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Insider’s Guide to a wicked sports weekend in Newcastle
Newcastle is a city that has produced its fair share of world-class athletes. From rugby league legends Paul Harragon, Andrew Johns and Clive Churchill to former Liverpool superstar Craig Johnston and ex-Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury, to Olympic swimmer Justin Norris; four-time world champion surfer Mark Richards, and ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and former Australian women’s cricket captain Belinda Clarke. All of these sporting greats hail from the city. Newcastle’s stature as a sporting destination has grown from strength to strength, and so too has its ability to stage incredible sporting events.
New South Wales’ second oldest city, Newcastle is making a name for itself as a sports hub, hosting to a raft of events from the recent Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games and Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Championships, through to the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, which promises to be Australia’s biggest sporting event since the Sydney Olympics.
This summer, “IT’S ON – Newcastle and the Hunter” is taking the city’s sporting addiction to the next level, with a packed schedule of events including A-League matches, the Navy Australian Surf Rowers Open, Surfest, the Australian Bowl Riding Championships(skate boarding), Festival of Indigenous Rugby and the Waratahs’ final trial before the 2014 Super Rugby season – all falling between 1 February and 22 March 2014.
In between the sporting action, the city has all your dining, accommodation and entertainment options covered – whether you’re after pre-match dinner, post-game celebrations, or simply seeking a cosy bed to lay a sleepy head.
Eat
From beachside fish and chips and al fresco harbour-side dining, through to chic cafes, gastro-pubs, and traditional favourites, Newcastle’s dining scene caters to all.
For a bohemian vibe and quirky cafes, hit Darby Street or Hunter Street Mall; enjoy delectable, multicultural cuisine along Beaumont Street, or sip a cocktail or cold beer in the afternoon sunshine at the Honeysuckle waterfront precinct.
For those looking to sample Newcastle’s freshest local fare or to pack a picnic for the big game, why not head to the Hunter Street Farmers Markets or Newcastle City Farmers Markets.
Some of our favourites: Scotties Fish and Chips (Newcastle Beach), Frankies Place (Darby Street), The Landing Bar & Kitchen (Honeysuckle), Craft & Co Burgers (Queens Wharf), The Depot on Beaumont (Beaumont Street).
Play
Ever grappled with what to do pre and post game? Never in Newcastle – where the city’s wealth of indoor, outdoor and after-hours activities means the action needn’t stop in between sporting events.
Indoor: Perfect for rainy days or staying out of the sun, Newcastle has a diverse range of indoor attractions, many of them free.
Take a tunnel tour at Fort Scratchley, the only Australian Fort to have fired at an enemy ship in time of war (with panoramic ocean views to boot), get the inside story on the region’s iconic steel and coal trades at the interactive Newcastle Museum, or delve into stories of wrecks and rescues at the Newcastle Maritime Centre.
Outdoor: No visit to Newcastle could be complete without checking out the city’s incredible coastline and beautiful beaches.
Bring a bike and cycle along the Newcastle foreshore, hit the surf at Nobbys Beach, or take a dip at Newcastle Ocean Baths. For adventure lovers hit the Stockton sand dunes for some 4WD or quad biking action – or for those seeking an adrenalin rush, why not try hang-gliding off Newcastle’s cliffs or kite surfing across the waves.
Looking to extend your weekend away? The picturesque Hunter Valley – with its rolling vineyards, cellar doors and boutique breweries – is just one hour’s drive away and is the perfect place to wind down after a wicked weekend of action-packed sports.
After-hours: Win, lose or draw, every game deserves a post-match celebration (or commiseration!). From acclaimed pubs serving cold beers off the tap, to wine bars and rooftop terraces, Newcastle’s nightlife has it all.
Take a walk down Watt Street (Newcastle’s oldest street) and check out the City Evolutions light up en route to Newcastle’s iconic live music venue The Great Northern Hotel, or for a waterfront watering hole try Queens Wharf Brewery.
If its craft beer you’re after, head to the newly opened Grain Store or leading Australian craft beer pub The Albion, or for those with a taste for vino check out The Reserve Wine Bar or Le Passe Temps.
Ready to hit the dance floor? Terrace Bar with its excellent line up of DJs is a must.
Stay
Whether you’re looking for a serviced apartment for the whole family or a group of friends, a backpacker vibe or a hotel room or B&B to inject a touch of romance into a sports-filled weekend, Newcastle’s network of accommodation providers have something to suit all group sizes and budgets.
For accommodation deals during the It’s On campaign, check out the following deals.
For more information on “It’s ON” in Newcastle and the city’s wealth of activities and experiences log on to www.visitnewcastle.com.au