Tandara is one of the most luxurious camping options in the state: were talking an exclusive safari-style tent with your own deck (complete with lounge chairs and over-sized BBQ), king-size bed, plasma TV and DVD, and a slick bathroom with both bathtub and shower so, its nicer than my own house. On a hot summer day, this beach can see over 30,000 visitors. There is a bus stop right next to the beach. Formally located at the Castlemaine Brewery, now at the old railway workshops in Honeysuckle, The City of Newcastle has an award-winning museum in the heart of the city, it has to be one of our favourite places in Newcastle. Each year, more than 5 million visitors are riding its waves. Great tasting wines as well. The Archibald Prize is always spectacular and to see it in my home town is the icing on the cake. The Camping in New South Wales Beaches, snow-capped peaks, rainforest wilderness, and vast outback plains, NSW has it all. Taronga zoo is not only home to native Australian wildlife and exotic animals. Hungerford Hill in Pokolbin is one of the Hunter Valley's premier vineyards and is dedicated to displaying the excellence of NSW wines. In the land of 10,000 beaches, no beach is more famous than Bondi Beach. Nobbys Road, Newcastle East, New South Wales, Australia. The passionate and knowledgeable guides have a wealth of information to share, and theyre great with kids. If youre happy to put up with the masses, this tourists paradise is worth a visit and can be reached by a quick bus ride from Bondi Junction train station. This beach is one of the citys most treasured attractions and is known for its calm surf, rich heritage and One of the best beaches in Sydney. The path honours the sacrifices of the Australian soldiers in World War I and marks the beginning of steelmaking in the city. Supernova is a hands-on science centre where kids can touch and feel their way to discovery. Stay and have lunch or start with brekkie in the caf. Spend the days hitting the beaches (some of my faves are Coogee, Manly, Narrabeen and of course the famous Bondi Beach) and at night hit one of the traveller bars in Kings Cross to get your globetrotting adventure off to a flying start. I am driving up from Sydney to Port Macquarie in a campervan. Located on a river. This one is a bit of a nostalgic inclusion, nothing says Newcastle to me like Nobbys beach. BIG4 Holiday Parks in New South Wales | Caravan Parks & Resorts Sports and Recreation Facilities. There are plenty! Visiting 8 of the cities best locations including Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Manly and Taronga Zoo, you'll have the chance to visit the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, which are two of the must-see sights in the city. The PERFECT Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Itinerary [2023] - NOMADasaurus Coogee is quite a nice beach, not as crowded and big as Bondi beach. Packed with interesting artifacts and interactive exhibits, it is well worth visiting. The Tarongo Zoo is a massive zoological park in the prime suburb of Mosman. It'll take just 12 minutes to get to this not-for-profit zoo which supports wildlife conservation. But if youre serious about unplugging, Beach, cliffs, forest need we say more? Starting at the iconic Bondi Beach, this easy 5.5km walk passes several beaches, offering stunning clifftop views all the way to Coogee. The site also hosts the hands-on Supernova science center. 29 minutes off the main route, 70% of way to Newcastle. Great place to take pictures for your girl. Although only a partial tour with many more available, to see the conditions prisoners had to endure, and contributions to Australian and local history is amazing. I was wondering if there are any great places along the cost worth visiting? So, youre new to camping. Our guide was very well informed and was able to answer our questions. Beach, cliffs, forest need we say more? Possibly the best thing about Euroka campground in Blue Mountains National Park is its gang of adorable grey roos. Great place to get the rc,s out for a run on the rocks. One of the most popular beaches in Sydney gives kids an opportunity to learn surfing. Manly, reached from the CBD by ferry across Sydney Harbour, has a relaxed holiday vibe. Top 10 Gosford Caravan Parks in 2023 from AU$98 | Wotif Manly is a beachside suburb with a somewhat unique and relaxed atmosphere. Top 10 free campsites near Newcastle, NSW As its a tribute to Anzacs, it features history panels with information about different aspects of the conflict as well as listing the geographic place names of various conflicts. Cabins, Camping & Caravaning - Central Coast Australia Where you can sample fresh, seasonal produce in the a la carte restaurant, or choose a more casual dining experience with the Weekend Oyster Bar. Sydneys iconic Bondi Beach sports a sweeping, kilometer-long curve of golden sand, between two headlands, lashed by surf waves. Get fresh inspo and stay up-to-date Subscribe to e-news, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Blog. Alligator and crocodile talks were the best for me. Carry on and you will hit the popular Manly beach. Learned something new about the neck of the bottles. This beach is located at the Eastern suburbs of Sydney next to Bondi and Bronte. Nobbys is the first beach you come to along the Bathers Way. A visit to Sydney is of course not complete without spending a morning or afternoon in Bondi Beach, Australias most popular and most well-known beach town. Theres plenty of Cafes, restaurants hotels that serve fine dining and or fast food. Great lookouts, Bush walking and some camping too. 1 Blue Wren Drive, Wybung NSW 2259. That short stretch of sand about 500 metres away is Shelley Beach, far more secluded, less crowded, and has calmer water than the popular Manly Beach just next door. Terrigal Skillon has impressive views of wamberal and Avoca beach. Shelly Beach is a scenic beach located in Manly, a popular suburb in Sydney, close to Fairy Bower and North Head. Worth a visit. 