Things to do in Newcastle, NSW with kids

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Planning your Trip to Newcastle

Newcastle, New South Wales is located on the East Coast of Australia and surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and a breath-taking harbour.

Newcastle consists of some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches with bustling restaurants and city culture. Here you can also try some of the most delicious food and experience the very best in family attractions.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled family vacation then look no further; Newcastle is home to many wonderful and fun things to do. The Hunter Wetland is a must-see as well as the reserves of Blackbutt. Pack a family picnic and enjoy a walking trail in the Australian wildlife. Only a short drive from central is Glenrock State Conservation Area renowned for its fun biking trails and easy access to the Glenrock Lagoon and Burwood Beach.

Right on the doorstep of Newcastle NSW is one of Australia’s very best wine regions, the Hunter Valley, famous for its chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon.

Newcastle has the most beautiful beaches and sand dunes. If you and the family enjoy bike riding there are many exciting trails to cycle along and enjoy the spectacular views of the ocean and landscapes. The shorelines of Nelson Bay, Anny Bay, and Fingal Bay sparkle in the glorious sun, and the inviting waters make a trip to one of these bays well worth the journey. Along the stunning shorelines, families can enjoy quad biking and sandboarding amongst lots of other fun-filled family activities.

Listed below are some of the top attractions to visit with the family in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Nobbys Beach

Nobby’s Beach is one of Newcastle’s high-profile beaches and is favoured as a popular swimming spot for families and those that enjoy surfing and dolphin spotting.

Bogey Hole

The Bogey Hole Ocean Pool is known to be an Instagrammers dream and must-see attraction. Located in King Edward Park, this impressive spot is enjoyed by many locals and surfers.

Blackbutt Reserve

The Blackbutt reserve covers over 182 acres of land. This natural environment consists of peaceful settings, nature trails, wood fire barbeques, and lots of wonderful animals such as native birds, koalas, emus, and kangaroos.

There are lots of great places to stay in Newcastle, NSW with the kids. The accommodation choice covers all budgets. To help you search for the best option we have listed below are top picks of places to stay.

Macleay Valley Coast Holiday Parks

The Macleay Valley is situated on the beautiful Macleay Valley Coast and offers families the amenities necessary for a perfect family getaway.

BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park

This fun hotel has the most adventurous outdoor swimming pool with its very own water park and slides. The kids will love this hotel as there is so much to do.

Tiona Holiday Park

Located between the white sands of Seven Mile Beach and the tree palm shores of Wallis Lake, this hotel is true back-to-nature and offers families an oasis of calm. Whether you decide to go camping or stay in a cabin for the night, this site offers everything for families and kids. Perfect for relaxing, exploring and playing!

The Retreat Port Stephens

The retreat Port Stephens is a perfect hideaway for families looking for relaxation in a natural setting and idyllic scenery. Amenities include swimming pools, campfires, BBQs, outdoor games and biking trails.

Teak Tree Farm

The Teak Tree Farm is the perfect country escape with all the amenities for a relaxing break with the kids. Located only a short drive from many of the coastal beaches including Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay, this beautiful place to stay is perfect for families that wish to travel to neighboring areas and want to explore the natural beauty of NSW.

There is never a bad time to visit Newcastle, NSW but summer is probably the best time to go if you want to embrace everything this city has to offer. Temperatures reach an average of the high 20s during the summer and winters are fairly mild. Newcastle mostly displays clear blue skies and relatively mild temperatures.

To avoid overpaying for attractions it's best to travel out of peak months. Of course, if you want to experience the best weather then the summer is the better time to visit Newcastle, NSW.

Newcastle, NSW is a metropolis with everything from street art, stunning beaches, cool cafes, fantastic hotels, and iconic ocean baths.

Some of the big attractions are the beaches and the harbors. Newcastle offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of adventure for families looking for a holiday of a lifetime.

Listed below are our top picks of regions to visit in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian Wines. Known for its exquisite wines and famous gourmet getaway. Hunters Valley is known for its indulgence and is a perfect getaway for families looking for something extra special. Hunter Valley offers plenty to do for families that enjoy adventure and food experiences. Spend the day hiking around the vineyards or soak up the sun at one of the region's natural wonders.

Port Stephens

Discover some of Australia's most beautiful attractions and natural habitats. Everything from soaring dunes to ancient rainforests and majestic bays. If you and the family enjoy water sports then Port Stephens is a must! Here you can enjoy lots of water activities such as surfing, kayaking swimming with wild dolphins, and scuba diving with grey nurse sharks.

There are many inventive tours such as the Stockton dunes and the Barrington Tops National Park. Port Stephens is the perfect place for a family vacation.

Sydney

Sydney is home to the most famous attractions like the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Sydney is constantly evolving and tourist flock there by the millions. Everything from stunning architecture, pop-up restaurants urban shopping, designer shops, and many more. Sydney is the perfect place for day trips and weekend getaways with the family.

Sydney has some of the most beautiful white beaches, calm waters, and famous beaches such as Bondi beach. Sydney is also home to the famous Blue Mountains and ancient.

Located in Sydney is the infamous Taronga Zoo, families can visit Taronga Zoo and see over 4000 native and exotic animals. Take a day trip with the little ones and enjoy seeing all of the wonderful Australian habitats.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Newcastle, NSW. The famous Darby Street is the city's culinary club with over 25 different eateries. Hunter Drive is a foodie’s paradise and only a short drive from the city. Many of the regions in Newcastle offer wineries and their own dining experiences.

Listed below are some of the best places to eat with kids when visiting Newcastle, NSW

Happy Wombat

This relaxed dining venue bases a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Cooked with love, the Happy Wombat welcomes kids of all ages and offers adults some of the best Australian craft beer and wines from Hunter Valley. Their food is reasonably priced and delicious! They serve wholesome dishes and offer their guests live music and takeout options.

East End Hub

This impressive diner offers creative and delicious food all priced very reasonably. If you’re a family looking for new foods to try and enjoy fusion-style food, then The East End Hub is the place to be. We recommend trying the Calamari and taco dishes!

The Grain Store

The Grain Store is a specialized restaurant focused on delivering the most delicious food with inspiration from your typical American diner. They serve the most delicious ribs and wings and an excellent cocktail menu for adults.

Three Monkeys Café

The Three Monkeys is your typical laid-back hangout that serves great grub. An amazing place to unwind with the family and enjoy no-nonsense food and a relaxed atmosphere. We recommend their double cheeseburger and fries.

Paymasters

This food haven is within easy walking distance of the center of Newcastle and located on Foreshore Park. The views when dining is magical and the food is beautiful. Serving the freshest fish dishes accompanied by the crispiest white wines all from the local wineries.

Newcastle Map