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Burwood Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Burwood Trail

From high on the escarpment, you can look down at historic Burwood Colliery. It was first excavated in the 19th century, around 1861. It’s now well-preserved and part of the State Heritage register. Listen for the call of bellbirds. Look for the male regent bowerbird, with its glossy black and bright yellow plumage. Echidnas can also been seen out foraging at dawn or dusk. The trail begins on Scout Camp Road above the scout camp. You'll see the track entry opposite the water tank. Walkers can join Yuelarbah walking track at the western end of the track or the Leggy Point loop walking track at the eastern end, which also links to Glenrock Beach. Horse riders can also use this trail, which joins into a network of others in the park.

Whitebridge NSW

0.2 km away

Leggy Point Loop Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Leggy Point Loop Walking Track

Leggy Point loop walking track weaves through open coastal forest with some jaw-dropping coastal views in Glenrock State Conservation Area. The walking track is ideal for active nature lovers with wildflower displays and opportunities for birdwatching, swimming and surfing. Emerging at Elvis Rock, gaze along the coastline to Newcastle to the north. Be sure to look for whales during their annual migration. You can head to Glenrock Beach for a swim or surf after passing Awabakal Aboriginal midden, at the mouth of Glenrock Lagoon. The forest offers a mix of banksia, acacia, spotted gum, iron bark and white mahogany trees. During spring, look for pretty yellow donkey orchids, named for their two large top petals. Large skinks, known as land mullets, are also common in this area of the park.

Whitebridge NSW

0.4 km away

Glenrock State Conservation Area

National Parks and Reserves

Glenrock State Conservation Area

Located between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, Glenrock State Conservation Area offers an astounding array of recreational opportunities. Glenrock embraces the last surviving pocket of coastal rainforest in the region, home to a range of animals, like bandicoots, bats and gliders. So remember to leave your pets at home. The park also protects a number of ancient Aboriginal sites. One of the city's most popular beaches lies within the park's boundaries, but there is much more here than sand and surf. Take your mountain bike and explore the scenic cycling trails, walk the rainforest and waterfall tracks, launch a hang glider off the cliffs or enjoy a spot of fishing.

Highfields NSW

0.5 km away

Glenrock Mountain Biking Trails — Image credit: Photo: Shaun Sursok

Natural Attractions

Glenrock Mountain Biking Trails

Glenrock State Conservation Area provides excellent opportunities for mountain bike riding. With 14 kilometres of purpose-built bike trails and 20 kilometres of linked management trails in the northern section of the park, allow a day to explore the area. The mountain bike tracks will take you on a windy ride through open forest and woodlands and, in combination with the trail network, provide access to Burwood Beach, Leichhardt’s lookout and the waterfalls. The trails are graded – green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate and black diamond for advanced, so there is bound to be one that suits your level. Biking trails are all signed, so if you can’t see a sign it means that riding is not permitted. Large bike maps are installed at major entrances.

Highfields NSW

0.9 km away

Yuelarbah Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Shaun Sursok/NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Yuelarbah Walking Track

Part of the Great North walk that stretches 250 kilometres from Newcastle to Sydney, the Yuelarbah walking track is one of the highlights of Glenrock State Conservation Area. Commencing at the wheelchair accessible raised boardwalk, the scenic track leads you along Flaggy Creek, through wet gullies and coastal rainforest, and if that's not enough, you'll pass two waterfalls before finishing at Glenrock Beach. About halfway along you’ll find Leichhardt’s lookout which offers excellent views over Glenrock Lagoon. It’s a great option for a day walk, and be sure you take a picnic lunch with you; there are a few great spots to stop for a break along the walk, including the picnic area at Flaggy Creek and the beach or headlands of Glenrock Beach.

Whitebridge NSW

1.3 km away

Dudley Beach

Natural Attractions

Dudley Beach

Dudley Beach is a scenic and secluded stretch of coastline nestled within Glenrock State Conservation Area, offering visitors a sense of escape just minutes from the city. Renowned for its wild coastal beauty, the beach is framed by rolling sand dunes, rugged cliffs, and ancient rock platforms where fossils can be found. It is a popular destination for experienced surfers, photographers, and nature lovers drawn to its dramatic ocean views and untamed landscape. The beach is unpatrolled and exposed to strong rips and powerful surf, making swimming hazardous for inexperienced swimmers. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the coastline from the shore or explore the surrounding walking tracks that showcase the area's diverse natural environment. Managed by NSW National Parks, it offers picnicking, walking, and 4WD access, featuring facilities like parking and picnic shelters, with the southern end known for its unique rock formations and blowhole at high tide.