230 High St, Maitland NSW 2320, Australia. Located in the citys centre, the museum is full of interactive exhibits and interesting artifacts. A 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, this bushy harbour hillside is full of kangaroos, koalas and similarly hirsute Australians, plus numerous imported guests. Any road trip between Byron Bay and Melbourne should include a diversion to Wilsons Promontory, the most southern point of the Australian mainland. I need to stop looking at my phone so much, you say. of scenic maintained trails with sweeping harbour views. MRAG is one of my favourite galleries to visit, and not merely because it's so close to home. 02 4998 7881 Standing sentry over Newcastle since 1882." Fantastic views. This gorgeous and spacious stretch comes complete with calm water, an ocean pool, a womens only pool and tens of nearby cafes and boutique shops. Kid-friendly museum with interactive exhibits related to the area's industrial & natural history. Camping in New South Wales Whether you're looking for cheap campsites in NSW or luxury or glamping options, BIG4 has you covered. Though it has everything you need for a camping getaway think grassy open spaces for biking and badminton, essentials like BBQs and facilities blocks (theres even mobile coverage! If you want to talk statistics, Bondi beach is officially the most instagrammed location in Australia. Check them out here: Yes! Email: npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au. Great wines, great staff! The zoos inhabitants have million-dollar 4 km from city center 7 out of 18 places to visit in Sydney. Here, 32km of ever-shifting sand dunes are waiting to be explored by 44, quad bike and even camel. Emailed these guys night before for a Tuesday morning booking for 7 in December and they rang next day (early) to confirm booking- now that's service! If you can visit on a weekday - it's alot quieter. NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is tucked up against the Stockton Bite Sand Dunes in Worimi Conservation Lands. Attracting hordes of people every year, the Bondi beach is a fantastic place for relaxing, swimming, surfing, having a round beach volleyball, or just soaking up the Aussie sun. After a day enjoying the sand and surf grab an ice cream from the ice cream parlour across the road from the beach. Hungerford Hill is also home to highly regarded Muse Restaurant, one of the regions finest. Browse all 449 Greater Newcastle topics Looking for great places between Sydney and Port Macquarie Watch this Topic. The exhibits include koalas, kangaroos, wombats and possums, as well as an array of fantastic bird life in the trees above. When it comes to free things to do in Sydney, this is one of the most popular for good reason. The park is for all ages.. Like Bondi and Manly, Coogee is the backdrop to a vibrant boulevard of restaurants and bars. We spent about an hour there and would recommend it to anyone in or visiting Newcastle. Parking is a little mental, try and avoid if possible (unless you get there really early!). And dont forget to bring sun cream and a hat. Afternoon The Hunter Valley Zoo prides itself on housing all its animals in a safe, caring and natural environment and offers a range of experiences from quiet observation to getting up close with meerkats, tamarins and marmosets, as well as feeding kangaroos and birds in one of the interactive yards. Built in 2015, the walkway commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli during World War I and also acts as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives serving overseas. Set next to Nobbys Beach is one of Newcastles top tourist attractions: Fort Scratchley. Additionally, Manly Beach features beautiful hotels, a boardwalk, a variety of delicious restaurants that serve fresh seafood, a selection of wonderful ethnic restaurants and several unique shopping boutiques. With kids in tow, spending all your days tasting wine and extending lunch through a lazy afternoon is an unlikely scenario. The southern end of the beach, nearest the Corso, is known as South Steyne, with North Steyne in the centre and Queenscliff at the northern end; each has its own surf lifesaving club. Interactive and friendly zoo Sit down to a leisurely lunch at The Butler, enjoying share plates such as charred prawns and tuna tartare. This attraction will definitely take up the whole day so be prepared. Catch the ferry to Manly a cheap way to experience beautiful Sydney Harbour with stunning views of the city is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly and back. The Ten Best Camping Getaways from Sydney - Concrete Playground The Playmaker Let's play PLAYMAKER It's Monday What day is it? You can also take your fur baby to Ingenia Lake Hume and Tocumwal Tourist Park. Simple yet effective, wander the expansive 