A holiday in Newcastle is usually packed with refreshing swims at beautiful beaches, relaxing walks along stunning coastline and long evenings in excellent restaurants.
If you’re an adventurous type, you might also throw in an unexpected experience – like taking a dip in a hand-cut ocean pool, seeing a 19th century-style gun firing or wandering through a fairy garden.
Beyond Newcastle’s city limits, there is even more to see and do. Whether you’re behind the wheel of one of SIXT’s eco-friendly EVs or travelling with mates in a spacious SUV, you can take a day trip to remember. Or maybe even two or three.
FOR BEACHES, DOLPHINS AND LONG LUNCHES: PORT STEPHENS
For a day trip that doesn’t involve too much time on the road, make tracks to Port Stephens.
This spectacular body of water – just 30 minutes’ drive north of Newcastle – is twice the size of Sydney Harbour.
Spend your time hopping between pretty beaches spotting dolphins and wandering among sleepy villages, or go for a series of adrenaline hits, from sand-boarding down 30-metre high sand dunes to galloping on horseback along Stockton Beach.
Either way, there are plenty of great eateries where you can refuel. Stand-out experiences include coffee at cosy Little Nel cafe, devonshire tea with breathtaking views at Inner Light Tea Rooms and a long lunch by the water at Little Beach Boathouse.
FOR PRETTY SCENERY AND WINE-TASTING: HUNTER VALLEY
A completely different experience is on offer in the Hunter Valley. Here, you’ll swap the coastline for rolling hills, lush vineyards and friendly cellar doors.
The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia and is best known for its excellent semillon. But, with more than 150 wineries to visit, you can count on coming across wines of all kinds.
In between sips, head to Muse restaurant in Pokolbin for fine dining, Yellow Belly for a feast cooked over a roaring fire or Cafe Enzo for locally grown produce in a Tuscany-inspired courtyard.
If you arrive early enough, you could start the day with the surreal experience of watching the sun rise from a hot air balloon, before hiring a bicycle and setting off along the Hunter Valley Cycleway, which takes in more than 12 wineries.
Travelling with kids? Challenge them to a round of putt putt on the Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf course, introduce them to a python at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park or take them on a picnic in the Hunter Valley Gardens.
FOR STILL WATER AND BUSH WALKS: MYALL LAKES
Just 90 minutes north of Newcastle you’ll find yourself in the otherworld of Myall Lakes National Park.
It’s a dream for nature lovers, with interesting hiking trails, gorgeous spots for paddling a kayak and several magical campgrounds.
Highlights include the Treachery Headland Walk, a two-kilometre trail through coastal rainforest that brings you incredible views of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse; Broughton Island, which is the only place in NSW where you can camp in a seabird colony; and Grandis Picnic Area, where you can eat lunch next to the tallest tree in NSW (as far as we know).
GETTING TO NEWCASTLE
Newcastle is a two-hour drive north of Sydney on the North Coast of NSW.
Swing by on a road trip as far as Brisbane, or fly into Williamtown Airport Newcastle, then jump into a SIXT car rental.
We also have branches at Beresfield and Charlestown, where you can drop off your vehicle if you’re not heading back to the airport.
