Port guide: Newcastle, Australia

This once-declining NSW industrial town has undergone a transformation, with a newfound buzz, a great food scene and interesting attractions.

Who goes there

Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Viking are among the varied cruise lines that visit Newcastle. The big ships are usually on short “seacations” from Sydney or Brisbane, or stopping by on their way to Great Barrier Reef cruises. More upmarket ships are relocating from Asia to Australia and the South Pacific, usually via our east coast.

Newcastle’s Merewether Baths and Beach.Credit: Destination NSW

Sail on in

The arrival into this working harbour is one of the best in Australia as your ship glides towards booming surf beaches, then through a narrow entrance overlooked by a lighthouse. The whole cathedral-topped city is showcased to port, where the foreshore is marked by long promenades. Locals will wave at you. On the right-hand side are the weatherboard houses of Stockton, then gritty industrial zones where you’ll see Chinese and Korean container ships being loaded.

Berth rites

Ships dock at the Channel Berth quay at Carrington, adjacent to the city, in the middle of a working port. You can’t walk out of the port in this restricted zone, but a free 10-minute shuttle ride gets you into town. Plans to build a cruise terminal have been shelved. There are no port facilities, but the volunteer meet-and-greet service is exceptionally friendly and informative.

Going ashore

Newcastle is Australia’s second-oldest city and has an impressive Victorian-era city centre with some fine architecture, including the prominent Christ Church Cathedral. You can follow several themed historical walks, or seek out the street art. The free Newcastle Museum gives you a rundown of the local history and the importance of the nearby Hunter Valley, and Newcastle Art Gallery has extensive collections of Indigenous and Australian art. Walk out to Nobbys Lighthouse along the harbour breakwall, a favourite spot for locals with their dogs.

Don’t miss

Curious Fort Scratchley, built in the 1880s to protect Australia’s gold and coal exports from Russian invasion. During World War II, the fort returned fire on a Japanese submarine, making it the only Australian fort to have engaged in a World War II maritime attack. It has a commanding location with great views and several historical buildings, underground tunnels and fortifications.

Get active

Newcastle is situated on outstanding coastline, with six patrolled beaches for swimming or surfing. The six-kilometre Bathers Way between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach, which leads through parkland and along cliff-top boardwalks, is wonderful. Along the way, stop for a swim at ocean baths or beaches. You could aim for Merewether Surfhouse at lunchtime, a hotspot thanks to its chic restaurant, cafe and cocktail bar.

Best bites

Newcastle is known for its excellent food scene, with plenty of cafes, breweries, bars and restaurants. Choices are abundant in the East End and bohemian Cooks Hill areas. Thanks to Greek and Italian immigrants, Hamilton is known for its coffee – and now has Mediterranean and Asian-leaning restaurants and bars along Beaumont Street. Maryville, Tighes Hill and Mayfield are also dining destinations. Inner City Winemakers in Wickham has an urban cellar door.

Further afield

Newcastle is well-positioned for varied shore excursions beyond the city. Cruise lines will take you on food and wine trails around the Hunter Valley, dolphin watching at Port Stephens, or quad biking on the huge dunes at Stockton just across the harbour. Some also visit historic Hunter Valley towns such as Morpeth and Maitland.