As if you needed any more reasons to love Newy, we’ve gone and rounded up some of the best tours and experiences so you can see your hometown through the eyes of a tourist.
From walking tours exploring hidden architecture to breathtaking boating experiences, Newcastle has no shortage of offerings when it comes to showing off our beautiful city.
Here are some of the best ways to explore your hometown like a tourist by foot, water or even your stomach!
By foot
Think you know Newcastle inside out? Think again! The best way to explore our city is on foot, and Newcastle Afoot have a variety of walking tours to do just that.
On the Seascapes to Laneways Walking Tour you'll explore eclectic streets between the harbour and the sea finding hidden houses, art and laneways, while the Newcastle Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walk will see you discover history, stunning architecture and recently developed public spaces while taking in some of Newcastle’s most exciting new street art from the Big Picture Festival.
If you’re looking for something a little unique you can’t go past the Gin Masterclass Walk, a relaxed walking tour specially curated to showcase and celebrate gin! The tour will take you to three bars across the city centre for an all-inclusive, fun and educational experience.
By water
You might be a local through and through, but chances are you haven’t seen Newcastle from the water. Not only will it give you an entirely different perspective of the city, but you might also be lucky enough to have a close encounter with some friendly wildlife.
CoastXP have just kicked off their Encounter Tour for the season, a nature-based immersion experience focusing closely on the annual Humpback Whale migration between June and November. In addition to watching the whales, each tour focuses on our stunning Newcastle coastline with the added chance of encountering dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.
Outside of whale watching season you can experience the CoastXP Adventure Tour where you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery as you cruise down to Caves Beach and historic Catherine Hill Bay, with pods of resident dolphins, seabirds, turtles and other marine life to be seen along the way. Take in some of our city’s most impressive sights from the water including the ANZAC Memorial Walk, the Bogey Hole, Glenrock Lagoon, and the Redhead Shark Watchtower.
Looking for less action and more relaxation? Plan a Sunday outing and jump aboard a William the Fourth Harbour Cruise, a replica of Australia’s first ocean-going paddlewheel steamship. Public cruises are held on the first Sunday of each month where you can relax and enjoy morning or afternoon tea on a 1.5-hour cruise around the harbour. Special themed cruises are also held on additional dates.
By stomach
You no doubt have your favourite places to dine in Newy, but maybe it’s time you expanded your horizons? The best way to do this is on a food tour.
The guided Savour Newcastle Food Tour allows you to enjoy some of the best bites in Newcastle in just over three hours, introducing you to some unmissable eateries - the iconic, award-winning, the miniscule, the original, and their signature dishes. Be led on a journey to some iconic locations and hidden secrets, and along the way discover stories behind the architecture, art and culture influencing our city and its journey of change.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the East Feast Long Lunch (self-guide) might just the experience for you! A self-guided walk where dining is an indulgent experience of four restaurants over one long lunch, you'll immerse yourself in the food culture of Newcastle’s historic east end as carefully selected chefs prepare a signature dish as you arrive and dine as a VIP guest. Your paired wine will be poured, and your bill paid. All you need to do is take a seat, enjoy the restaurant and of course your company! Rendezvous at the first location and your journey will unfold along the way.
Looking for more ways to explore our city like a tourist? Hop aboard Newcastle’s Famous Tram, drop into the Visitor Information Centre for some sightseeing inspiration, or search the tours and experiences category on What's On.