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Things to do in Newcastle, Australia

Our most recommended things to do in Newcastle, Australia

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise & Boom Net Experience

1. Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise & Boom Net Experience

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on the biggest boat in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out on the water. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Northern Harbour. Sit back and relax on the deck area, or if you feel like getting a bit wet, join in the boom net action. Slide down the Twist, Twirl, and Splash Waterslide attached to the boat, which whirls you into the boom net. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

Port Stephens: Worimi Sand Dune Quad Bike Adventure

2. Port Stephens: Worimi Sand Dune Quad Bike Adventure

Experience the thrill of riding a high-quality ATV through the Worimi Sand Dunes on this tour from Port Stephens. Cruise at high speeds over seaside grasslands and feel the challenge of tackling towering sand dunes.  Meet your guide in Williamtown and listen as you are provided with a tutorial on how to confidently operate your bike. Follow your guide on a high-octane ride over maintained tracks through coastal grasslands to get to the dunes.  Travel over more and more challenging sand dunes. Enjoy privacy as your ride as the local tour provider has exclusive access to the highest sand dunes on Stockton Beach.  Climb large sand dunes that are 12-30 meters high. Take a tour that is tailored to meet your needs and experience level. Have the option to add sandboarding to your tour. 

Hunter Valley: Uncork the Hunter Full-Day Wine Tour

3. Hunter Valley: Uncork the Hunter Full-Day Wine Tour

Uncork unexpected and unique experiences on a tour of Australia's Hunter Valley. Your 7-hour tour includes multiple wine tastings, a cheese and wine masterclass, a mystery wine experience, chocolate and wine pairings, a generous lunch, a glass of wine, and a tour of a working brewery. Go off the beaten track with your small group and find great Hunter wines that exist beyond the shelves of a bottle shop. Don’t expect to go on the path well-traveled—it’s too busy there, and there’s no room for surprises.   Speaking of surprises, did the mystery wine experience catch your eye? Your tour includes a unique wine encounter that is not available to your average walk-in wine-taster. The mystery wine experience is designed to build your wine knowledge while getting you involved, having a few laughs, and teaching you what makes Hunter Valley wine unique.   Your best day ever wouldn’t be complete without the dream weavers: knowledgeable guides are a huge part of what makes your day unforgettable. They’re passionate locals who love their wine and the Hunter Valley. So, are you ready for the best day ever?

Newcastle: True Crime Guided Walking Tour

4. Newcastle: True Crime Guided Walking Tour

Take a stroll through one of Australia's oldest settlements and uncover a city with a disturbing criminal past. Perfect for history buffs or lovers of true crime, your guide will engross you with tales of famous crimes that unfolded right where you stand. The tour takes you to iconic sites in the Newcastle East area including the Convict Lumberyard, the original Newcastle gaol site, the cathedral as well as the best scenic views that Newcastle has to offer. You'll walk down hidden laneways and discover iconic nooks as you attempt to put together the facts for yourself. Each waypoint will include a retelling of the mysteries that lie beneath your feet. These are the stories that the city tried to forget.

Newcastle: Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

5. Newcastle: Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

Humpback Whales are some of the most inquisitive and interactive species out of all marine mammals. These spectacular whales make exceptionally long journeys from the Antarctic to the warm safe waters south of the equator each year. This tour provides you with the best experience possible. Come and witness these amazing animals up close on a brand-new adventure boat. Depart from Harbour Square Boat Dock, along the Honeysuckle Foreshore.

Newcastle: Harbor and Coast 2.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

6. Newcastle: Harbor and Coast 2.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

Experience the breathtaking coastal scenery of Newcastle on a 2.5-hour eco cruise. See pods of dolphins, seabirds, turtles and more. Enjoy 360-degree views as you cruise in a custom-built rigid inflatable. Be captivated by the marine life and beautiful landscape of coal seams, volcanic rocks, and sedimentary cliffs, including important Aboriginal sites. Travel down the Hunter Coast, passing Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay. See unique views of Newcastle Harbor, World War Two coastal forts, and world-renowned surfing beaches. Pass ANZAC Memorial Walk, the Bogey Hole, Glenrock Lagoon, Redhead Shark Watchtower and hidden gems Moon Island, Pinney's Headland and Shark Bay. 

Cheeses of the World Masterclass

7. Cheeses of the World Masterclass

Tour your taste buds around the globe with a mouth-watering hour spent tasting 9 world-famous cheeses and small goods, matched with 9 outstanding Hunter Valley wines and a whole lot of laughs with your fun guide. Learn how to select any cheese to match certain varieties of wine. Find out why a Hunter Valley Semillon can be a match made in heaven when served with one cheese but a disaster when matched with another. Cheese lovers have been raving about this experience for years - it is a great way to do a wine tasting with a difference and will become the highlight of your trip.

Maitland's True Crime Tour

8. Maitland's True Crime Tour

Take a stroll through one of Australia's oldest settlements and uncover a town with a disturbing criminal past. Perfect for history buffs or lovers of true crime, your guide will engross you with gruesome tales of famous crimes that unfolded right where you stand. Walk down hidden laneways and discover iconic nooks as you attempt to put together the facts for yourself. Uncover the mysteries that lie beneath the streets of historic Maitland and learn all about the history and the stories that the city tried to forget. Learn about the stories that did not make it into the official history books but remain 100% true yet 100% unbelievable.

Newcastle: Tandem Beach Skydive

9. Newcastle: Tandem Beach Skydive

Skydive at Newcastle’s closest beach for the ultimate adrenalin rush. Drop from a height of up to 15,000 feet and freefall at over 200 km/hr for up to an insane 60 seconds. Float under canopy over Newcastle for 5 - 7 minutes soaking up spectacular beach and city views. Enjoy the skydiving experience of a lifetime and step outside your comfort zone. Push your boundaries with the friendly skydiving crew and create special memories.

Newcastle Hidden Gems + Pub Walk with Tastings

10. Newcastle Hidden Gems + Pub Walk with Tastings

The Newcastle small bar scene is thriving and now is your time to discover it! Explore the character and unique atmosphere that each of Newcastle’s small bars have to offer. This pub walk is a 3 hour trip that is not to missed in Newcastle. The tour takes you to all of Newcastle’s hidden gems from small bars to breweries. More than a pub crawl, think of our day trips as a progressive lunch with healthy dose of local history. The tour involves learning about the history of beer, how beer is made, different beer styles and how to match beer and food. We blend this with the history of our city, told to you by your very own local guide. When it comes to things to do in Newcastle, this tour is not to be missed. You get priority seating, custom menus, priority service, meet and greet with the owner, brewery tours, tasting notes and so much more.  

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Other Sightseeing Options in Newcastle, Australia

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What people are saying about Newcastle, Australia

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 415 reviews

Nice and easy cruise, friendly staff. Takes off from the main city center and dolphins are not guaranteed but it’s a good experience! Plenty of food and shop options at the port Stephens local and lots of other activity nearby / needs a car though

Didn't get to see many dolphins the first time. Got a standby voucher and went again the second day. Good service, nice boat.

Great cruise, awesome Staff, very informative, lovely cocktails, well worth it

Good experience, can see dolphin closer. Comfortable for family.

Amazing to see the dolphins and stop and take photos.