If you’re looking for a short family vacay crammed with things to do with kids and quality time by the coast, get yourself to Newcastle.
We recently spent 3 nights with the kids at the Mercure Newcastle and had such a wonderful time. The kids are at a perfect age for exploring and between the walking paths and light rail we didn’t have to move the car once.
We packed the kids bikes and scooters so we strolled along the harbour all the way to Nobby’s Beach. From here you have many choices – continue to the lighthouse, pop up the hill to Fort Scratchley, or circle back through the park for a coffee – Sunny Boy Park Kiosk was heaving, but there’s no shortage of coffee spots, Newy is a vibe.
The absolute highlight of the weekend was a coastal adventure tour with Coast XP, which conveniently leaves from Newcastle Yacht Club (walking distance from the Mercure Newcastle). We didn’t have the most ideal conditions on the day but our boys are adrenaline junkies so they absolutely loved riding the swell and “jumping waves”. It was a wild ride out of the harbour and along the coast all the way to Cave’s Beach, but we felt like we were in such great hands and absolutely loved hearing about the Newcastle coastline, and the rich history of Newy and surrounds including WWII bunkers hidden in the cliffs, and the Bogey Hole. Excitement erupted as we spotted some fins just offshore from Redhead. Dolphins, and loads of them. There was some mumma’s guiding their calfs and they were playfully jumping out of the water and swimming alongside the boat – the absolute joy on the boys faces was just pure magic.
We also scored a cracking beach day while we were there, and if you have water babies this place is heaven, the restored Ocean Baths, and tidal lagoon are alongside Newcastle beach, keeping us occupied for hours. Pack a picnic or hit up the beach Kiosk.
When we were done with the beach, the skate park at the south end of the beach is one of the best we’ve ever been to – partially because it has views for days, but it also has a kiosk. The skate park connects into the Memorial Walk via the Bathers Way Coastal Walk and it’s honestly an outdoorsy family dream come true.
The Mercure Newcastle is conveniently located just around the corner from Honeysuckle light rail station for all of the exploring. There’s also a great little pool and courtyard, alongside the Hotels lobby bar and restaurant. Across the road you’ll find a shopping centre, and within 5 minutes you can walk to the harbour and many amazing dining options. We had two interconnecting rooms (each with shower-bath) which makes for an ideal amount of space and ease with managing kiddos, and a full buffet breakfast makes morning relaxing and enjoyable – the Nutella station was a winner.
We dined in-house at the Mercure’s Distrikt bar & restaurant on Friday, the menu is great and nothing more convenient after a long drive to step downstairs and get the kids fed, however the restaurant doesn’t operate on Sunday so save your lazy Sunday sips for the harbour…
I recommend pizza from Dotti at Oceane, where the margs are *chefs kiss*. To top it off it’s just a short walk at magic hour to Cold Rock for ice-cream.
We especially loved the harbourside parks, and marvelling at the giant freight ships (along with the retired Sea Shepherd conservation ship “Steve Irwin”). The blaring sound of the ship horns echo across Newcastle and it’s honestly extraordinary just watching these giants cruise in & out of the harbour.
This was genuinely such a family friendly vacation; fun and fulfilling. Being just 2 hours from Sydney, it makes for such an accessible getaway, and one of those times when 3 nights felt like so much longer. Cup Full.
Thanks to the Mercure Newcastle for hosting us, to Coast XP for an epic and memorable adventure, and for sharing your beautiful city with us.
N x