Whitebridge NSW

1.3 km away

Fernleigh Track — Image credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track is the Hunter region’s most popular shared pathway. The 15-kilometre route along a disused coal haul rail line passes through the suburbs of Adamstown, Kahibah, Whitebridge, Redhead, Jewells and ends near Belmont TAFE, taking in the Glenrock State Conservation Area, Awabakal Nature Reserve and Belmont Wetlands State Park. The Fernleigh Track is a joint project of Lake Macquarie City Council and the City of Newcastle, with funding provided by both councils and State and Federal Government grants. The Fernleigh Track forms part of the Coastline R1 Regional Cycleway, part of the Greater Newcastle Principal Bicycle Network The track is suitable for all fitness levels and is a safe off-road link between residential areas and employment hubs. Features include former stations and heritage railway relics dotting the track and the Fernleigh Tunnel linking Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.

Whitebridge NSW

2.3 km away

Merewether Ocean Baths — Image credit: City of Newcastle

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Merewether Ocean Baths

Opened in 1935, Merewether Ocean Baths are the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere. Free to access, and hugely popular among visitors and locals alike, the Merewether Ocean Baths are perfect to cool off, enjoy some wave-free frolicking, and enjoy an ocean-side ice cream or coffee. The first baths were built in 1926, measuring 140 feet (43 metres) long, on the shelf below Henderson Parade. Located to the north of the existing baths and in front of Merewether Surf House, the baths became known as the Ladies Pool. Today the remnants of the small pool are dwarfed alongside the existing Merewether Baths. For those with a photography hobby, Merewether Ocean Baths at sunrise are not to be missed. Capture the iconic lanes, with locals in the background doing their laps. Merewether Ocean Baths are cleaned every Thursday and closed ALL day to allow adequate time for all cleaning and maintenance to occur.

Merewether NSW

2.7 km away

Merewether Beach — Image credit: City of Newcastle

Natural Attractions

Merewether Beach

The iconic Merewether Beach is home to the international surfing competition, Surfest. It is part of a beach reserve that stretches from Dixon Park in the north to Burwood Beach in the south - with superb views in all directions. Enjoy a coffee at a beachside cafe and watch as locals walk their dogs, parents juggle caffeine and kids with sandy hair and the surfers' roll-up by the dozen. Walk a bit further down the beach promenade, and you'll find Merewether Ocean Baths, the largest Ocean Baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Merewether Beach is the southern end of the popular Bathers Way walk.

Merewether NSW

2.8 km away

Exterior of centre — Image credit: Westfield Kotara

Shopping and Markets

Westfield Kotara

Westfield Kotara is Newcastle's premier shopping, dining, and lifestyle destination. Home to over 200 stores, it offers a mix of leading fashion, beauty, and homeware brands alongside a dynamic dining precinct. The Rooftop features a curated selection of restaurants and entertainment, creating the perfect spot to unwind. Whether you're browsing flagship retailers, indulging in gourmet eats, or enjoying family-friendly experiences, Westfield Kotara is where style, flavour, and community come together.

Kotara NSW

3.0 km away

Dixon Park Beach — Image credit: City of Newcastle

Natural Attractions

Dixon Park Beach

Dixon Park Beach is a great beach for families. Located mid-way between Bar Beach and Merewether, it is also the perfect spot for a rest if you are walking along the popular Bather's Way. Dixon Park Beach has lots of car parking and the added bonus of a children's playground, plenty of green space, off-leash area for dogs, a kiosk serving delicious coffee, toasties, ice-cream and pastries. There are public shelters, tables and barbecues across the road. Watch surfers catch a wave, keep an eye out for dolphins, or enjoy a moment to take in the fresh sea breeze as you make your way along the Bathers Way. The park space opposite the beach is popular for community events and markets.

Merewether NSW

3.3 km away

Holey Moley Charlestown

Entertainment Venues

Holey Moley Charlestown

Newcastle, are you ready to putt your stuff? Holey Moley is the craziest round of mini-golf you’ve ever played! They’re a mini golf course and bar that brings fun to a new level. With two different nine-hole courses to choose from, you’ll putt your stuff around 18 uniquely themed holes. After you have worked up a thirst, settle in at their Caddyshack bar. With drinks, cocktails, tunes and great grub on offer, The Caddyshack will take care of all their off-the-green needs.

Charlestown NSW

3.6 km away

Strike Bowling Charlestown

Amusement and Theme Parks

Strike Bowling Charlestown

Situated over two levels and overlooking the South Piazza in Charlestown Square, Strike Bowling Charlestown is not your average bowling alley! Featuring eight bowling lanes, two private karaoke rooms, an amazing laser tag arena, a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace, the entertainment options are endless. Plus, they're now slinging delicious old-school sandwiches courtesy of their pop-up mates at Rando Sandos.

