Newcastle family-friendly travel guide

Although there’s no bad time to visit Newcastle, summer is the time to go if you want to embrace everything that the city has to offer. Surf nuts will want to be there in February, when Surfest (Australia’s largest surfing festival) runs. Temperatures average in the high twenties in summer, while winters are fairly mild, with clear skies during the day, but cooler temperatures at night.

Those flying from Australia’s eastern states will be able to fly direct to Newcastle Airport, approximately 25 minutes by car from the Newcastle City Centre.

For visitors flying from any other state, or internationally, fly to Sydney or Brisbane Airport, where you’ll be able to get a connecting flight to Newcastle.

By car, Newcastle is approximately 2.5 hours north of Sydney or 8.5 hours south of Brisbane. Most major attractions have decent amounts of parking, and you’ll find street parking throughout the city.

Newcastle is a three-hour train trip from Sydney. The city is served by a network of trains, buses, ferries and light rail, so most attractions within the city can be easily accessed by public transport.

There’s plenty to eat and drink in Newcastle. Darby Street is the city’s culinary hub, with 25 different eateries. Highlights include Goldbergs Coffee House and Delucas Pizza, but with a bit of exploration along the street you’re sure to find something to keep the whole family happy.

The Hunter Valley is only a short drive away, and lovers of food and wine will feel right at home. Many of the region’s wineries will offer dining experiences (it’s hard to top alfresco dining in a winery courtyard), but you’ll find a number of dedicated restaurants as well.

Newcastle has a numerous shopping centres with all the usual supermarkets and department stores. For something a bit different though, check out the Newcastle City Farmers Market, where you’ll get the chance to meet the people that grow your fruit and veg, as well as pick up groceries at prices often below what a supermarket will charge. For those interested in art and design, the Olive Tree Market brings together Newcastle’s top artists, craftspeople and musicians once a month in Civic Park.

Newcastle also plays host to a number of specialty stores. For everything Christmas-related (at any time of year), Forever Christmas is a must-visit. Bookworms will want to spend some time in Q’s Books, which specialises in second hand and rare books, and bargain hunters need to check out The Retro Wardrobe, stocking an eclectic mix of second hand items.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

Attire-wise, anything goes in Newcastle. Just make sure (particularly in the summer months) to wear sun safe clothes; a hat and some sunscreen will go a long way towards making your holiday happy and free of sunburn.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a two-pin (shaped like a “V”) or three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, Newcastle is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Be sure to stay vigilant around the beaches, not only with sunscreen but also watching your kids while they’re in the water. Educate your little ones about rips and remember that lifeguards are doing their best to watch everybody, but the beaches can be extremely crowded and you should never consider them your child’s babysitter!

This popular swimming spot was carved out of the rocky shoreline around 1820 and is one of the most dramatic sights around Newcastle. The ocean crashes against the rocks beside the pool, while the glassy water looks almost ethereal at sunset. Occasionally you’ll even spot dolphins from the pool! In strong winds though, waves can come over the edge of the pool, so check the weather before heading out.

This grassy knoll was designated as parkland in 1863 and has given Newcastle residents some of the best views around since then. With towering Norfolk Island pines and pops of colour in the sunken garden, there’s plenty of photographic opportunities here.

With pristine stretches of sand, a lighthouse and a breakwall, Nobbys Beach puts a couple of Newcastle icons within walking distance of each other. From Nobbys Head you’ll get views over the beach and the breakwall, as well as a great panorama back towards Newcastle City.