28-hectare grounds as you snap up-close photos of some of the 4,000 animals (covering 350+ species) found here. Australia New South Wales Popular camping styles for New South Wales Tent sites Caravan sites Glamping tents Unique lodging Pet-friendly getaways 100% (10) Trilby Station Stay Such a beautiful beach. Bents Basin, the primo watering hole that gives the park it's name, is a safe and scenic pocket of the Nepean River, perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking and bringing the fam. Feedings and encounters happen throughout the day, while in summer, twilight concerts jazz things up (see www.twilightattaronga.org.au). The zoo is small but covers a lot of animals for kids to enjoy without getting tired. Ask for Ella! With over 4,000 animals to see, daily live shows and twenty keeper talks complemented by lively tours, the animals are almost upstaged by the zoos breathtaking views of Sydney Harbor. It is the administrative centre of the City of Cessnock LGA and was named after an 1826 grant of land called Cessnock Estate, which was owned by John Campbell. Want something a little quieter (with better swimming locations)? Swimming beach in a sheltered bay, with ocean pools, fish 'n' chip shops & a pedestrian walkway. Probably the most famous of Sydneys beaches for good reason, its definitely worth spending a sunny afternoon here watching the surfers and catching some rays. You can stroll along Nobbys to the lighthouse and then take the 3km return walk out to the end of the break wall. There's essential amenities here. Just order via The Chickn Shack app - its so easy and convenient! Its 1-kilometer long crescent-shaped shore in contrast to the azure curly waves is a splendid sight to behold. Its a great beach for surfing and usually less crowded than Bondi. ; Newcastle has a number of grocery stores and camping gear shops, where you can stock up on supplies before heading out. Price Mid-range. Kids will love the place as there is a small walking trail, which goes through a lot of wildlife like owls, lizards, peacocks, birds of various kinds on display. Another well-loved beach in the city is Bondi Beach, where you can surf and swim, and even go whale watching and golfing at the sandstone headlands. Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga zoos gorgeous harbourside location and spend the the day monkeying around with chimps and gorillas, koalas and other native Australian animals as well as sea lions and seal shows!. Fort Scratchley was built in 1882 and happens to be the only land-based site in Australia to have ever fired on an enemy vessel during World War Two. The Ten Best Camping Getaways from Sydney - Concrete Playground It has a lovely, warm vibe which feels way better than its snobby sister beach, Bondi. There are heaps of animals to check out like gorillas. This attractive museum in the restored Honeysuckle rail workshops tells a tale of the city from its Indigenous Awabakal origins to its rough-and-tumble social history, shaped by a cast of convicts, coal miners Newcastle Museum is another must-see landmark in the region. So much serenity. Beautiful view and crystal clear water. Day 1: Sydney to Port Stephens Newcastle Port Stephens Day 2: Port Stephens to Forster Seal Rocks Booti Booti National Park Forster Day 3: Forster to Crescent Head Port Macquarie Crescent Head Day 4: Crescent Head to Bellingen South West Rocks Bellingen Dorrigo National Park Day 5: Bellingen to Byron Bay Coffs Harbour Yamba Byron Bay We are blessed in this region with some spectacular and varied scenery. Bondi Beach is popular for surfers, morning joggers and of course tourists as soon as the sun comes out!. This makes it an ideal holidaying spot for beach-goers looking for some tranquillity. The southern end of the beach, nearest the Corso, is known as South Steyne, with North Steyne in the center and Queenscliff at the northern end. A stunning coastal walk and the perfect way to spend a gorgeous few hours in Sydney, One of best iconic coastal walks to do in Sydney whether you're a tourist or local..The starting point is in Bondi Beach near the Iceberg Dining Room and Bar. 02 4972 9000. For access to both river and sea, take your tent to Tidal River Campground. See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day. While the crescent of golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, its clear, turquoise waters and consistently good waves are perfect for swimming and surfing. You can drive from Sydney to Newcastle. This place is one of the best destinations you dont want to miss when visiting Central Coast. Located 7km from the Central Business District in Sydney, the Bondi beach is a mile-long golden sand-lined beach that is lined perfectly with homes lines with red tiles, green spaces, and apartments. Some whale watching is perfect if you're lucky enough to visit during those golden months, or simply a splash around in the water should put a smile on your family's dial. Sydney Hop On Hop Off Ferry & Taronga Zoo Many of these animals can be discovered at Sydneys Taronga Zoo, located across the harbour just north-east of Sydney. Wide, wonderful Bondi (pronounced bon -dye) is the most famous and most crowded of all Sydney beaches. Just a few minutes from the better-known Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is a unique location on the east coast of Australia, since it actually faces west. Why feeding native animals is the