Discover Newcastle, Australia

Promote with us

Discover Newcastle, Australia

Day trips

Looking for great day trips from Newcastle NSW?

Discover incredible places to visit near Newcastle, Australia, with our curated guide to scenic escapes, hidden gems, and must-see attractions. From breathtaking beaches and lush national parks to charming towns and unique cultural spots, there’s something for everyone to explore just a short distance away. Start planning your next unforgettable adventure today!

Anna Bay, NSW

To-do: Explore sand dunes, visit a scenic lookout
Distance from Newy: 1+hour drive

Rolling sand dunes provide endless opportunities for adventure. Enjoy a scenic walk, embark on an exhilarating dune buggy tour, ride camels along the sandy expanse, try your hand at sandboarding, or explore the beach in a 4WD. The nearby village offers a laid-back atmosphere with a few cozy spots to grab a bite to eat.

The long Anna Bay sand dunes with tourists taking a camel ride.
Photo ©: Anna Bay Camels panorama by Goran Has.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).
Stockton sand dunes from the top of a hill looking north to rolling sand along a line where it meets the bush.
Photo ©: Stockton Sand Dunes by Brian Giesen.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).

Hunter Valley, NSW


To-do: Wine tasting, dining experiences
Distance from Newy: 2+hour drive

Head out of town for a delightful lunch at one of the many vineyards in the region. As one of Australia’s premier wine destinations, it’s wise to plan your visit in advance. Map out your preferred stops and be sure to book your tastings and lunch ahead of time to secure your spot and make the most of your day.

Early morning hot air balloon over the Hunter Valley with morning mist and yellow lighting the vineyard fields.
Photo ©: Balloons Aloft flight over Broke Valley Hunter region NSW by David Minty.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).
A Hunter Valley vineyard taken at golden hour with natural even light making the colours glow pure.
Photo ©: Hunter Valley vineyard at golden hour by Kevin Rheese.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).

Nelsons Bay, NSW

To-do: Coastal walks, swimming, dolphin and whale watching
Distance from Newy: 55+minute drive

Nestled between the pristine Tomaree Peninsula, Tilligerry Peninsula, and Golden Bight, Nelson Bay is a gem. Hike to Mount Tomaree Lookout for panoramic views and enjoy the town’s renowned seafood and dining options. The breathtaking beaches, coastal walks, and opportunities to spot dolphins and whales make it an unforgettable destination.

A scenic view of the Tomaree Peninsula from the headland, showcasing the beaches and rugged coastline below, with an island visible in the distance, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel.
Photo ©: Tomaree Peninsula Port Stephens by Bernard Spragg.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).
A scenic view of Shoal Bay, NSW, Australia, featuring pristine white sands, a clear blue sky, and lush mountains in the background, ideal for hiking.
Photo ©: Shoal Bay by Hugh Llewelyn.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Caves Beach, NSW

To-do: Coastal walks, swimming
Distance from Newy: 40+minute drive

Caves Beach offers a fantastic day of exploration. At the southern end, you can explore ocean caves during low tide for a unique experience. The patrolled beach ensures safety, while nearby shops and a bar provide food and drinks. Free public BBQs make it an ideal spot for picnics, and scenic coastal walks through Wallarah National Park complete the experience.

Silhouette view from inside the cave shows the underwater cavity with the half-dozen or so people enabling the viewer to grasp the size.
Photo ©: Caves Beach by Robert Montgomery.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).
The Caves Beach coastline, where golden sand meets lush shrubs along the shoreline.
Photo ©: Caves Beach by Lyndi and Jason.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Red Head, NSW

To-do: Coastal walks, swimming
Distance from Newy: 25+minute drive

This relaxed spot is renowned for its striking red rock, which glows beautifully under the early morning and late afternoon sun. The sun’s angle enhances the dramatic lighting, making the rock reflect a warm, radiant hue. Located at the northern end of Nine Mile Beach, it offers a 14-kilometer stretch to explore. The iconic Shark Tower, a symbol of surf culture once used for shark spotting.

The Redhead Shark Tower and its iconic rock glow warmly in the afternoon sun. The tower, a wooden relic of the past, stands slightly shorter than the towering rock cliff, adding a touch of history to the scenic coastal landscape.
Photo ©: The Redhead and Shark Tower by Tim J Keegan.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).
Aerial photo of Redhead Beach from the top of the cliff along the shoreline all the way to Blacksmiths Beach.
Photo ©: Caves Beach to Stockton by Tim Keegan.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Catherine Hill Bay, NSW

To-do: Coastal walks, swimming, coal mining history
Distance from Newy: 45+minute drive

State Heritage-listed for its historic coal mining lease established in 1865, this area is steeped in history. The old jetty rail that you can see today, was used to load coal onto boats for transportation. The historic village is preserved for its original character as a coal mining township. Enjoy the areas beaches and scenic coastal walks in Munmorah State Conservation Area.

In 1894 there was a long jetty with tracks out to the end of the pier so cargo could be loaded onto boats.
Photo ©: Wallarah Jetty Catherine Hill Bay1894 held by Museums of History NSW.
No known restrictions.
Catherine Hill Bay with its historic coal jetty stretching into the ocean, surrounded by golden sand and rolling waves, blending natural beauty with heritage charm.
Photo ©: Catherine Hill Bay surfs up by Roanish.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).

Morpeth, NSW

To-do: Historic village, shopping, taste local produce
Distance from Newy: 45+minute drive

Historically a bustling river port, Morpeth now charms visitors with boutique shopping along Bridge Street. Explore its quaint cafes, pubs, and shops while savoring fresh local produce, or pick up some to create your own special meals at home. Nearby Maitland offers a blend of history and culture, featuring a small public art gallery and the iconic Maitland Gaol.

An old lithograpg of Morpeth, which was illustrated for Sydney News in 1865. A steam ship is travelling down the industrialised river.
Photo ©: Morpeth from “Illustrated Sydney News” 1865, held by Morpeth Museum, NSW.
Public Domain Work.
A 1936 Maitland Show exhibit featuring Bowthorne Butter Milk Cream and Victor Ice Cream, displayed with vintage typography lettering.
Photo ©: Bowthorne Butter Milk Cream, Victor Ice Cream, held by University of Newcastle. Public Domain Work.

Stockton, NSW

To-do: Catch the ferry, bike ride, break-water walk
Distance from Newy: A short ferry ride from Newy

Skip the drive and take a quick ferry ride to Stockton. The quaint town has some great spots to grab a bite, and you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the breakwater. For a scenic adventure, bike past the wetlands and return via the arch bridge to Newcastle. The wetlands are a haven for bird and nature enthusiasts. The journey offers plenty of scenic charm.

Photo ©: Stockton Bridge by Tim J Keegan.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).
Historic Stockton tank traps, concrete pyramid-shaped structures lined along the sandy beach, once used as coastal defense during World War II.
Photo ©: Stockton Beach tank traps exposed by storm surf by Tim J Keegan.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Wangi Wangi, NSW

To-do: Lake swim, walking paths, art gallery
Distance from Newy: 45+minute drive

Take a refreshing dip in the serene, leaf-lined lake, featuring hidden coves, gentle tides, and no waves. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the water or sample local dining options, including a bakery, Workers Club, Hotel, RSL Club, Thai restaurant, or pizza spot. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic home of celebrated Australian artist Sir William Dobell—bookings are required for tours.

Rower gliding through sailing boats against a sunset-lit backdrop.
Photo ©: Lake Macquarie NSW Sunset by Scevdog.
Attribution (CC BY 2.0).
Photo ©: Mangroves & black swans in Lake Macquarie by Tim J Keegan.
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0).