Aussie 'hellhole' Newcastle has a new lease of life

ONCE referred to as a "hellhole'' by convicts working in the coal mines, Newcastle now has a new lease of life.

111008 Newcastle

ONCE referred to as a "hellhole'' by convicts working in the coal mines, Newcastle now has a new lease of life.

With some classy inner-city suburbs, terrific restaurants and a flourishing arts scene, Australia's second-oldest city has shrugged off its dreary image.

Despite "Newie'' having re-created itself, its natural attractions (eight beaches in close proximity to the city centre) remain pristine and are a drawcard for tourists.

If you're looking for quick break, here are some `must-dos' in the thriving city of Newcastle.

2pm: Check-in at hotel

Crowne Plaza, Cnr Merewether St and Wharf Rd

How many places in Australia can you lie back on the bed and watch a 300m freighter cruise past the window? The Crown Plaza Newcastle sits on the edge of the harbour - a busy waterway serving a city that is the biggest exporter of coal in the world. Newcastle's harbour area has recently been redeveloped and renamed the Honeysuckle precinct. It's jam-packed with funky bars and restaurants.

www.crowneplaza.com/newcastle

3pm: Shopping

Darby St

Within walking distance of the harbour you find Darby Street, which is a buzzing little spot full of boutique shops and restaurants. Don't miss: Coco Monde (a chocolate cafe that serves 11 varieties of hot chocolate); Carla Swimwear (a Novocastrian fixture of 80 years that believes it may have sold the first ever bikini in Australia); Three Monkeys (a cafe that serves what could be the widest variety of milkshakes in Australia); and Guanabana (a unique clothing shop owned by Norwegian designer Linda Bergskas).

7pm: Dinner

Restaurant Deux, 8 Bolton St

The delicious food at Deux is created by chef Lesley Taylor, the only female chef in the region to be awarded the coveted Chef's Hat. Deux provides hungry locals and visitors with a culinary destination surrounded by lush, leafy streets. From your white linen-covered table you can look into the open kitchen and watch the chefs preparing the French-inspired fare.

Reservations are a must: www.restaurantdeux.com

10pm: Drinks

Honeysuckle Hotel, Lee Wharf C, Honeysuckle Dr

This harbourside bar has an extensive cocktail list, as well as good pub food and a great atmosphere. The friendly bartenders will have you tasting a Peachy Keen or a Honey Blossom before you have time to ask what's in it.

www.honeysucklehotel.com.au

9am: Exercise

Coastal walk

If you didn't drink too much the night before then wake up relatively early for a coastal walk. Newcastle has several distinctly different sandy beaches, and they're interlinked by one great coastal walk called Bathers Way. The total walking time from Nobbys in the north to Merewether in the south is three hours at a medium pace. You can walk back, get a taxi or check the bus timetable to get back to the city centre.

Noon: Pamper

Sugar Suite, 2/Suite 2 Honeysuckle Dr

This is a salon with a difference and one worth checking out. It's nestled amongst the chic restaurants and cocktail bars of the Honeysuckle precinct and offers clients massages, facials and hair-dos, as well as little extras, such as valet parking, an on-site cafe and a gallery of unique products. While you're having a head massage you can munch on cake, sip champagne and buy some beauty products.
www.sugarsuite.net.au

2pm: Lunch

Fernwood High Tea, 16 Ravenshaw St, The Junction

This place offers a high-tea experience like no other. All the treats are homemade by Maria and her team and served on porcelain cups with linen napkins. You can munch on classic Devonshire scones, delicate pastries, fruit tarts and shortbreads while surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden.

Reservations are a must: www.fernwoodhightea.com.au

GETTING THERE:

By car - pull off the Pacific Highway 160km north of Sydney.
By train - Newcastle is part of the CityRail network and there are frequent return services daily to Sydney. CountryLink trains connect Newcastle to Sydney, Brisbane and other country centres.
By air - Newcastle Airport is a major regional airport and is located 30 minutes from the city centre. Jetstar, QantasLink and Virgin Australia operate a range of direct flights to Newcastle from Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast. Sydney Seaplanes (www.seaplanes.com.au) operates eight flights a day between Sydney and Newcastle.

MORE INFORMATION: www.visitnewcastle.com.au
The writer was a guest of Visit Newcastle