The Nobbys Head Lighthouse in Newcastle, Australia
Nobbys Beach is a popular option for families and surfers. Meanwhile, Mereweather Beach is home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest ocean baths complex, which is essentially an open saltwater swimming pool. Newcastle Beach also has ocean baths and is one of Australia's best surf locations. Which beach will you choose?
ANZAC Memorial Walk and Bar Beach in Newcastle, Australia
The Bathers Way is a scenic five-kilometer walk. It takes you from Nobbys Headland's lighthouse to Glenrock Reserve and Burwood Beach. Along the way, you can stop for a swim at Newcastle Beach and visit Fort Scratchley, which is Australia's only fort to engage an enemy in a maritime attack.
If you're ready to head indoors, visit the Newcastle Museum or Newcastle Art Gallery. The art gallery has a large Australian art collection, spanning from settlement to today. It includes Aboriginal bark paintings and Australian ceramics. Newcastle Museum's collection features 11,000 objects of local significance, such as the historic Fishing Tree and iconic trains.
Newcastle is home to a wealth of excellent eateries serving up creative takes on the local bounty for you to enjoy during your cruise. Try Spanner Crab from nearby Fraser Island, spiced duck confit served charred celeriac or garlic prawns caught straight from the ocean. For breakfast, grab a bacon and egg roll from local favorite The Edwards.
For a Newcastle souvenir, such as local postcards and shirts, visit the aptly named Newcastle Shop at Newcastle Museum. Alternatively, Blackbird Corner is a locally owned store stocked with clothing and gifts from various independent Australian designers. Darby Street is the city's go-to spot for boutique shopping: Head here for unique fashions and handmade jewelry.