around 1.5km for those who like a beach walk
+ Bar Beach (North) on the low tide allows you to wander around the corner through the rock pools which is lovely with kids or just to explore for you
+ Coastal walk between Merewether to Newcastle Beach with scenic views as you pass over the bridge
+ The Bogey Hole is famous for it’s history, we didn’t manage to swim in it but it looks amazing on a clear day
+ Right in the middle of Bar Beach is the Bowlo (we didn’t attend yet!) and the skate park, tennis courts and our absolute favourite TENNIS WALL which is epic family round robin fun. Wishing Sydney had more of these – great use of space, so social and a great hit of movement in one
+ Ninja Park Newcastle is also amazing. A full ninja warrior set up with the gym next door and arcade games for a rainy day too.
+ Sanbah is our fave surf shop in Newey – has apparel and surf boards
WHERE TO EAT IN NEWCASTLE:
By no means have we frequented all the great foodie places in Newey, but we’ve done our best to date (with many more to enjoy one day)
+ The Prince Pub has great family friendly pub food and live music, we loved it for Friday and Saturday night meals
+ Sunny Boy kiosk at Dixon Park does everything on their menu well. Their toasties are the hot favourite with my family after a surf.
+ Community in Merewether caters for healthier options, a chilled vibe and good coffee
+ Harris Farm in Newcastle is awesome, great seafood section and butcher if needed
+ Popolo Gelato is incredible, in the city
+ Scottie’s Seafood is a really unassuming delicious local seafood takeaway and restaurant
+ Oakberry Acai for the acai lovers is right next to one of our go-to cafes…
+ Hu-Bro serves up a strong caffeine hit and cold brew
+ Milk Bar makes an epic burger, shake, juice, coffee, pastry, cookie and nourish bowl – highly recommend
+ Momo’s Wholefoods makes delicious healthy and plant based options served from inside an old bank… v cool
We didn’t go in here… I just like the photo (Merewether, 2024)
