Heading to Newcastle with kids? You won’t be short of things to do.
From safe beaches and ocean pools, to flat cycleways and easy hiking trails, to wildlife parks and fun playgrounds (in pubs), there are activities for children of all ages.
Here’s how to keep the little ones entertained all holiday long.
SWIM SAFELY AT NEWCASTLE BEACH
For kids who love the water, Newcastle Beach is hard to beat.
Those under five will love Canoe Pool, which is at the beach’s northern end. It’s shallow, sun-warmed and usually packed with other families.
Meanwhile, those over five who are more confident in the water can jump in the nearby Newcastle Ocean Baths or swim between the flags outside the surf club.
TAKE A TOUR THROUGH HISTORY ALONG MACQUARIE PIER
On this walk, you and the kids will stretch your legs while enjoying beautiful views of Newcastle Harbour and learning about local history.
A series of signs delve into many aspects of Newcastle’s past – from the ancient volcanoes that formed its geography to the Japanese submarine attack of World War Two. Each sign has a QR code, which takes you to an audio tour on YouTube.
SEE KOALAS AND PEACOCKS AT BLACKBUTT RESERVE
20 minutes’ drive west of the Newcastle CBD is Blackbutt Reserve.
This 182-hectare natural paradise is filled with lovely picnic spots, spacious playgrounds and interesting walking trails.
There’s also a mini-zoo, where the kids can meet koalas, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and emus. On top of that, ducks and peacocks roam freely in the wild.
LIFT A CAR AT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM
For kids who like to prove their strength, Newcastle Museum shouldn’t be missed.
One of the highlights is the experience of lifting a car with a pulley. It’s inside Supernova, the Museum’s science centre, which is packed with other hands-on activities.
There’s also a steelmaking show with special effects, an old tram carriage and displays that recount Newcastle’s colourful history.
MOUNTAIN BIKE AMONG WATERFALLS AT GLENROCK STATE CONSERVATION AREA
Just 15 minutes’ drive south of Newcastle is Glenrock State Conservation Area, a land of lush rainforest, refreshing waterfalls and secluded beaches.
There are loads of things to do with kids here – from taking a tour with an Aboriginal Discovery ranger to visiting Dudley Beach.
One of the most popular activities is mountain biking. More than 40 kilometres of tracks are suitable for kids, including total beginners.
FEASTING AT ONE OF NEWCASTLE’S KID-FRIENDLY PUBS
Plenty of pubs and clubs in and around Newcastle are family-friendly, even providing outdoor play equipment where the kids can let off some steam while their parents kick back and eat.
Those with particularly good playgrounds include the Argenton Hotel in Lake Macquarie, the Bank Hotel in East Maitland, the Belmont 16s Sailing Club in Belmont, the Blackbutt Hotel in New Lambton, the Bradford Hotel in Rutherford and the Cardiff RSL.
GETTING TO NEWCASTLE
Newcastle is a two-hour drive north of Sydney, an eight-hour drive south of Brisbane and a five-hour drive northwest of Canberra.
For a faster trip, fly to Newcastle Airport, then pick up a car rental from the SIXT desk. We’re in the terminal, just a brief walk from the arrivals area.
Looking for more travel inspiration in Newcastle? SIXT’s online magazine is filled with ideas.
For starters, visit our guide to road tripping the Hunter Valley, our post on three unforgettable day trips from Newcastle and our rundown on five unexpected experiences you can have in and around town.
