10 ways to live like a local in Newcastle

More than 142,000 University of Newcastle students have called Newcastle their home over the course of our 54-year history. Newcastle - affectionately known by locals as Newy - has a lot to offer from some of the best beaches in the world to a thriving arts scene.

Here are our top tips on how to live like a Novocastrian in your new home town.

With friendly locals, picture perfect scenery and great food, why wouldn’t you want to live and study in Newcastle?


1. Take a walk

Love getting active outdoors? Take a walk by the lake along the Warners Bay Esplanade, visit the trails and tracks of Glenrock State Conservation Area, and don’t forget to check out some of Newcastle’s rich history at Fort Scratchley or Nobbys Lighthouse too.

2. Go for a swim

Take a dip at Merewether Beach which is home to the largest annual surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere – Surfest. If catching waves isn’t your thing, you can laze by the pristine ocean baths instead or enjoy the view from Merewether Surfhouse.

3. Dine out

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of Newcastle’s best restaurants like SuboRestaurant Mason or Nagisa on Honeysuckle foreshore. If you’re craving a more casual bite (with a side of people watching), stop by ScottiesTalulah Bar, or The Lucky.

Darby Street

4. Explore

Explore the city by bike or the new light rail system. Zip from NUspace to the beach and explore Newcastle’s Bathers Way – our 5km coastal path which connects you from the Harbour all the way to the Merewether Ocean Baths. Head to Darby Street for a serious caffeine fix or spend your study break soaking up some vitamin D in King Edward Park.

5. Hit the markets

Shop cool collectables and vintage fashion at events curated by Hunt & Gather and for unique design pieces, don’t miss the monthly Olive Tree Market.

6. Buy local

Sample some great local produce at the farmers market on Sunday mornings at the Showground. Or, if you prefer to sleep in, visit one of the many cafes lining Beaumont or Darby Street – they’ve carefully selected only the best local produce and coffee for you.

7. Support live music

Catch some live music at the iconic Cambridge Hotel, or festivals like Groovin The Moo or Live At The Foreshore. Newcastle is renowned for its killer music scene, and there are always plenty of home-grown and international gigs to enjoy.

8. Check out an exhibition

Visit Newcastle Art GalleryNewcastle Museum, or our very own student art gallery, Watt Space.

Watt Space Gallery

9. Take a road-trip

Explore the Central Coast, just an hour south of Newcastle, you'll find our sister campus located in Ourimbah. Don't miss the chance to visit the pretty towns of Avoca, Terrigal and Long Jetty, where you'll find more boutique shopping and golden beaches to explore.

10. But first, coffee

The good coffee doesn't stop at the city. Grab a takeaway brew from one of our beachside kiosks and enjoy a stroll along our idyllic coastline while you're there.

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