11 December 2024
12 mins Read
Things to do in Newcastle with kids range from checking out urban, vibrant street art to whale watching and surfing lessons. There have been gradual shifts in the Steel City over the past decade or so that have seen the city reinvented from its industrialised heart. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, a visit to Newcastle/Muloobinba in the traditional Country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples makes for the perfect weekend getaway with kids. From marvelling at museums to dining out in dinky diners that have been given a new lease on life, to exploring wildlife parks, here are 13 things to do the next time you’re visiting Newcastle with kids.
Unleash your kids’ creativity at Mitch Revs Decked Out workshop.
Skateboards have been on a wild ride since being invented more than 70 years ago. With skating now an Olympic sport, and skate parks popping up around Australia, skateboards have evolved into sought-after moveable artworks. Children aged eight and up can head to the Mitch Revs Gallery for a Mitch Revs Decked Out workshop to children learn the fundamentals of Skate Deck Art. There are professional artists on hand to assist budding skaters who can bring their own sketches or find inspiration from the works lining the gallery walls. Show off your new skate deck at one of Newcastle’s many skate parks, the newest of which is in South Newcastle Beach.
Be in awe of the city’s vibrant street art. (Image: Destination NSW)
Newcastle’s backstreets and alleys have long been seen as a canvas for street artists who have transformed pockets of the working port into colourful outdoor galleries. Join the dots between some of Newcastle’s favourite artists like such as Trevor Dickinson, Matt Adnate and Jordan Lucky during Newcastle Afoot’s two-kilometre-long guided walk. The family-friendly adventure offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artwork adding colour to Newcastle’s streets. While the outdoor gallery is ever-evolving, you will find great examples everywhere from Argyle St to Hunter St, King St and Union St. A highlight is the ‘Merwether Aquarium in the pedestrian tunnel at Merewether Beach. You can also opt for a self-guided walk.
Shipwreck Walk starts and ends on the Stockton Breakwall. The two-kilometre return walk is very doable for those with little legs. Along the way, you will see markers with the names of ships that sank on the Oyster Bank, the notoriously sketchy entrance to the Hunter River. Stand at the viewing platform to spot the broken hull of the French four-masted Adolphe where there’s an account of a lifeboat crew member who saved every life onboard. You can also see part of the Pasha Bulker‘s rudder which broke off during the salvage operation of the 76,000-tonne bulk carrier, which is now a beachside sculpture. Ship happens indeed.
A visit to the Newcastle Museum will ignite your kids’ curiosity about science. (Image: Destination NSW)
Newcastle Museum is worth a visit for the architecture alone. The museum moved to the three Honeysuckle Railway Workshops in 2011 and its mission remains: to tell the city’s story through its collections, exhibitions and audience engagement. Permanent exhibitions on show at the Newcastle Museum include the Fire & Earth exhibition designed to demonstrate the hard work involved in coal mining, and A Newcastle Story where visitors do a deep dive into the city in all its grit and glory. Kuueeyung is all about the art of canoe making.
The Museum of Art and Culture features a sculpture park. (Image: Docqment)
Newcastle’s lakeside museum is in Booragul the Aboriginal word for ‘summer’ or ‘warm place’ on Lake Macquarie. The Museum of Art and Culture is filled with interesting art and cultural programs as well as a yapang, a dedicated Aboriginal program and space. You don’t need a lot of cash in your pocket to enjoy the free guided tours or free family art classes on a Sunday morning. Loop around the five-kilometre Creative Lake Sculpture Trail, an outdoor gallery dotted with works by local and international artists.
Merewether Ocean Baths offers a spot to cool down in summer. (Image: Destination NSW)
One of the best things to do in Newcastle with kids is to take them for a cooling dip in the 100-metre-long Merewether Ocean Baths or Newcastle Ocean Baths. Mereweather Ocean Baths is the largest ocean bath in the southern hemisphere and has two pools, one of which has a shallow end suitable for little ones. Nearby Newcastle Ocean Baths is distinctive for its architecturally significant pavilion, which pops up regularly on residents’ Instagram feeds. The convict-built Bogey Hole below King Edward Park is the oldest ocean pool on Australia’s east coast and a great place to cool off for those with teens in tow.
Sign up for a scenic whale watching tour with CoastXP. (Image: Destination NSW)
A little-known fact about Newcastle’s coastline: more than 35,000 humpback whales pass by during their annual migration along the so-called ‘Humpback Highway’. Make the most of it by locking in a two-hour Encounter Tour with CoastXP between June and November and treat the family to the wonder of these magnificent creatures. Can’t visit during that time frame? Don’t worry, they’ve got a variety of tours, year-round.
Soak up stunning views over the Newcastle coastline. (Image: Destination NSW)
Much of the action at Fort Scratchley is underground. The former coastal defence installation was originally built to defend against the Russians. It’s now a hugely popular museum for lovers of military history. The 60-minute Tunnel Tours are a highlight for kids, providing a unique insight into the history of the Fort. Don’t forget to tack on some time to explore the museums, galleries and the parade and ceremony grounds above ground. The fort affords visitors 360-degree views over the city, ocean and harbour, making it a top spot to sit and relax.
A visit to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens in Heatherbrae has something for the whole family. For many families, it might be a brief stop on a whirlwind road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay. It’s crisscrossed with quiet paths where you get the chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a picturesque picnic. The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens is also a sanctuary for learning about our native flora and fauna. There is also an enchanting area with a cubby house, outdoor toys and manicured lawns. Schedule a tour or visit the cafe for a Devonshire tea.
