Posted by Laidback and unpretentious, Newcastle isn’t trying to pretend it’s anything it’s not, in fact the uber relaxed nature of its citizens is as intriguing as it’s endearing, they aren’t out to impress anyone and nor is the city ashamed of its working class roots. Whilst not so much the industrial town it once was, its working harbour is still a hub of activity and watching the ships sitting out at sea waiting to come into port is part of the allure of a stroll along the coastline. Speaking of that coastline, the walk from Nobbys Beach south to Merewether is not to be missed, in fact the whole city is made for walking, with the walk along the harbour equally as interesting.
The city centre is quietly evolving, especially as the revitalisation of the east end gains pace. Honeysuckle Wharf is home to a mixed bag of venues to eat and drink at, some veer a little too close to cookie-cutter for my liking though. If you choose wisely, there are some truly inventive restaurants and bars to be discovered, and the best thing is you’ll find, compared to Sydney and other big cities, the local hospitality scene is youthful, refreshingly genuine and down to earth… who knew waiters and bartenders could still be happy to serve you!
This Guide to Newcastle was updated in November 2022.
Coffee & Brunch..
Edmonds & Co | 14 Pacific St, Newcastle
The Kiwi owners of Edmonds have created a chilled, locals cafe with a comfy, rustic fitout. The friendly vibe extends to the communal table and the loyalty wall where regular customers coffee purchases are tallied up so they know when a free cuppa has been earned. The food offering includes treats from Sonoma Bakery. Edmonds & Co
Sherwood Coffee Bar | 67 Parry St, Newcastle West
On a semi-industrial street that’s also home to a few interesting stores, Sherwood has set up shop in a converted rustic workshop. If the airy dining room doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s alfresco seating out front, where you’ll find more than a few Sherwood fans waiting patiently for their coffee (using beans from The Grounds in Alexandria) or a tasty snack.
HuBro | 1a, 295 Darby St, Bar Beach
This bright and light café serves as a community hub for the Bar Beach locals. Starting with an excellent coffee, move on to the simply yet tasty menu featuring yummy toasties, bagels and brunch bowls. The young team provides fabulous, breezy service. HuBro
Corner House Cafe | 29 Union St, Newcastle
On the city/Cooks Hill fringe, this friendly neighbourhood café has pared back style and simple but sufficiently good fare, such as fresh & light salad bowls or more decadent over-stuffed toasties. Corner House Cafe
Uprising Bakery | 21/25 Downie St, Maryville
Secreted away on a narrow residential street, Uprising has a cult-like following with the natives who stop by for their fresh bakery needs and snacks like flaky croissants, toasties and of course coffee. Uprising Bakery
Lunch & Dinner…
Scotties | 36 Scott St
A stone’s throw from the beach in the thriving East End, this quaint seafood shack is laidback but with just enough polish to make it a viable spot for a fancy night out, though it must be said the relaxed courtyard encapsulates the Newcastle vibe just as well as the snug dining room. Offering simple but fabulous locally caught sustainable seafood, there’s plenty of choice from oysters and sashimi to classic fish & chips, plus a few retro treats like the chip butty. It’s popular, so if you can’t bag a table, grab a feast to go from the tiny takeaway window. Scotties
Ginger Meg’s | 212 King St, Newcastle
With an edgy entry down a laneway and through a darkened corridor, Ginger Meg’s feels very un-Newcastle like! This two-level eating and drinking den is decked out with bold oriental interiors, including eye-catching murals and luxurious booth seating. The modern Asian fare spans a variety of cuisines and more than pleases, whilst the cocktails hold their own too. The young Novocastrian crew does an excellent job keeping service on track in this popular venue. Ginger Meg’s
Subo | 551d Hunter St, Newcastle
Upon entering this intimate restaurant, you might be deceived into thinking there’s nothing particularly special – the space is simple and sparsely decorated, with little to indicate that you are about to partake in one of Newcastle’s best dining experiences. The six course tasting menu, which changes twice each season, delights with delicate yet exciting flavour combinations, with portions small enough to enjoy every course but just big enough to make sure you leave fully sated. The wine list is succinct but perfectly formed, the service is professional yet warm, and the chef’s venturing out of the kitchen to serve the occasional course adds a welcome personal touch. The Subo team obviously put a lot of love and pride in what they do, so make sure this in on the top of your Newcastle list. Subo