worst thing you can do. It depends on when you visit! Bondi Beach is undoubtedly one of Sydneys most famous destinations and is popular with visitors and locals all year round. This exciting museum is conveniently located in the centre of town and is great for kids of all ages. Fern Valley Ranch has it all- waterfalls, bush walks, animal feeding. I stay bang opposite a beach but still a visit to Bondi beach was in my list & it was worth the trip. Experience personal family service in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the vineyards. Do a beach-crawl from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, and bring your board to take advantage of that early swell. It was built back in 1882 to defend the city from possible Russian attacks during the war. In Manly, walk down the palm tree-lined Corso, hit the promenade on the beach for an ice-cream, walk around to picturesque Shelly Beach, or grab a cold beer at Manly Wharf Hotel. Parking was sufficient at the time but when the weather is good or when it's summer you might struggle to find a spot. During the week, office workers fill the contemporary eateries clustered around Miller Street. The beach is gorgeous, full of people walking, walking their dogs along the pathway or roller skating/skate boarding etc. Sydney's second most famous beach is a magnificent strand that stretches for nearly two golden kilometres, lined by Norfolk Island pines and midrise apartment blocks. Pelicans are the scenic beauty of this place and weather is fantastically beautiful out there. Ranger Tip:Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. Large enough to explore the south and northern ends with lots of eateries throughout. 10 National Park, Dam, Conservation Area or State Forests. The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk is one of my favourite free things to do in Sydney. It features incredible 360 degree views of Newcastle from the coast to city. Fern Valley Ranch - Hipcamp in Somersby, New South Wales There are many restrooms along the way. Walk, jog or ride a bike along the break wall if you want to explore Newcastle a little further. This is a 6km walk all along the sea that connects the two neighbourhoods of Sydney. Recent trip midweek with family to occupy kids home from school (industrial action). You dont have to travel far, however, if you are after stunning scenery and views. We thought of renting a campervan (like wicked campers or something), but is it easy to find nice places to camp? Discover the amazing Taronga Zoo, by hopping onto a rocket ferry from Captain Cook which departs from three locations, Circular Quay, Watsons Bay or Darling Harbour. Only 23 minutes away from the city centre, Manly Beach is a favourite among locals who want to go on a quick weekend getaway. The crescent-shaped beach has a promenade that runs adjacent to the beachs length. Although the tour was informative and fun, so I don't regret that at all.. Other popular stops include Taronga Zoo Sydney, Australian Reptile Park, and Bondi Beach. After iconic Bondi, Manly Beach is undoubtedly the citys most popular and famous stretch of sand, having hosted the worlds first surfing contest back in 1964. Peterson House has had some massive improvement to it over the last couple of years. Another must-visit, Manly Beach is known for its lush white sand, perfect surf conditions and relaxed vibe, making it one of the most popular northern beaches. Plenty to do and see, could be an all day activity, if you bring a picnic lunch or cook a bbq. Its easily accessed by public transportation and is often the beautiful beginning or end point for those going on a coastal walk. 23 minutes off the main route, 69% of way to Newcastle. Pokolbin is a rural locality in the Hunter Region of New South Wales Australia. Also kids can touch and pet pet the friendly animals. Revel in the natural beauty of bushland and step into a lush sanctuary where animals roam freely at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga Zoo in Mosman. Stretching from the commanding lighthouse at Nobbys Headland to the coastal wilderness of Glenrock Reserve and the early coal workings at Burwood Beach, Newcastle's Bathers. Set up camp then go exploring the colonial buildings that have been there since the 19th century, then have a swim or do some fishing. Places to camp between Sydney and Brisbane? Park entry fees apply. Open 365 days a year, admission includes daily keeper talks and shows, and access to the Sky Safari, Sydneys only cable car. Popular amongst the younger age groups, the Newcastle Museum offers many-a-interactive activities for all walks of life. Its Supernova and Mininova exhibitions appeal to the youngest of children right through to teens. Fort Scratchley is the only Australian fort to have ever engaged with a marine military attack, fending off a Japanese submarine during World War Two. Just a few minutes drive south from the centre youll find the gorgeous golden sands of Merewether Beach. Alternatively, Transport for NSW operates a train from Central . Beyond that there are stairs but the effort is make worthwhile by the natural rock pool at journey end. This is it, the gold standard of NSW multi-day hikes. Overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the city by ferry. Waves are pretty crazy but aslong as you stay within the flags youll be sweet. The area is the centre of the Lower Hunter Valley wine region. Besides