Have dog will travel! That is the motto of almost everyone in the greyhound industry and is the reason why its followers are among the most travelled of any Aussie. Regularly, Chase will highlight a spot on the map of Australia, usually coinciding with a major greyhound race, and explain why you should stop off and smell the roses. This month we look at Newcastle.
SWAP the hustle and bustle of a big city break this summer for the sun, sand, and surf in Newcastle.
The most iconic spot to visit in Newcastle is Nobby’s Lighthouse. Built in 1857, the lighthouse guided ships through the night and now 150 years later it still acts as a beacon, guiding ships to Newcastle Port.
Popular for good reason, Newcastle’s Bogey Hole is said to be the oldest ocean pools in New South Wales and visitors appreciate the gorgeous little swimming hole and the unique activity it provides.
Experience the largest continuously moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere at Stockton Beach. This beach stretches 32km with sand dunes reaching up to 30 metres and visitors will often spot old shipwrecks at low tide.
Stockton Beach is north of the city across the Hunter River and can be accessed by car or the Stockton-Newcastle ferry at Queens Wharf in the city.
Grab some mates and journey on a bar and beach hop between Bar Beach and Mereweather Beach. These beaches are favoured by local surfers and the perfect way to end a day of surfing is at The Beach Hotel for a pub feed and some incredible views of the bay.
The Merewether Aquarium is not like any other, instead the aquarium is actually a pedestrian underpass that has been transformed into a pop-art underwater world by local artist Trevor Dickinson. Find the display at the southern end of Merewether Beach, opposite the Surfhouse top entrance.
A great place for an afternoon sunset walk is the Newcastle Memorial Walk, which extends from Strzelecki Lookout in the park to Bar Beach. The memorial was created in 2015 on the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. ANZAC traditions run deep through Newcastle and this is a perfect combination of remembrance and panoramic scenery.
Finish the weekend off tasting local craft beers at The Grain Store Craft Beer Café. Try any of the 20 beers on tap as well as a variety of spirits, wine, and delicious food options. The building itself, located in the heart of Newcastle, has a deep history as it was built in 1885 by Tooheys Brewing company. It was used as grain storage facility – hence the name.
