Top Five Things To Do in the Hunter this Summer!
Sometimes the best adventures aren't found in distant lands, but right in our own backyard. While Newcastle might not have the global fame of Paris or the exotic allure of Bali, it boasts something even better: an intoxicating blend of sun-soaked beaches, rich culture,
and hidden gems that many tourists (and even locals) have yet to discover.
From our glittering waters to the vibrant pulse of our city streets and sundrenched vineyards, the Hunter region is a playground of possibilities that doesn't require a passport or currency converter to enjoy. As your local guides, we've combed through the countless experiences our region has to offer to bring you five unmissable adventures that prove paradise isn't always a plane ride away.
Whether you're a longtime local looking to rediscover your hometown or a visitor seeking authentic Newcastle experiences, these handpicked destinations showcase the very best of what makes our corner of Australia truly special. So grab your sunscreen, charge your camera, and join us as we explore the must-see spots that make Newcastle worth
staying home for.
#1 Stretch Your Legs
There's something magical about exploring a city on foot, and Newcastle's crown jewel of urban walks is the stunning Bathers Way. This 5.8-kilometre coastal trail strings together the city's five beloved beaches like pearls on a necklace, stretching from the historic Merewether Ocean Baths to the iconic Nobbys Beach.
The true highlight of this journey is the Newcastle Memorial Walk – a masterpiece of urban design that does double duty as both a breathtaking viewpoint and a powerful tribute to our history. This 450m elevated walkway, commemorating both the ANZAC centenary and Newcastle's steel-making heritage, offers what might just be the most spectacular coastal views in New South Wales.
Looking for a shorter but equally rewarding adventure? Take the 1-kilometer stroll along the break-wall to Nobbys Head. Time it right on a Sunday (between 10am and 4pm), and you can climb to the top of Nobbys Lighthouse for a 360-degree panorama that will quite literally take your
breath away.
#2 Take a Dip
While Newcastle proper boasts five stunning beaches within a 6km stretch, it's worth venturing just a little further south to uncover one of the region's most enchanting coastal secrets: Caves Beach. This 300-meter stretch of golden sand isn't just another pretty beach – it's nature's own adventure playground.
The real magic happens at the southern end, where a mysterious network of sea caves awaits exploration. These
natural sculptures, carved by countless millennia of waves, create an otherworldly landscape that begs to be photographed and explored. Just remember to check the tide times before you visit – Mother Nature only reveals these hidden treasures during low tide.
For history buffs and wild swimming enthusiasts, Newcastle's Bogey Hole offers an equally compelling experience. Hand-carved by convicts in 1819 for Major James Morisset's private use, this heritage-listed ocean pool is now the oldest of its kind on Australia's east coast. Tucked beneath the cliffs of King Edward Park, it's a dramatic reminder of our colonial past that still provides an exhilarating swim today.
Don't miss the magnificent Merewether Baths either – the Southern Hemisphere's largest ocean baths complex. With its twin pools (including one perfect for families with young children), it offers all the thrill of ocean swimming without the surf, making it an ideal spot for visitors of all swimming abilities
#3 Step Back in Time
Just a short drive from Newcastle lies a perfectly preserved slice of colonial Australia. Morpeth, with its cobblestone streets and sandstone buildings, isn't just another pretty heritage town – it's a living museum that tells the story of how our region grew from riverside settlement to thriving port.
Founded in 1821 on Lieutenant Edward Charles Close's land grant, Morpeth quickly became one of NSW's busiest river ports. Today, its historic streetscape houses a delightful mix of artisan shops, cozy cafes, and boutique galleries, all while maintaining its 19th-century charm. Walking down Swan Street feels like stepping through time, with architectural gems
like the grand CBC Bank (1889), the stately Morpeth Court House (1862), and the famous Arnott Bakehouse (1851) – the birthplace of Australia's beloved biscuit empire.
For history enthusiasts, the free Morpeth Heritage Walk showcases 25 significant sites throughout the former port. But for those seeking a darker twist on local history, the Morpeth Ghost and Heritage Tour reveals the village's shadowy past through tales of hauntings, murders, and mysterious local folklore.
Newcastle itself boasts its own impressive collection of heritage sites. Don't miss the majestic Christ Church Cathedral, the perfectly preserved Miss Porter's House, or the historic Fort Scratchley – the only coastal fortification in Australia to have fired upon an enemy vessel during wartime when it engaged a Japanese submarine in 1942.
#4 Wine & Dine in Wine Country
While Newcastle's urban dining scene continues to flourish, the true gastronomic heart of our region beats among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley vineyards. This isn't just wine country – it's a food lover's paradise where centuries-old vines meet modern culinary innovation.
The historic Pokolbin region forms the epicentre of this viticultural wonderland, but don't overlook the intimate charm of Lovedale and Broke, where family-owned boutique cellar doors offer personalised tasting experiences that larger establishments can't match. Each sub-region brings its own character to your glass, from Pokolbin's prestigious Semillon to Broke's boutique organic wines.
Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, the Valley offers two perfect ways to explore: take the wheel for a self-guided adventure at your own pace or relax aboard one of the many guided tours where local experts share insider knowledge between stops. From barrel-aged classics to experimental natural wines, from 46 hatted restaurants to rustic cellar door platters, every turn in the road promises a new flavour to discover. Check out
www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com.au for some of the region's best wine and food experiences.
If you’re short on time and want to stay a little closer to the city, there are a number of emerging foodie precincts and eat streets to taste your way through. Check out Darby St in the city and Beaumont Street in Hamilton. For waterfront dining, take a stroll along Honeysuckle and onwards towards Queens Wharf.
#5 Thrills & Spills
For those who measure their holidays in heartbeats, Newcastle's natural playground offers enough adrenaline-pumping
adventures to satisfy even the most dedicated thrill-seeker. The crown jewel of local excitement has to be the Stockton Sand Dunes – the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere – where adventure meets pristine wilderness in spectacular fashion.
Carve across the sweeping dunes on a quad bike adventure, feeling the rush as you navigate this otherworldly landscape of endless sand. Or, for a more unique perspective, join a camel trek at sunset, when the dunes cast long shadows, and the sky puts on a spectacular show. Sandboarding offers another rush entirely – picture yourself perched atop a towering dune before sliding down its face on a custom board, with nothing but smooth sand and blue sky ahead.
But the thrills don't stop at the dunes. Take to the waves with a surfing lesson at one of our world-class beaches, or soar above them all with a tandem paragliding flight along our stunning coastline. For the ultimate high altitude adventure, join the team at Balloon Aloft for a sunrise balloon flight over the spectacular vineyards of the Hunter Valley – floating over
the picturesque landscapes of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke at the height of 2000 feet or more.
Check out www.HELLONewy.com.au to discover everything the region has to offer.
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