Newcastle, Australia: Beaches, Dining and Outdoor Adventures

Nobbys Beach and Breakwater is a beach at the southern end of Newcastle harbor. It was originally a small island, 62m high. The height caused ships entering the harbor to lose wind in their sails so the beachhead was reduced to 27m.

The rocks that were removed were used to form a pier, a process that took 38 years to complete. A lighthouse was erected on the head in 1858 and has since been registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List. The pier was replaced with a breakwater which caused sea sand to shore up and form a beach. Nobbys Beach is popular with bathers, surfers and strollers. Coffee shops provide refreshment on the esplanade.

Nobbys Beach and Breakwater is 2 hr 10 min (178.0 km) via M1 from Sydney.

Bogey Hole is a purpose built ocean swimming pool. It is the oldest on the east coast of Australia. It was hand-cut by convicts in 1819 for the personal use of Major John Morriset, the longest serving commandant of Newcastle. The pool was later dubbed the Commandant's Baths. It is at the bottom of Shepherd's Hill and has been repeatedly damaged by falling rocks.

The borough council enlarged the pool in 1863 and opened it to men only, except for specified times. In 1884 it was expanded to its present size. Bogey Hole is listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register.

McDonald Jones Stadium was opened in 1970 by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. It was formerly known as Hunter's stadium and was part of the International Sports Center. It has a seating capacity of 30000 and is the home ground of Newcastle Knights, a professional rugby league club, and Newcastle Jets Football Club. The stadium has hosted numerous international events including the opening ceremony of the 2013 Special Olympics.

It was refurbished early in the 21st century. There are now 21 corporate suites, five function rooms and food and beverage outlets. The media center and players' changing room are world renowned and have won several building and construction awards.

Address: McDonald Jones Stadium, 294 Turton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292, Phone: 02-40-64-30-50

Hunter Valley Gardens are 60 km inland from Newcastle. They were established by businessman, Bill Roche, in 2003. More than 40 landscape designers, gardeners, architects and engineered took four years to complete the project.

There are ten thematic sections, modeled on gardens around the world. Six thousand trees, 600000 shrubs and over a million ground covers were used. Indigenous and exotic plants are complemented by statues, waterfalls, murals and other structures. A sculpture of Bill's wife, Imelda, and her grandchildren form the centerpiece in the rose garden. It is a popular venue for weddings. The Garden Terrace restaurant can seat 120 people.

Address: Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Road Pokolbin, NSW 2320, Phone: 02-49-98-40-00

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Port Stephens is on the coast, 60 km north of Newcastle. It is an hour's flight from Melbourne and Brisbane and 2-3 hours' drive from Sydney. There are many attractions in the vicinity, warranting a stay of several days. To this end, the resort offers a range of accommodation, including backpackers, self-catering cabins, bed and breakfasts and hotels. Sand dunes and long stretches of coastline offer miles of scenic walks and safe beaches for bathing and riding horses or camels. Whales and dolphins can be spotted not far from shore or viewed from close up on a cruise boat.

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Fort Scratchley is located in the suburb of Newcastle East, on Flagstaff Hill, overlooking the Hunter River. Coal was discovered on the hill in the late 18th century and was exploited until the hill was claimed by the army in 1843.

The fort was built as a coastal defense in 1882 and armed, in response to hostilities between England and Russia. The guns were only fired in anger in 1942 against the Japanese during the bombing of Newcastle. They are now used to salute departing cruise ships. The fort is an interactive museum. Volunteers offer guided tours above ground and through the extensive network of underground tunnels.

Address: Fort Scratchley , 1-3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East NSW 2300, Phone: 02-49-29-30-66

The Newcastle Museum was founded in 1988 as a major bicentennial project. It was housed in the Castlemaine Brewery until 2011 when it was relocated to the old Honeysuckle Railway workshops. The buildings that make up the complex have been listed with the National Trust. The 1880s Locomotive Boiler Shop now houses interactive science exhibits.

The New Erecting Shop was built in the 1920s. Locomotives were disassembled and reassembled there when their parts needed to be sent away for repair. It was damaged in the 1989 earthquake and now houses the Fire and Earth exhibit. The Blacksmith Shop is an enclosed exhibition area and the Wheel Shop is a small theater.

Address: Newcastle Museum, 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Phone: 02-49-74-14-00

Where to Eat:

Subo is a contemporary bistro that serves Australian and international cuisine. Owner Beau Vincent started his cooking career at the age of 16 and in 2007 won the Lexus Australia's Young Chef of the Year award. His wife, Suzie, was also formally trained in the hospitality industry and is responsible for the front of house. They are both champions of small local producers. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on the menu which is changed twice a season. Guests at private parties are served a 5 course set meal and are accommodated in the Glasshouse, which seats 18.

Address: 551D Hunter St, Newcastle West 2302, Phone: 02-40-23-40-48

Scotties Seafood & Bar has been a feature of Newcastle East since the 1950s. At first, it was a corner store, then it grew to be a general store and, later, a fish and chip shop. It is now a small seafood trattoria and bar, within walking distance of Nobby's beach and Fort Scratchley. The restaurant serves fresh, local, line-caught fish and has a strong commitment to sustainability of the coastal fishing stock. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional dishes like fish and chips. Diners can eat indoors or al fresco, under the palms. There is also a takeout menu.

Address: 36 Scott St, Newcastle East NSW 2300, Phone: 02-49-26-37-80