From exciting new exhibitions to outdoor pursuits, there’s bound to be something happening in Newcastle to spark your interest. Here are some COVID safe ways to get out and about and make the most of our city.
See an exhibition at one the city’s cultural venues
View two exciting new exhibitions at Newcastle City Library. Dry to Dry: The Seasons of Kakadu is based on the nature story picture book of the same title by Pamela Freeman, and illustrated by Liz Anelli. It’s a stunning tour of Kakadu National Park showcasing detailed illustrations and the extraordinary story of the yearly weather cycle and attendant changing wildlife.
The Outback features original artworks from the children’s picture book of the same name, illustrated by Australia’s leading children’s picture book artist Bronwyn Bancroft and written by Annaliese Porter, a descendant of the Gamilaraay people. The collection of original artworks in this exhibition was donated to Newcastle Libraries by The City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginals Advisory Committee in 2007.
Let your mind wander over at Newcastle Museum while taking in new travelling exhibition John Gollings: the history of the built world. John Gollings is Australia’s pre-eminent photographer of the built environment, and for the past 50 years he has been synthesising his joint interests in photography and architecture to explore the cultural construction of social spaces. The exhibition includes photographs of iconic modernist buildings, ancient sites of spiritual significance and the ruins of abandoned cities.
While there, step inside the zany world of The Castanet Club at The Castanet Club: an exhibition you can dance to! What began as a group of local Newcastle friends performing tongue-in-cheek comedy, theatre, music and dance in the 1980s soon turned legendary on the Australian cabaret circuit achieving national and international acclaim. For the first time since 1991 the iconic gang are back together for a gig of a different kind – as the stars of a new exhibition at Newcastle Museum! Read all about it in our blog on this one-of-a-kind exhibition.
If you haven’t had a chance to see WARWAR at Newcastle Art Gallery, now is the perfect opportunity! The landmark exhibition showcases over 130 works drawn from the Gallery’s collection, as well as newly created pieces and key loans from local, state and national institutions, artists and private collections, including works of art never before seen outside of the Torres Strait. Want to know more? Check out our dedicated blog post on this exhibition – Discover the art of the Torres Strait.
Enjoy some of Newcastle’s best outdoor spaces
If the latest COVID restrictions have you feeling a little cooped up, an outdoor stroll discovering our beautiful city might be just what you need. There’s so many easy walking trails and paths in Newcastle city waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Even better, there are plenty of businesses along the way where you can power your socially distanced stroll with a caffeine hit or bite to eat. Check out our Inner city walks blog for all the inspiration you’ll need.
If the kids need to burn off some energy, why not hit up one of Newcastle skate parks? Whether you’re a kid, teen or adult, Newcastle has an amazing variety of skate parks for groms of all ages. We’ve rounded up five of the best skate parks in Newcastle where you can carve it up. Check out our skate parks blog and get rolling!
If you’re keen to incorporate more nature into your weekend, Blackbutt Reserve is the ideal destination. Feed the emus with cones available from the kiosk before taking a walk amongst nature along some of the 10km of walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas sometimes visited by the local peacocks and lyrebirds. Why not grab an activity pack and follow the trail around the boardwalk to explore the animal exhibits and learn about the wombats, koalas, and reptiles?
Be a tourist in your own city
It might not be easy to travel right now, so it’s the perfect time to make the most of what Newcastle has to offer. As if you needed any more reasons to love Newy, we recently 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, and you can read all about them here – Be a tourist in your own city.
In other great news, the NSW Government has extended the Dine & Discover scheme allowing those who haven’t yet used their vouchers to use them until 31 August. With $100 in vouchers to spend for those aged 18 and over, now is the perfect time to tick a few things off your Newy bucket list. Best of all, you’ll be supporting local business! Need some inspiration? Check out our Dine & Discover your city blog.
Discover something new from the comfort of your home
If it’s cold and rainy you might not want to leave the house – we get it! If you want to stay cosy indoors but you’re still looking for something unique or different to do, why not become a Newcastle Libraries member and take advantage of all the amazing perks on offer? You can spend the weekend upskilling, learning a new language, or streaming new music and movies…all for free! Check out our Perks of being a library member blog to see what else is possible.
And remember, when out and about always follow the latest advice from the NSW State Government including wearing a face mask when indoors, adhering to social distancing rules, and staying home if you’re feeling unwell.