Meet | 9 Darby St, Newcastle
This warehouse space has had a perfectly hip industrial-chic makeover, then they’ve added great music, attentive service and fabulous food to the mix, making Meet an all-round sensational venue. Whilst you can order to your liking off the parilla menu, the all-you-can-eat churrasco offering offers succulent meats and interesting sides that just keep coming at you. I’m not one to usually entertain the idea of an all-you-can-eat experience, but this one is different… just bring some self-control so you know when to say stop! Meet
Light Years | 5-7 Darby St, Newcastle
Taking cue’s from successful sister venues in Byron, Burleigh and Noosa, the Newcastle outpost of this modern Asian diner and bar offers a hit list of yummy and moorish fare from across Asia, including snacks like dumplings or bao, and more serious mains and curries that will leave you feeling not so light, but pretty happy. The airy dining room has a soaring ceiling and the pastel and white colour scheme is very Palm Springs-esq, whilst the service is as upbeat as you can get. Light Years
Parry St Garage | 106 Parry St, Newcastle West
There’s a broad selection of crowd pleasing Italian fare on the menu in a overly spacious old workshop, deftly fitted out with a very on-trend industrial / vintage look. With multiple dining zones, bar seating, and the open kitchen providing a touch of theatre, there’s a buzzy and vibrant atmosphere though somehow they keep it all pretty casual at the same time. Parry St Garage
Merewether Surfhouse | 5 Henderson Parade, Merewether
On the top level of an imposing building that looms over the south end of Merewether Beach, the Surfhouse is best enjoyed during daylight hours (or during sunset) when the ace views of the Pacific Ocean can be truly appreciated. The decor serves up contemporary, clean lines, with the views the true focus here. A young and very friendly team delivers simple, modern Italian food that doesn’t take you too far out of your comfort zone, but will leave you satisfied and perhaps even suitably impressed. Merewether Surfhouse
Drinks…
Coal and Cedar | 380-382 Hunter St, Newcastle
Much more than a cocktail bar, this speakeasy style venue offers something to please every drinker, and in Travis’ view it’s Newcastle’s best bar. The stylish yet eccentric décor has a hunting lodge feel, there’s taxidermy peering down from the walls and old school tunes on rotation. The cocktail menu is rather ‘fancy pants’, but at the same time they don’t try too hard to be flamboyant, the spirts list goes on and on, there’s craft beers (a rotating selection on tap) plus a short sharp wine list if that’s your more your thing. Cheese and antipasto plates are available, the service is warm and refined with a welcome touch of old world grace. Coal and Cedar
Earp Distilling Co. | 41a Darling St, Carrington
Just ten minutes from the city centre is this thoroughly modern distillery, with an industrial-chic bar that features a picture window view into the actual distillery. Of course the main drawcard here is Earp’s own range of spirits, with gin, rum, vodka and more on the menu – a good way to get acquainted is a tasting flight. If spirits aren’t your thing, beer and wine is also on offer, whilst the food menu features antipasto platters and other yummy snacks. Distillery tours are also available if you’re keen to delve a little deeper. Earp Distilling Co.
The Koutetsu | 555 Hunter St, Newcastle
It’s best to make a booking for this tiny and slightly kooky cocktail bar, where the bartender might become your best friend by the end of a boozy evening. The moody room features exposed brick walls, dim lighting and an impressive back bar display of booze bottles. The cocktail list isn’t overly long, a mix of classics and house creations, but they’ll happily make something to order, in fact I suspect veering off the list is what excites the staff the most. There’s also craft beer from Bridge Road Brewers or a handful of wine options, the staff will tell you what the current selection is – there’s no list as such. The Koutetsu
Bartholomew’s | 145 King St, Newcastle
Housed in the 1903 Methodist Mission building, Bartholomew’s (formerly Babylon) brings an old time aesthetic to central Newcastle, though with an upbeat contemporary vibe. The theatre like setting features grand soaring ceilings, a semi-circular balcony, a wall to floor booze library and leather booth seating on the main bar floor. A smartly-dressed young team serves cocktails, whiskey and an interesting craft beer selection.
