Heading to Newcastle and looking for a new adventure or two? You’re on the right page.
Newcastle’s beautiful beaches, great eats, walking trails and interesting arts scene are well known (and you can find out more about them over here).
But they’re not the only way to spend your time in the city.
There are also several ways to have experiences that you might not expect – from sandboarding down 30-metre-high sand dunes to attending a public gun firing the way it was done in the 19th century.
GO SANDBOARDING AT STOCKTON DUNES
Around 45 minutes’ drive north of Newcastle is Stockton Beach, which is backdropped by the biggest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Driving into them is like entering another world.
There are many ways to experience the dunes – from hiking among them to riding on the back of the camel. But one of the most fun is undoubtedly sand boarding.
Your adventure will begin with a 10-15 minute ride over the dunes in a 4WD, followed by a brief instructional session. You’ll then spend an hour or two (or even longer) mastering the art of sandboarding, starting with small dunes and moving onto bigger ones.
SWIM IN A HAND-CUT OCEAN POOL
NSW’s coastline is dotted with stunning ocean pools – and one of the most magnificent is Newcastle’s Bogey Hole.
It’s also the oldest one built by Europeans. Way back in 1819, Major John Morriset wanted a private swimming spot, so he ordered a bunch of convicts to hand-cut it into the rocks.
More than 200 years later, the Bogey Hole is open to the public 24 hours a day.
To turn your swim into a longer adventure, make it one stop on a walk along the Bathers’ Way, a six-kilometre-long trail along the coast from Merewether Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north.
GO PARAGLIDING OVER THE COAST
Newcastle’s spectacular coastline makes it ideal for paragliding. And, even if you’ve never flown before, you can get started without any experience on a tandem flight.
For 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll soar over the city’s beaches in the company of an expert paraglider.
If you happen to fall in love with being in the air, then you can consider returning to Newcastle to complete a seven-day-long flying school.
ATTEND A 19TH CENTURY-STYLE GUN FIRING
Every day at 1pm a gun is fired at Fort Scratchley – just south of Nobbys Beach. It’s not just any gun, but a 19th century canon, complete with fire and smoke.
The firing coincides exactly with the moment when the ball drops at Newcastle Customs House, and, 150 years ago, provided sailors with an accurate method for setting their navigation tools.
While you’re at Fort Scratchley, take a guided tour of the tunnels to learn more about its unusual history.
WANDER THROUGH A FAIRY GARDEN
In the 1970s, Newcastle local and avid gardener Merv Moyle started transforming a patch of overgrown public land into a fairy garden for his daughters.
More than 50 years later, his creation is visited by hundreds of kids every year. Its resident magical population has grown to include fairies, goblins, ducks, koalas and more.
There’s also plenty of seating, a barbecue area and a mailbox accepting letters for the Fairy Queen.
GETTING TO NEWCASTLE
Newcastle is two hours’ drive north of Sydney, eight hours’ drive south of Brisbane and five hours’ drive northeast of Canberra.
Instead of driving from a major city, you can fly into Newcastle Williamtown Airport, and pick up a SIXT car rental. We’re in the terminal, and offer a range of vehicles, as well as optional extras to make your journey comfortable – from GPS units to child seats.