Charlestown NSW

3.6 km away

Koala exhbit — Image credit: Blackbutt Reserve

Natural Attractions

Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve occupies approximately 182 hectares of land, six kilometres from Newcastle city centre. It offers visitors many opportunities to link recreational activities and environmental education with conservation and research programs. Blackbutt Reserve is an undulating natural environment consisting of peaceful picnic settings with electric barbecues, open spaces, nature trails, and a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. It also features wildlife exhibits that are modern, and spacious and allows close viewing of the animals, including koalas, wombats, native birds, emus and kangaroos. There is a range of wildlife feeding and reptile shows at Blackbutt Reserve, please check the website for the most up-to-date information. Visit the newly constructed cafe for a coffee amongst the trees.

Kotara NSW

4.1 km away

Bar Beach

Natural Attractions

Bar Beach

Bar Beach is a suburb located in southwest Newcastle and takes its name from a rock pool formation named The Bar. Prior to the development of Bar Beach and the surrounding suburbs of Cooks Hill and Hamilton, the Australian Agricultural Company held extensive Crown land grants in the area. Bar Beach is steeped in history -the northern part of the beach is named after the American ship Susan Gilmore which suffered a shipwreck on 4 July 1884. It also has a number of heritage-listed buildings including Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club and Memorial, Reid Park Tennis Clubhouse and Tennis Courts, and the Empire Park Bowling Club Fence.

Bar Beach NSW

4.1 km away

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Entertainment Venues

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Newcastle Entertainment Centre hosts the very best local, national and international events in a market that is continually growing and very supportive. It is the premier regional venue with the sixth largest market in Australia. The Newcastle Entertainment Centre services a population base in excess of one million patrons. From Coffs Harbour in the north, west to Armidale and Moree as well as the Central Coast of New South Wales. It is located six minutes from the centre of Newcastle within the Newcastle Showground. From concerts, family and sporting events the Newcastle Entertainment Centre hosts them all! The Centre has a variable capacity from an intimate theatre mode of 1,500 to a full general admission mode of 7,528 using curtaining, portable seating, bleaches and moving the stage to suit your needs. The Centre hosts concerts and comedy performances such as Michael Bublé and Jimmy Carr, sporting events including International Netball and Boxing and family events including Disney On Ice and Starstruck.

Broadmeadow NSW

4.3 km away

Sim Bays for Virtual Golf

Entertainment Venues

Rippit Golf

Rippit Golf is Newcastle's home for year-round golfing, offering state-of-the-art simulator bays, a premium driving range, and fun for all skill levels. Whether you're refining your swing, competing with mates, or just having a hit, Rippit Golf provides the ultimate indoor and outdoor golf experience. Rippit Golf also has a Sports Bar and is the premier golf sports bar that Newcastle visitors choose to relax and enjoy. Whether unwinding after a round of golf or catching a live game, our Newcastle sports bar offers mouthwatering bites, refreshing beverages, and a lively atmosphere. With multiple screens showing all your favourite sports, there's always something to cheer for. Join us at the best sports bar Newcastle has to offer—where good company, great food, and unforgettable moments meet. Visit Rippit Sports Bar Newcastle today and elevate your game day experience!

Broadmeadow NSW

4.4 km away

Thirsty Messiah Brewery

Entertainment Venues

Thirsty Messiah Brewery

Newcastle award winning brewery, 300 metres from the stadium. Live music, great food and beverages at affordable prices. They host music, comedy, trivia and other forms of entertainment regularly. They also distill and sell spirits and manufacture a large range of beverages. Come and try their slushies, you will be blown away by the range and quality.

Broadmeadow NSW

4.4 km away

Centennial Park, Newcastle — Image credit: City of Newcastle

Parks and Gardens

Centennial Park

In the heart of inner city Cooks Hill, the charming Centennial Park offers a Victorian rotunda, modern playground, fragrant flower beds and expansive grassy spaces shaded by Norfolk Pines and fig trees. A popular spot for families, the playground is a draw-card offering swing, climbing equipment, slides, monkey bars and more. There are picnic tables and benches throughout the manicured park inviting visitors to spread out a blanket and soak up the enticing green space. This 2.2-hectare urban oasis was a centennial gift to the city in 1888 by the Australian Agricultural Company (a coal mining company). It’s also home to the city’s only public lawn tennis courts while next door is the Lowlands Bowling Club, which opened in 1892.