lounging on its sun-kissed sands or taking a refreshing dip in the sea, visitors can stroll peacefully along its boardwalk or stop off at any one of the small cafes and restaurants that line the route. Coogee Beach is a beautiful family-friendly beach, located just 20 minutes from the bustling Sydney CBD. Whats more beautifully Aussie than that? For over a half a century the HH team has worked tirele Hungerford Hills is a dog friendly Winery in the Hunter Valley. simple but done well! Who cares! Travelling time is 1 1/4 hours from Newcastle and around 3 hours from Sydney. Nearby, doughty locals swim year-round in the Icebergs ocean pool, while walkers looking for a good hike in Sydney make a beeline for the dramatic cliff top Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, with its dramatic scenery and annual Sculpture by The Sea art installations. Sometimes you get that email or text or notification that just pushes you over the edge. All COVID safe too. Pro Tip:To make your water adventures safer and more enjoyable, check out thesepaddling safety tips. Parking can be challenging on public holidays but drive around and youll eventually snag a parking spot especially in the Haven. The locality is named for the large number of caves on the nearby coastline. My first choice for beach activities. Park your car here, you can walk on both sides, one side is the city view and the other is the sea view, you must come here to enjoy this view, you can walk up to the other end to see the sea. Very popular location with friendly atmosphere, great for families, couples for romances or family get togethers. A trip to Taronga is a nose-to-tail Insta-adventure. It is open daily, except Tuesdays. For hikers, there are heaps of great walking trails around Shelley Beach and North Head, as well as the popular Manly to Spit walk. Perfect for kids, families, and everything in between. In total, the memorial walk was constructed using 64 tonnes of stainless steel and features steel silhouettes of soldiers and names of Hunter Valley soldiers who served. Also try: After you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo on Sydneys North Shore to spend the morning with the elephants. The knitting of old and new architecture works really well. Everytime we get guests come and stay with us, I always recommend they do this walk before leaving Sydney. The City Of Newcastle. . Catering to intimate weddings of up to 140 guests, Peterson House is an iconic Hunter Valley wedding venue boasting a stunning sandstone chapel, an elegant vineyard marquee, and the award-winning Restaurant Cuve. From planning your day perspective you can visit in the morning and go with each talk or other option to visit in the afternoon as all the talks repeat in the second half. 138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba NSW 2325, Australia. Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. For the sporting enthusiasts, theres everything from stand-up paddle boarding to beach volleyball to jet boating. 12 years ago Save Me and my girlfriend arr thinking about taking a four or five day roadtrip from Sydney to Brisbane. Featuring a hands-on science centre where kids are encouraged to touch and experiment, they can try to lift a car, make a tornado and much more. Search. Regular buses run between Sydney and Newcastle, as well as to other destinations along the Central Coast, but having your own transport is preferable for exploring the region's national parks and state forests. Greg and the team are absolute legends and make for a great time and experience on the water! Bondi Beach is no doubt the most iconic beach in Sydney, part due to the popular TV show Bindi Rescue but more so the mecca of backpackers accommodation in the area. Bondi beach is great at any time of day, but at sunrise it becomes even better. Its $13 per day for parking (or $4 per hour). Indigenous ingredients are definitely having a moment, The newest multi-day walk in NSW national parks. From The Butler its an easy 15 minute stroll to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which is home to Australian masters and renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Top 10 free campsites near Newcastle, NSW NSW Newcastle For those camping on the cheap, here are some great campsites we found near Newcastle. When you arrive, cross the road and walk down the main shopping area, Manly Corso, full of shops, bars and restaurants. One of the best beaches on the Central Coast of NSW gorgeous clear water clean powder-like sand with a blue sky canopy surrounded by green hills! So many animals to see and enclosures offer great viewing opportunities. Food options very limited, but easy to go through the park in 2-3 hours, and hop on the ferry back to Circular Quay for other food options. Ernest Hill Wines is a family run boutique winery located in the Hunter Valley in NSW, Australia - just a short drive North of Sydney. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. Taronga Zoo is a world-class zoo located in the city of Sydney, right on the shores of the iconic Sydney Harbour. 1. When you want to spend some time in nature, there is no better place to visit than the Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Merewether Beach, a nominated national surfing reserve has always attracted a crowd. I think it is a great zoo with a great team of workers spread all over the place to make the visit memorable.