A koala peacefully napping in a tree at Tilligerry Habitat. (Image: NSW Government)
Today’s zoos and wildlife parks offer more than just recreation. In fact, these parks are now at the forefront of conservation. The family-friendly Tilligerry Habitat is a nine-hectare immersive pocket of crown reserve land that is designed to showcase and protect the habitat of koalas. Follow paths and boardwalks around the diverse habitat which switches from scenic forest to scrub, wetland and a coastal landscape that strives to protect the habitat and the animals’ wellbeing. Read information panels about the koalas and their habitat and wander along boardwalks that loop around the park, in Tanilba Bay, on the foreshore of beautiful Port Stephens, just 35 minutes from Newcastle.
Have Frisbee will travel. Disc golf is a fun recreational activity that is growing in popularity around the world. And it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise in and around Newcastle. You can play Frisbee Golf at Jesmond Park, at Armstrong Park in Lambton, at Styles Point Reserve in Rathmines and the Beresfield Disc Golf Course. Download a digital scorecard to keep track of who is hitting the holes.
Blackbutt Reserve has a lot to entice families. The 182-hectare reserve is a nature wonderland with endless trails, two vast and immersive playgrounds and a wealth of wildlife experiences on offer. It’s one of Newcastle’s most popular spots for families for its roster of reptile shows, wildlife feeding sessions, and guided tours. Open your map app and drop a few pins around the park which will help you pinpoint your plan for the day. BYO picnic as there are BBQs and shelters available for use.
Conquer the elevated obstacles among the gum trees. (Image: Eluminate Media)
Encourage your little monkeys to swing through the trees at the TreeTops Adventure Park course. There’s no better way to get up close and personal with our great Aussie flora and fauna. The park features more than 100 elevated obstacles with rope ladders, tunnels, cargo nets, wobbly bridges and zip lines. Best of all, there’s even a separate course for the (very) little ones. The park operates rain, hail or shine.
Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Nobbys Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
Newcastle’s most iconic postcard-perfect seaside destination is Nobbys Beach. And while the beach might be popular with swimmers and surfers, the coastal path to the breakwall is also perfect for little people on bikes and scooters. Bring your bikes to ride to the break wall underneath Nobbys Lighthouse or hire one of the city’s many Lime bikes. Keen to up the ante on two wheels? Head to the Redhead Pump Track, just 20 minutes out of town. The pump track is perfect for kids on bikes or scooters.
Learn about the vital role our wetlands play in the environment at the Hunter Wetlands Centre. This vibrant immersive ecosystem has a wealth of activities for the kids, from guided buggy tours to Segway adventures. But the ultimate way to explore the wetlands, which are tangled with greenery, is via canoe. And discovering the magic of the wetlands from the water is one of the most popular things for families to do in Newcastle. A playground and cafe are also available onsite. The park is a 20-minute drive northwest of Newcastle.
The ANZAC Memorial Walk commemorates the sacrifices of Australian soldiers during World War I. (Image: Destination NSW)
There’s just one degree of separation between The ANZAC Memorial Walk and those spectacular views over Newcastle coastline. The 450-metre-long, clifftop walkway stretches between Strzelecki Lookout and Bar Beach and is one of the best things to do with kids in Newcastle. Built to commemorate the ANZAC centenary, the 160-metre-high coastal path links to Bathers Way promenade, a six-kilometre coastal walk that takes in Newcastle’s beaches, stretching from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach.
Explore interactive displays and works by groundbreaking artists. (Image: Destination NSW)
Newcastle Art Gallery has long been one of Australia’s most family-friendly spaces for budding artists. The gallery has, over the past few years, undergone a transformation in a project designed to reimagine the gallery and extend its footprint along Darby and Queen Street Kids. The newly reimagined gallery includes a plethora of children’s art trails, a Smart Space for interactive displays, and age-appropriate exhibitions. The will will be better equipped than ever to showcase the city’s collection of works by groundbreaking artists when it is relaunched in 2025. In the meantime, check out its exciting digital collection.
New Annual is a 10-day disco of art, culture and creativity in Newcastle. The city is made new during the annual event which is a global gathering of local and visiting artists designed to celebrate Newcastle as a city of creativity where art and culture grow and thrive. Much of the program, which includes everything from dance to music, contemporary performance and visual art, is free. Performances take place at venues across the city with plenty of child-friendly options for all age groups. It’s one of the best things to do in Newcastle with kids.
Even fussy eaters will love the family-friendly menu at Estabar. (Image: Destination NSW)
Newcastle has got everything from casual cafes to beachfront pubs and groovy restaurants slinging out Mexican street food. Combine pizza with stunning ocean vistas at the Pizza Kiosk at Merewether Surf House. Head to California-style taqueria Antojitos, which has a caravan cubby house for little ones. Enjoy dining alfresco under the festoon lighting at Scotties, which has a pretty family-friendly courtyard. Keep it low-key at Newy Burger Co. and enjoy gelato from perennial favourites Estabar, Popolo Gelateria and Monella.
The spa tub at The Beach House at Merewether beckons for a relaxing dip.
The 104-room QT Newcastle retains the charm of the heritage-listed David Jones building replete with a historic facade, signage and clock tower. Combine a stay here with dinner at Jana, one of the best restaurants in Newcastle. Crystalbrook Kingsley also offers a five-star experience in the city centre. Families looking to self-cater should consider Quest Newcastle West which features one-, two- and three-bedroom self-serviced apartments near the Interchange and light rail. Flourish on Bull is a loft-style, two-bedroom apartment close to the beaches, gardens and attractions of the city. The Beach House at Merewether is another great family-friendly place to stay in Newcastle. The luxury three-bedroom home is metres from the ocean.
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