Newcastle is Australia’s second-oldest city and is situated right on the coast, just two hours from Sydney, making it easily accessible with a rental car. Newcastle is a place famous for its history and architecture. Some write it off as a destination for visiting – but, don’t fall into that trap yourself; this vibrant city is a world-famous surfing destination known for its stunning scenery, vibrant nightlife and world-class café culture.

As well as being home to many important historical sites and must-see museums, Newcastle also boasts a thriving creative and hospitality scene, with bars, boutiques and dining options packed into every corner of the city. Hiring a rental car will allow you to easily explore the city and its surrounding areas.

Enjoy some of Australia’s best surfing

Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on Newcastle’s coastline, as well as Australia’s first man-made ocean pool, the Bogey Hole. This heritage-listed destination was hewn by hand from the rock in 1820 by convicts, at the behest of the Commandant of Newcastle at the time, who desired it built for his own personal use. Today it offers swimmers a safe and secluded place to bathe, with stunning views of the rugged Newcastle coastline. 

However, if you’d rather be in the waves then next to them, Bar Beach might be more your speed as a must-visit destination for surfers from around the globe. 

Or if you’d rather spend a relaxed day on the sand with the family, Merewether Beach has a fantastic ocean bath, as well as a separate children's pool. It’s a great place to soak up some rays (with SPF protection in place of course) and kick up your feet.

Jump in your rental car and drive about 10 kilometres southwest of the city where you’ll find a large nature reserve, known as Blackbutt Reserve. Blackbutt has four valleys where rainforest, creeks, lakes, ponds and walking trails can all be found, along with native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats and emus.

Take a morning stroll of remembrance at the ANZAC memorial walk

Why not begin your morning in Newcastle by grabbing a coffee and taking a stroll on the ANZAC memorial walk? The walkway was built to remember the Australian and New Zealand forces who fought in the First World War and takes in some breathtaking scenery along Newcastle’s stunning coastline, linking Strzelecki Lookout to Bar Beach.

The walk features a 160-metre cliff top bridge, festooned with steel silhouettes of soldiers and inscribed with the names of almost 11,000 men and women from the area who enlisted during the war. It’s a must do when visiting the area, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunity for moments of quiet reflection.

If you happen to be there on ANZAC day itself (April 25th), the experience is even more moving, with the walk serving as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made during the first world war following the dawn service at Nobbys Beach.

The fun only begins at sundown

Although Newcastle never used to be renowned for its nightlife, things have changed in recent years as more people migrate out from Sydney and look to soak up the laidback ‘Newie’ lifestyle. With those recent arrivals have come bars and restaurants to make any city in the world envious. 

While there are endless options to choose from, if you’re a millennial with a taste for great atmospheres and top-shelf gin, then The Gin Bar does exactly what it says on the tin. There’s every type of gin-based cocktail you can imagine on the menu (and some you would never have imagined as well), using craft gins from around Australia. The accompanying food to soak it all up is just as good as the place itself.