NEWCASTLE SYDNEY ROAD TRIP - what to do
We planned a day trip down to NEWCASTLE after staying the night at HUNTER VALLEY. ⛰️ 🌟
NEWCASTLE: a town near the beachside! It is just a 1.5h drive from Hunter valley, and if you’re coming directly down from Sydney, a 2.5h drive.
1. 🏡 Recommending 21 Young St Carrington
✅ we found this Airbnb just a short 10min drive away from the main city. Perfect as it is a 2 BR apt for our needs. It is professionally managed by a team and even provided basic amenities of toiletries, towels, coffee and tea. We loved that it came with hotel amenities and apartment facilities for cooking. 🧑🍳
✅ clean! Because it’s on a rather quiet side of town, this doesn’t seem to be as rundown for the price we paid ($180/night) where for the main town section, it would have been the same price but pictures showed rundown apts. 🧽 ✨
2. 🌅 ANZAC MEMORIAL BOARDWALK
✅ this place was AMAZING to catch the sunset. If you’re lucky enough you can catch the most beautiful pinkish hues in the sky too
✅ short boardwalk of about 300m with the option to head down towards the beachside
✅ free parking for first 2h
3. 🇲🇽 🌮 BEACHES Cantina for well made tacos
✅ We found this Mexican joint still open with good ratings. Short distance of a 5min drive away from the Memorial boardwalk.
✅ Variety of Mexican foods from Paellas to Tacos to Empanadas to Quesadillas
✅ Daily discounted dishes. Tuesdays serve $5 🌮! (U.P of $8)
Taking a road trip from Sydney to Newcastle offers an exciting blend of city charm and coastal relaxation. I recently embarked on this journey, starting with a restful night in Hunter Valley before driving just 1.5 hours to Newcastle. Staying at 21 Young St Carrington was a highlight; the Airbnb’s blend of hotel-like amenities and a quiet neighborhood made it feel both comfortable and convenient, especially given its proximity to the city center. The well-stocked apartment with toiletries, towels, and even coffee and tea made settling in effortless. One of my favorite experiences was walking along the ANZAC Memorial Boardwalk. This short 300-meter stroll provides an unmatched vantage point for sunsets over the beach. The boardwalk is well maintained, offering free parking for up to two hours and a peaceful escape from the city buzz. I was fortunate enough to catch the sky painted with vibrant pinkish hues, adding a magical touch to the evening. For dining, Beaches Cantina serves some of the best and most affordable Mexican food in town. Just a five-minute drive from the boardwalk, this spot offers a variety of dishes—from tacos and quesadillas to paellas and empanadas—making it perfect for food lovers looking for authentic flavors. The daily discounts, such as $5 tacos on Tuesdays (down from $8), provide excellent value and a chance to sample multiple items without breaking the bank. From my experience, planning your Newcastle road trip with a combination of coastal walks, comfortable stays, and delicious local eats creates a memorable getaway. I recommend packing comfortable shoes for boardwalk strolls and keeping an eye on dining specials at local eateries like Beaches Cantina to maximize this charming city’s offerings.