Top Things to do in Newcastle
What to do and see in Newcastle, New South Wales: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Newcastle, Australia including Blackbutt Reserve, Dudley Beach, Dixon Park Beach, Merewether Beach, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park, Newcastle Beach, Myall Lakes National Park, Watt Street Wharf, King Edward Park.
Restaurants in Newcastle
1. 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
2. Dudley Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Andyjam2110 - Newcastle, Australia
Nice spot without the crowds of other places. Whether it’s a surf, fish, swim or walk through the bush to the rock pools it’s a great place to spend half the day.
3. Dixon Park Beach
4. 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!
5. Nobbys Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By JimGargan_54 - Newcastle, Australia
This beach is located within walking distance of the Newcastle CBD. Only South Newcastle Beach is closer. It has an easterly aspect. Conditions at the beach can vary greatly depending upon the tide and wind direction. There is ample parking and modern clean amenities that are ell maintained. The beach is patrolled by Council Life Guards through the week and Surf Life Saving Australia Life Savers on the weekend. These people are approachable and helpful. They are keen to share their local knowledge and ensure that you enjoy the beach in safety. Please respect their advice. The beach is suitable for long walks, surfing fishing and generally a first encounter for toddlers. The adjacent park enjoys the very best of the diminishing sunshine at the end of the day as well as views of the busiest harbour in the southern hemisphere. Dogs are not welcome on Nobby's Beach however they are welcome on the adjacent harbourside "Horse Shoe Beach". Google "Pasher Bulker" to see photos of an unplanned visit to Nobby's Beach by a merchant ship. Nearby are harbourside walks punctuated with licensed premises, cafe's and restaurants and even a museum. Dont leave Newcastle without spending a day here. Aim for Sunday afternoon to experience Newcastle's dynamic live music scene at nearby "Queens Wharf Hotel", "Honeysuckle Hotel" and "Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club". Newcastle was the nursery for "The Screaming Jets" and "Silver Chair". Nobby's Beach is walking distance from public transport to Sydney (bus & rail) and Newcastle Airport (bus).
6. Foreshore Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By I2249GLcherylc
Flat walkway and spacious for both walkers and bikes (though all need to keep to the left). Great views of the harbour. People friendly. Just loved the space.
7. Newcastle Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Karen70P
The beach has bathing amenities on it, free parking nearby, cafes and restaurants right there. Excellent surf on the days I was there
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. Watt Street Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By DestinationsJourney - Hunter Valley, Australia
This is a historically important spot in Newcastle, although most of it is now gone. This was the place of the first wharf, where coal was exported and ships unloaded cargo. Now it's a great spot to relax, have a nice walk and take in the views of Nobby's Headland, Stockton Beach and the Harbor.
10. King Edward Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Mon55 - Brisbane, Australia
We parked here and did some walking along the coastal walk. There are play areas for kids and picnic areas for the family picnic. The Garside Gardens are very pretty too. Lots of shady trees to sit under.
