NEWCASTLE WEEKEND GUIDE

Thinking about Spilt Milk House Party Newcastle? Thinking about how you haven’t visited Newy in aaaaages? These are our hottest tips for ways to spend a weekend in Australia’s second oldest city. 

YUMMY FOOD

Step one: Eat good. Step two: see your favourite artists at Spilt Milk House Party. Step three: see step one. Our dream weekend TBH. These are our go-to food spots in Newcastle. 

ANTOJITOS MEXICAN

A casual California-Mexican street food restaurant specialising in burritos, tacos, carnitas and more. Antojitos is simple and affordable but big on freshness and flavour, with salsa and tortillas made from scratch every day. Pair your meal with a classic marg, or hydrate with a refreshing aguas frescas. 

OH MY PAPA

Newcastle locals love Oh My Papa, serving up delicious Asian-fusion food, with heaps of options for vegans, vegetarians and those who love a cheeky prawn stir fry. Everything at Oh My Papa is designed to be shared. 

MARKET STREET BASEMENT

Located in Newcastle’s East End, Market St Basement offers delicious Italian food as well as a carefully curated cocktail, wine and craft beer list. They’ve got everything from truffled focaccia and traditional carbonara to prosciutto pizza and tiramisu. Buon appetito, Newy!

NAGISA

If you’ve got sushi cravings, Nagisa serves a mix of modern Japanese cuisine, fresh sashimi and sushi, rare Japanese craft beers, whisky and sake, degustation menus, banquets and a venue for group functions.

THE GRAIN STORE

If you’re feeling kinda wholesome, head to The Grain Store for board games (aww), craft beer and buffalo wings. The brewery was built in 1885 and has high ceilings and some art deco flourishes and is a hella cosy hang.

BLANCA HONEYSUCKLE

Treat yourself to some Mediterranean flavours for lunch or dinner. Blanca’s website says ‘the Grilled Octopus with spiced chickpeas, lemon, oregano and romesco sauce sings with their signature freshness’ which sounds pretty yum.

THE FLOTILLA

Feeling extra boujee? Okay, you should book a table at Newcastle fine-diner The Flotilla, a laid back, elevated restaurant serving up dishes designed around the best produce on offer. The menu changes every six weeks keeping it fresh and interesting, just like you.

CAFFEINE

MR. SISTER COFFEE

Grab a cup of specialty coffee from Mr. Sister at two Newcastle locations – Speers Point and East End Village.

SHERWOOD COFFEE

Locally owned and operated cafe Sherwood Coffee is a bit of a Newcastle institution, and there’s seven locations across the city to get your caffeine fix and something tasty to eat.

DARK HORSE WICKHAM

Tucked away in a warehouse in Wickham is Dark Horse, and they make a great cup of joe. You can also grab an egg, bacon and hashbrown roll or a goodness bowl to kickstart your day. 

GOOD BROTHER ESPRESSO

A stone’s throw from the beach is Good Brother Espresso, slinging really good coffee, toasties, pastries and healthy breakfast bowls. 

THINGS TO DO

GO FOR A SWIM

You have to go for a dip at Newy’s iconic Bogey Hole, or the historic Newcastle Ocean Baths. Go for a surf at Merewether Beach or Newcastle Beach, or plan a day of swimming at Nobby’s Beach.

THE LOCK-UP

The Lock-Up is an 1800s police station reimagined as a contemporary art space. Located right near Newcastle Ocean Baths, you can get your art fix and then go for a dip in the ocean.

BLACKBUTT RESERVE

Drive to Blackbutt Reserve and enjoy the serenity. Meet native wildlife, be dwarfed by beautiful gums and hear some really nice bird calls. There’s more than 10km of nature trails to wander. You could do way worse things in life.

NIGHT LIFE

HONEYSUCKLE PRECINCT

As the sun sets following a magical day in Newy, head harbourside to the Honeysuckle precinct for a wide array of restaurants and bars. Settle in under the stars at retro-cosy MoneyPenny, relax on the sprawling deck at Honeysuckle Hotel or embrace the classic pub vibe at Queens Wharf Hotel.

THE KOUTETSU

If you’re chasing an intimate, moody and sophisticated speakeasy, head to The Koutetsu for Japanese Whiskeys and delicious gyoza. They’ll shout you some complimentary popcorn on arrival, and it’s a bit posh so make sure you dress nice.

THE BEACH HOTEL MEREWETHER

Directly opposite Merewether Beach is where you’ll find The Beach Hotel, only three k’s from Newcastle CBD. Enjoy pub classics and flame-grilled fare with your mates.

SHOPPING

THE RETRO WARDROBE

The Retro Wardrobe is a delightful thrift shop, selling retro, vintage and preloved clothing, accessories, linen and trinkets. Get a nice lid to protect your head from the sun during your stunning beach days, or a fun shirt to twirl around in at House Party.

THE LAIR

The Lair is the perfect place for a bit of a fancy shopping spree. Check out their range of Australian and International designers like Matteau, Beach Brains, Paloma Wool, CORDERA, Miista and more.

SHOPPING CENTRES

If you want to do some boutique shopping, get some supplies, go to the cinema or scoff some food court sushi, head to Westfield Kotara or Charlestown Square Shopping Centre – both are sure to have pretty much everything your heart desires.

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