We arrived into Newcastle at the peak of the pandemic in early 2020, plans to journey further abroad abandoned as the international and even state borders closed. While not the plan we had for ourselves, the area has grown on us both very quickly and as we get ready to move onto our new home in the Central Coast we find ourselves already missing our safe harbour.
So while reminiscing we decided we wanted to share some of our favourite parts of Newcastle with you and document them here to remember.
Nature
On March 31, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian enacted stricter coronavirus measures “for our own good” meaning we could only leave our residence for specific purposes, this included exercise and so we were so thankful for the beautiful beaches and walks nearby.
Our most commonly walked was a combination of the Shoreline Walk, and Bathers Walk Way. We’d usually begin at beginning at Customs House and then make our way out to the lighthouse at Nobbys Headland and around to Bar Beach or Merewether Beach via the Strzelecki lookout, which is part of the shorter ANZAC Memorial Walk. As restrictions eased we were able to surf, swim and even kiteboard here. We were also able to explore the nearby Glenrock State Conservation Area on foot and specialised e-bikes, we hired from Drift Bikes in Kotara.
Another absolute highlight was the humpback whale migration, which began in June, right through to October, at the height of the season we would see multiple whales a day right from our balcony, many coming in just a few hundred meters from the beach or cruising just past the nearby baths. Towards the end of the season, Sam took her nephew Riley on a Nova cruise to spot some out at sea.
Eating Out – Here are a few of our favourite places:
- Susuru Ramen & Gyoza
- M.E.E.T Brazilian Restaurant
- Scotties for awesome fish and chips
- Merewether Surf House offering incredible coastal views and a modern Italian menu
- Rustica for Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views overlooking Newcastle Beach.
- Ginger Megs is a sophisticated Asian inspired cocktail bar and restaurant, highly recommended especially the bottomless yum cha.
And Drinks …
- The Falcon
- Customs House
- The Blind Monk great for craft beer and $1 dollar dumplings on a Tuesday
- Babylon for whisky & cocktails & craft beer in the centre of Newcastle
Community and Creativity – What we did to keep us busy and fit?
- Highlite Gym 45 minute group fitness classes in a hi-tech gym with expert personal trainers.
- Urban Recreational get active, be social and have fun.
- Artalicious Studios, classes include Resin Wall Art, Resin Homewares, Resin Jewellery, Acrylic Pouring and Alcohol Ink Workshops.
Coffee
- Edmonds Café
- Xtraction Espresso
- The Boatshed
Stay….
- We started off in Terminus Apartment Hotel
- Spent a couple of nights in boutique pub accommodation like Nags Head in Adamstown and he Lucky right in the centre of town
- Then the rest of our time was in our home in this beautiful AirBnB
I hope that if you’ve found this list that you are also enjoying the safe harbour of Newcastle, let me know if you visit any of the above as well and check out Hunter Hunter for more inspiration.
Definition of ’safe harbour’
- a place that offers protection
- a refuge or break from suffering
- something that protects and allows something to flourish
Our Awesome Adventures 