Top Things to do in Greater Newcastle
Top Hotels in Greater Newcastle
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Greater Newcastle That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Greater Newcastle, Australia including Tomaree Head, Belmont Wetlands State Park, Tomaree National Park, Blackbutt Reserve, Fly Point, Oakvale Wildlife Park, Watagans National Park, Myall Lakes National Park, Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay, Wallarah National Park.
Restaurants in Greater Newcastle
1. Tomaree Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 719 reviews
Reviewed By DebB123123 - Lismore, Australia
Paved path up the hill for about 600m with some seating for rests, then you can go sideways for 650 m to see the WW11 bunker which was just an empty shell and not worth it, or walk up to the summit, it does have sections of steep metal stairs with narrow steps, but then more gentle areas to get your breath back before the next stairs. The path wraps around the hill near the top to give great views of the coast and 2 viewing platforms at the top where I saw 2 whales and a pod of dolphins, well worth the effort
2. Belmont Wetlands State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Tomaree National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Teejayy19 - Sydney, Australia
It took me about 45 minutes to get to the summit after taking a little detour to see the WW2 gun emplacements. I wouldn’t even bother going to the WW2 gun emplacement as there is nothing to see here. It is abandoned and run down with a few posters to read about it. The walk to the summit has lots of steps that are very steep when walking up. If you suffer from knee or major health issues, I wouldn’t recommend you do the walk. I did see a fair few people over 60’s doing the walk. Wearing joggers is a must as there are parts of the walk that are un even, so please don’t wear sandals or flip flops. When you reach the top, the views are absolutely gorgeous. They are the type of views that you would see all over social media. I took some food with me and had a little picnic at the top while I rested and enjoyed the views. If your lucky enough, you might catch dolphins or whales swimming in the distance. Do yourself a favor, come here and do the walk. You won’t regret it, it’s great!
4. 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
5. Fly Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By orinoco72 - New South Wales, Australia
Great spot for seeing local fish and sea creatures , need good swimming-ability as it can be a strong current? Easy to park nearby, lovely beach close by too
6. Oakvale Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
The Ultimate Hands-On Experience. Set on 25 acres of open natural bushland, Oakvale Wildlife Park is 100% Australian owned and operated. At the park, you will find an endless menagerie of Australian native, domestic farm and exotic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators and ostriches. Plus many, many more. Established in November 1979 by Jeff and Elaine Sansom and later passed down to their son Kent Sansom in 1995. Oakvale Wildlife Park has remained a family-owned and operated business for more than 40 years. Since 1979 the farm has undergone countless changes. The most recent of which is our koala breeding and education centre ‘Koala Country’. However, one thing that remains the same is our commitment to providing an opportunity for our customers to learn about our native wildlife and how we can protect it. We strive to provide a fun, safe, educational, accessable and value for money experience for the whole family.
Reviewed By Berniesbusabout
We visited Oakvale today, to say I was impressed would be an understatement. The staff were friendly, the animals were all well looked after, the grandchildren loved being able to feed the animals and the playground kept them entertained. Well done Oakvale we thoroughly enjoyed our day.
7. Watagans National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By 993anitat - Forster, Australia
We were staying near Kurri Kurri and explored the Watagans National Park for two glorious days. As long as you stay on the main forest roads the gravel roads are quite suitable for two wheel drives. We did go off adventuring and found ourselves in a very steep slushy mud hole with little chance of turning around. Lucky we were in a 4x4. We visited the state forest lookouts as well as the ones in the Watagans. We really enjoyed Heaton Lookout with the views over the hinterland. I am in my mid 60s, quite fit but have dodgy knees. I really wanted to do the Gap Creek Falls walk. It is not so far but very steep especially towards the bottom. I took my time watching my footing stopping to enjoy the magnificent forest trees, the moss covered rock faces and listen to the sounds of all the birds. I was so elated to make it down, it was so pretty even though, when we were there, the falls were only had a very small flow. Going up was difficult especially in that first section from the bottom but well worth it. We had lunch at the pretty Boarding House Dam Picnic area, looked at the dam but didn't do the walk.
8. Myall Lakes National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By 400lynn - Brighton, United Kingdom
We drove through the park to reach a great campsite near the beach at Seal Rocks. The tall trees are amazing! It was hard to find an easy route to view the lake, but the glimpses we caught were beautiful.
9. Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By NicolaErith - Exeter, United Kingdom
Found this place by accident and what a lovely find. Ladies in the cafe very friendly. Walked though the reserve and saw beautiful scenery but no Koalas. Easy walk along the boardwalks and gravel pathways. Very tranquil place with great views.
