Newcastle is a city on Australia’s east coast, around two hours drive north from Sydney. As you’d expect with a coastal Australian town, things to do in Newcastle focus heavily on the ocean, mainly beaches and swimming holes, but also there’s also amazing views of this historical city. This is ‘travel through photography’ Newcastle photo gallery.
I’d like to add, Newcastle is pretty much my hometown. I grew up under a half hour drive from the centre of the city and visited many places in these 9 photos of Newcastle almost weekly.
I’d love to show you around this gem of eastern Australia, so let’s get started!
ANZAC Memorial Walk, Newcastle, Australia
There are few better places in Newcastle to see a sunset than at the newly built ANZAC Memorial Walk. This elevated walkway, covering 450 meters of coastal cliffs and ocean views, was officially opened in April 2015 and is dedicated to Australian soldiers at war, specifically focusing on World War I.
This is my favourite view to watch the sunset over Newcastle. During the whale migration season (May to November), this is also a great place to spot these massive creatures and possibly dolphins that frequently travel along the coastline.
ANZAC Memorial Walk, overlooking Bar Beach
This photo is another shot taken from the ANZAC Memorial Walk, looking out towards Bar Beach. The entire 450-meter path, which is built over Memorial Drive, is full of stunning vistas such as this one.
Nobby’s Beach and Lighthouse
One of Newcastle’s most iconic landmarks is Nobby’s Lighthouse. This pure white statue stands out among the blue waves and sky. Nobby’s Beach is one of Newcastle’s most popular places to swim, surf and walk along the sand and shore. This photo was taken in winter time, so even though the red and yellow flags are being flown, signalling safe conditions for swimming, not many are brave enough to venture into chilly the waters.
Nobby’s Lighthouse stands on a chunk of land called “Nobby’s Head”, and originally called ‘Coal Island”, it used to stand much taller. Today, the island stands at 27.5 m tall (90 feet), but thought to have been around 43m tall (143 feet). It was reduced in height by convict labour early in the 19th century as sail ships would actually lose all wind as they passed behind the giant rock.
Walk along Newcastle’s Breakwall
Also built by convict labour, if you walk along the asphalt path to the ocean side of Nobby’s Head passed the lighthouse, you will see Newcastle Breakwall. It’s impossible to miss as there’s nothing else but ocean.
Work began in 1818 and finished 38 years later. Many lives of convict workers were lost to the unrelenting and unforgiving swell of the South Pacific Ocean.
Newcastle Breakwall is a well-used path for people going for strolls, dolphin watching, or walking your dogs. Beware though, it gets windy out here and can result in waves breaking so hard on the sides of the wall that you may get a little wet in rough weather.
Swim in Newcastle’s Unknown Gem – The Bogey Hole
This is my favourite place in all of Newcastle for a dip! Carved into the base of Shepard Hill by (once again) convicts, this great swimming hole is also known as the Commandants Bath.
This Newcastle heritage- listed attraction is thought to be the oldest surviving European construction in the entire city as it was built around 1820.
A word of warning, in bad weather this is not a place you want to swim. Even though there are stable stairs leading down to the hole, waves can be extremely powerful and crash into the pool, making the rocks incredibly slick. On days like those, it’s a better idea to watch the crashing waves enter the pool, from a viewpoint at the top of the stairs.
Watch ships enter/exit Horseshoe Beach
One of my favourite lunch spots in Newcastle is Horseshoe Beach you can watch these giant ships sail into Newcastle’s busy port. It is way too easy to underestimate the sheer size of these chunks of metal.
Horseshoe Beach is actually an off-leash place for dogs, and I’ve seen plenty of horses. Might not be the best place to sit and relax, but if you head back to the parking lot along the water’s edge there’s a cliff of great sized rocks to sit on – just be wary of the crabs!
The city of Newcastle got its name from England’s famous coal port – so watching the modern day version of the port is fitting for a day in the city.
Merewether Beach View
Another popular beach by Novocastrians (the term for a Newcastle local) is Merewether Beach. No matter the time of year, chances are you’ll find keen surfers braving the cold to catch some waves. Not me, I’m not that brave!
If you’re looking for oceans swims but want to swim in a little more protected waters, Merewether Baths are what you might be after. An outdoor swimming pool that is fed fresh ocean water constantly by waves breaking over the concrete barrier.
Newcastle Beach
It’s pretty obvious why Newcastle Beach got the name it did, but it’s also recognized as one of the best spots in Australia to catch a wave. Obviously, that depends on many weather factors but it’s another immensely popular location for a swim and a surf.
Glenrock State Conservation Area of Newcastle, NSW
Situated about 5km from downtown Newcastle is Glenrock. Within its borders are a freshwater lagoon along with many hiking and 4×4 trails. Given that this park is free to enter and all activities inside are also without cost, this is a great place to explore another side of Newcastle.
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Newcastle is often overlooked by a lot of travellers. When I talk to people who have visited Australia’s east coast and say I grew up in Newcastle, a common reply is “Oh, I drove straight through”, or even “Where is that?”. It is surprising to me, as Newcastle is not only home to stunning beaches and views, but a rich history as well.
Take the time to visit Newcastle and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Newcastle is a city on the east coast of Australia, in the state of New South Wales. Newcastle stands for the ‘N’ in the acronym ‘N.S.W.’ (Sydney and Wollongong make the other two letters).
Have you visited Newcastle in New South Wales? What were your highlights and disappointments? Let me know in a comment below!
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