Top Things to do in Greater Newcastle
Top Hotels in Greater Newcastle
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Greater Newcastle, New South Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Greater Newcastle, Australia including Tomaree Head, Newcastle Memorial Walk, Stockton Sand Dunes, Blackbutt Reserve, Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, Lake Macquarie, Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Museum, Merewether Beach, Merewether Baths.
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. Newcastle Memorial Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,871 reviews
Reviewed By dshah2018 - Newcastle, Australia
Spectacular views of Newcastle and its beaches. Brilliant design; from just a hill it has been transformed into a regular walking trek while giving a great tribute to the Australian WW1 diggers! Not to be missed..
3. Stockton Sand Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
20 Miles Of At Least 98-foot-high Dunes.
Reviewed By apim - Sydney, Australia
A big stretch of sands offering multiple possibilities. You can just sit and relax, draw figures and sketches in the wet sand area with kids, hire and go on quad biking in the dunes, hire 'sun-board' and have the dry surfing fun or can just jump into the waters - the waves are enticing.
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. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an amazing experience of swimming and interacting with Sharks and Rays. The owners are passionate and dedicated to our Ocean's conservation and Marine Science. Every visitor can learn about the ocean depths and step outside their comfort zone by diving in with these amazing ambassador animals. Once you have experienced these majestic creatures individual personalities, you will have the confidence to take the next step and dive Looking Glass, a popular Nelson Bay shark dive site. Wondering about the name Irukandji? The Irukandji Jellyfish may be the most deadly thing in the world! Coming soon you will see them with your own eyes and learn about the Jellyfish blooms that are currently taking over the ocean like never in history. If you are after an out of this world experience that can be shared with the whole family (even tiny babies get a wetsuit and booties for a swim with the Sharks) then Irukandji is your next adventure waiting to happen.
Reviewed By beckyandjames83 - Broulee, Australia
Staff were all super friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend paying the extra to get in the water for the feedings so you can be up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
6. Lake Macquarie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By gemini060909 - Sydney, Australia
Coming from Sydney with little kids Lake Macquarie is a perfect place. Travel time for less than 2hours is a definitely a plus. Fishing, picnic area, local hotels, cafes, shopping centres, playgrounds. Countless beautiful spots, jetties and foreshore surrounding the beautiful lake. Definitely one our fave place in nsw. Plus beach on the other side- caves beach and blacksmith beach - awesome!
7. Fort Scratchley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 784 reviews
Reviewed By simonc721 - Munich, Germany
You can wander around the fort for free: there are some gun emplacements facing out to sea and three rooms describe the history of the fort (including how Newcastle was attacked by a Japanese submarine in WWII) and there are volunteers in army uniform around the site to explain things further. I also saw the 1pm cannon firing and did the paid ($12.50, 1h20m long) tunnels tour to see where the gunpowder and shells were stored and how firing the guns worked.
8. Newcastle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By bobbier461 - Sydney, Australia
The museum is fantastic, plenty to see and do. The exhibitions are fabulous, especially the coal and steel exhibitions. There is lots of hands on activities for kids and adults. The old Newcastle tram and train are great. It is free admission. The museum building itself is great, as is the Civic park in front of the museum. This is definitely a must do if visiting Newcastle.
9. Merewether Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By BarryH1966 - Newcastle, Australia
This has to be one of the best beaches on the east coast, great views, great surf and great coffee from the Blue Door Kiosk, Coffee with a View!
10. Merewether Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Oscarsmith7 - Brisbane, Australia
Really good place to swim, both for the kids and the lap swimmers. Loads of space and it's nicely protected from the waves
