Newcastle Through Student Eyes: Hidden Gems, Local Favourites and Weekend Adventures
Newcastle is a city by the sea, full of friendly people and things to explore. It doesn't take long for international students to feel at home here.
We asked current international students Carrot and Emmanuel to share their favourite spots, and added a few more places to help you discover what Newcastle and the surrounding region have to offer.
Local favourites
These are the places students visit again and again, that become part of everyday life.
Hoang, known by her nickname Carrot, is a fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) student who likes to start her day with a run along the Newcastle Breakwater near Nobbys Lighthouse, sometimes spotting dolphins and seals along the way. It’s also a place for her to reset.
“Spending time there helps me clear my mind, recharge, and forget about the stress of assignments and deadlines.”
Emmanuel, who is studying a Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, loves the dance cyphers that happen in local parks and near the train station, where people meet to dance and have fun together. He also makes time to slow down.
“I enjoy discovering local cafés, community events, and cultural gatherings around Newcastle.”
Some other spots to check out include Darby Street, one of Newcastle’s main destinations for cafes, boutiques and restaurants. The Merewether Ocean Baths are the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere, and a nice spot for a swim or a relaxing afternoon. And if you’re looking for a place to surf, Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach are popular local options.
Hidden gems
Some of Newcastle's spots are a little harder to find, but that can be part of what makes discovering them special! Carrot's favourite hidden gem is Hickson Street Lookout. It takes a short walk to get there, but the view is worth it. After five years living in Newcastle, it's still the place she takes her friends to show them a different side of the city.
If you’re into nature and swimming, Bogey Hole is a small ocean pool cut into the cliffs, said to be the first of its kind built in Australia. It's a quiet place for a swim, away from the crowds. For those who enjoy a walk surrounded by nature, Blackbutt Reserve is a large bush park close to the city, with walking trails and native animals like koalas and wombats.
Weekend adventures
When you have a free weekend, you don't need to go far to find somewhere new to explore. Newcastle is close to coastline and countryside, so a short trip can take you somewhere that feels completely different.
Head north to the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes, part of the Worimi National Park, is home to the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. Port Stephens is also known for dolphin and whale watching, especially between June and November. While you're there, you can take on the Tomaree Head Summit walk for great views or spend the afternoon exploring Nelson Bay.
If you’d prefer a more relaxed weekend, the Hunter Valley wine region isn’t too far away. Why not enjoy a break from the city, taste the local wines and take a walk through working vineyards? Many wineries also serve food and have lovely outdoor spaces, so you’re not missing out if you don’t drink alcohol.
One of the best ways to get to know Newcastle is to get out and explore. Learn all about studying and living in Newcastle, Australia.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.