Newcastle NSW

4.5 km away

Cooks Hill Galleries

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cooks Hill Galleries

Established in 1975, Cooks Hill Galleries is one of Australia's leading commercial art galleries. An exquisite array of unique and collectable paintings, sculptures and ceramic pieces, together with works of colonial impressionism and the modern period, can be found adorning the walls and exhibit spaces in this beautifully restored cottage-style gallery. The Gallery has four main exhibition spaces, two main galleries and a premium and collectible art gallery space. We are open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. The Gallery presents regular exhibitions and features art within four rooms, with artworks from a quality stable of Australian artists, from contemporary to colonial, i.e. Brett Whiteley to Conrad Martens. The art on offer includes Abstract, Modern, Impressionism, Surrealism, and Traditional. CHG also deals in painting and sculpture from emerging artists.

Cooks Hill NSW

4.8 km away

Back to Back Galleries, Cooks Hill, Newcastle — Image credit: Denise Spalding

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Back to Back Galleries

Situated in the leafy historic Newcastle suburb of Cooks Hill is the Back to Back Galleries, also home to the Newcastle Studio Potters Inc. The original premises Back’s Butcher Shop, was purchased in 1973 by the Newcastle Ceramics Group and after years of fundraising by the group, Back to Back and the Back Room Galleries officially opened in 1992. Since then the group has become known as the Newcastle Studio Potters Inc. growing its membership and renaming the premises, Back to Back Galleries. The Newcastle Studio Potters Inc. cordially offers the main gallery for hire to local and regional artists to exhibit, essentially, high quality ceramics but also includes artworks in a variety of media. The Back Room Gallery, now known as The Gallery Shop, provides exhibition space and a take away sales outlet exclusively for its members' beautifully crafted pottery. At the rear of the premises a large studio provides facilities for workshops, kiln firings, guest lectures and meetings for the membership. With a dynamic exhibition calendar new works are always on display every three weeks in the main gallery. Exhibiting artists are mainly drawn from the greater Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie regions, a vast area of delight and inspiration for many artists. As well, on occasions, national and international artists may collaborate in exhibitions at the gallery .

Cooks Hill NSW

4.8 km away

Pappa Sven

Shopping and Markets

Pappa Sven

A unique Nordic Lifestyle store located in Newcastle. They import the largest range of authentic Nordic designed products and host many Nordic inspired events throughout the year. Pappa Sven was born after the owners, Matt and Libby Helinski, sent a year living in the very North of Sweden and wanted to share this experience with the Newcastle community. It is a truly unique shopping environment where you can sit and have a coffee and a chat while being surrounded by iconic Nordic pieces.

Cooks Hill NSW

4.9 km away

Anzac Memorial Walk, Newcastle — Image credit: City of Newcastle

Landmarks and Buildings

Newcastle Memorial Walk

The Newcastle Memorial Walk was opened in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli. As well as honouring the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during World War I, this date also marks the commencement of steel making in Newcastle; the memorial walk was built using 64 tonnes of stainless steel for this very reason. The walkway is also adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers, as well as the names of almost 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women who enlisted to serve during World War I. The Newcastle Memorial Walk consists of two sections: the first is a 160-metre-long bridge that starts at Strzelecki Lookout and leads to another stunning viewing platform. The second section is a stairway that connects the memorial walk to Bathers Way, a six-kilometre coastal walk from Nobbys Beach down to Merewether Beach. With stunning cliff-top views and an important message for younger generations, this memorial walk is one of Newcastle's biggest recent developments. With lights illuminating the path after dark, visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Hill NSW

4.9 km away

Kookaburra & Waratah Stencil — Image credit: National Trust (NSW)

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Miss Porter's House Museum

Miss Porter's House Museum is a Newcastle treasure. Take a step back into history in the heart of the city. Visitors of all ages can explore Porter family stories and discover the secrets of an Edwardian home. You can chat with friendly, knowledgeable guides or take a self-directed tour. Enjoy the Porters' stencilled ceilings, period garden, historic fernery, furniture, handicrafts and a century of household items. Visitors have described the museum as one of Newcastle's little jewels and a wonderful social history resource. Built by Herbert Porter in 1909, the family lived in their terrace home until 1997. It was then bequeathed to the National Trust and survives with its contents intact as a living snapshot of life in twentieth-century Newcastle. Explore on an Open Day, book a special school or group tour or take a guided walk around the Porters' neighbourhood. For that special friend or colleague, why not truly savour the Edwardian ambience and indulge in a morning or afternoon tea and tour? Make Miss Porter's House Museum part of your visit to Newcastle while enjoying breathtaking beaches, a working harbour, plus cultural, culinary and architectural delights.

Newcastle West NSW

4.9 km away

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