The Lucky Hotel | 237 Hunter St, Newcastle
One of the city’s earliest pubs has had an eclectic restoration that’s given it a new lease on life, whilst retaining its unique heritage and long history. The central covered courtyard beer garden is the pick of spots within the complex, and they also offer hearty food with a Southern American slant to the menu. The Lucky Hotel
The Beach Hotel | 99 Frederick St, Merewether
A classic Aussie beachside pub with a large terrace boasting views of Merewether Beach and the Pacific Ocean. There are multiple zones inside to drink and dine in, all are decorated in a beachy nautical palate. They also serve better than average pub style fare. The Beach Hotel
Modus Merewether | 20 Merewether St, Merewether
Born on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Modus have nailed the beachy vibe with their second location adjacent to one of Newcastle’s favourite beaches. The cavernous warehouse is blessed with a very outdoorsy feel, thanks to the natural light pouring through the sunroof, and whilst it’s a working brewery, the fitout is slick and contemporary. With 36 brews on tap, the indecisive may struggle, however a tasting paddle is a great way to get started. The pub style fare is very good, and there’s even a vegan section on the menu. Modus Merewether
Where to Stay…
Unless you have a perfectly good reason not to, there really are only two choices of locations when choosing where to stay in Newcastle; either by the ocean around Newcastle Beach or on or near the harbourfront in the city centre.
QT Newcastle | 185 Hunter St, Newcastle
Housed in the 113-year-old former David Jones department store building, QT Newcastle brings the designer hotel brand’s hallmark touches to the heart of the east end. There’s an abundance of quirky surprises in the decor and art throughout the hotel, the rooms offer a cocooning place to relax, though some are a touch on the ‘cosy’ side, so upgrade to a balcony room if you like your space. There’s also a signature QT rooftop bar and a pleasant restaurant on the ground floor. QT Newcastle
Crystalbrook Kingsley | 282 King St, Newcastle
The striking and brutalist Roundhouse building, former home of the city’s council offices, has been transformed into a swish hotel. As with all Crystalbrook Collection properties, they have spared no expense on the decor, splashing out on a decadent, mid-century look that suits the curves of the building. Right in the heart of the CBD, there’s easy access to most attractions, though the rooftop bar and restaurant may just keep you from leaving the building. Crystalbrook Kingsley
Novotel Newcastle Beach | 5 King St, Newcastle Beach
If it’s beachside digs you’re yearning for, you won’t get much closer, though there aren’t actually beach views on offer. The 88 guest rooms feature neutral decor and colours, and whilst pleasant enough, like most Novotel’s are lacking in personality. Opt for a Superior Harbourview Room if a view is on your wish list. Novotel Newcastle Beach
Must Do…
Newcastle Memorial Walk
Starting at Nobbys Lighthouse, this 5km+ walk heads south along the coastline, passing Newcastle Ocean Baths and Newcastle Beach, then sauntering below towering cliffs before heading uphill to King Edward Park. Stop to watch the waves crashing over the famous Bogey Hole, then push on to enjoy spectacular views of both the ocean and Newcastle skyline from the elevated portion of the walk that gives is the official memorial part of the walk. Finish up at Merewether, where you’ll have earned a rewarding drink at the Beach Hotel or the Merewether Surfhouse. Newcastle Memorial Walk
Travis’ Wish List…
Because there’s always more eating, dining and exploring than can be done in just one visit, Travis likes to keep a wish list so there’s an incentive to visit again!
Next time in Newcastle, we’ll be getting our caffeine fix from New Slang Coffee Brewers, then if it’s a Sunday a stroll through Newcastle City Farmers Market will be mandatory. After some time in The Lock Up (it’s not what you think!), we’d start the evening with a beverage at the Ship Inn, followed by dinner at the very lovely The Flotilla. After dinner, a cocktail to keep the evening alive would be enjoyed at The Rum Diary.
Featured Photo: ‘Down By The Waterfront’ – Newcastle Harbour
Travis. 
Youve sold this place to me! Great piece Travis 🙂
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Lived in Sydney all my life and never visited Newcastle – think you’e inspired me to drop in.
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