24 hours in Newcastle
30 Oct 2015
Newcastle in NSW has shaken off its coal-town shackles to reveal an arty, surfside lifestyle to fall in love with, as Stephanie Wanless discovers.
Early morning
1. Time for a dip
Diving into Merewether’s ocean baths (Shortland Esplanade) is a glorious way to start the day. The spot has been lapped up by the locals since 1935, is open all year round, and patrolled daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
2. Eat your greens
After our swim, we stroll down the beach to find the Blue Door Kiosk (363 – 365 Hunter Street), a surfside meeting spot for those seeking to kickstart their day with some decent tucker. The delicious Green Breakfast Bowl, which features soft-boiled eggs, avocado, kale, quinoa, haloumi and a slice of fresh lemon, is sure to get your motor running.
Late morning
3. Nourish the soul
With our newfound energy and full bellies, we head into town to take in the culture at Newcastle Art Gallery (1 Laman Street). The building, which was Australia’s first purpose-built regional gallery, is home to a vast collection of works from both local and international artists.
4. Hidden treasures
We’re drawn outside by the sound of music, laughter, and the smell of freshly baked scones wafting across the road from nearby Civic Park. Newcastle’s Olive Tree Markets (Civic Park) are held on the first Saturday of every month and are the ideal spot to snap up some souvenirs – take your pick from the fashion, accessories, artwork and ceramics on offer.
Lunch
5. Dine on Darby
Shopping requires sustenance, so we head back across the park towards Darby Street where we’re greeted by a corridor of cafes to choose from. We set ourselves down at Goldbergs Coffee House (137 Darby Street), a popular, bohemian haunt with a wooden chandelier, art-adorned walls and a quaint courtyard garden out the back.
Afternoon
6. Shop local
Darby Street also happens to be dotted with beautiful boutiques, showcasing the wares of local artists and designers such as High Tea with Mrs Woo (74 Darby Street), the collaboration of three local sisters whose exquisitely constructed garments prove hard to walk past.
Early evening
7. Expect the unexpected
Red Baron’s Berlin Bar (31 King Street) is a small, inconspicuous bar from another era. We step through the art deco frosted door and are immediately greeted by a smouldering homage to Marlene Dietrich. We get cosy and sample the Russian-inspired tapas.
8. Crafty culture
The craft beer culture is undoubtedly on the rise in Newcastle, so it would be unwise not to stop by The Grain Store Craft Beer Cafe (66/64-66 Scott Street) for a sample or two. The converted warehouse oozes character with high ceilings, art deco tiling and stylish leather booths in which to soak up the atmosphere.
9. Sweet sounds of Honeysuckle
Keen to get return those dazzling harbour views, we set sail for the Honeysuckle Precinct (Honeysuckle Drive), for dinner. We consider enjoying sushi at Nagisa, or tucking into ribs at the Squire's Maiden, but decide to go for the famous crispy skinned barramundi at the Honeysuckle Hotel, where there's also live music during the week.
Late night
10. Go out with a bang
The staff at MoneyPenny (17, 1 Honeysuckle Drive) know their cocktails back to front, inside out, and upside down. We raise a toast to ‘Newie’ with our margaritas and look out over the harbour – a divine backdrop to this hidden gem of a town.
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