Have the latest COVID restrictions got you feeling a little cooped up? An outdoor stroll discovering our beautiful city might be just what you need to cure those iso blues.
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.
Exercise and coffee…sounds like a match made in heaven! Read on for all the inspiration you'll need.
Bathers Way Walk
Stretching from the commanding lighthouse at Nobbys Headland to the largest ocean baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere at Merewether, Newcastle's Bathers Way is a scenic 5-kilometre coastal walk waiting for you to discover, play, swim (if you dare brave the cold), and eat any way you choose.
If you’re looking for coffee with a view, this is the walk for you! Power up at Swell Kiosk Nobbys Beach, The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, Swell Kiosk Bar Beach, Blue Door Kiosk or the Surfhouse Café. With so many options to choose from, you might need to do this walk on the regular so you can try them all.
View the Bathers Way Walk map.
The Shoreline Walk
With its spectacular harbour and coastline, the Pacific Ocean has always played an important role in Novocastrian life. This trail will allow you to explore our city through its relationship with the shoreline, visiting places that once formed a crucial part of Newcastle’s working harbour and maritime culture.
Get your caffeine fix early harbourside at Lynch’s Hub or The Signal Box, or wait until you make it around to Newcastle Beach for popular options near Pacific Park including Estabar, Moor Newcastle East and Edmonds & Co.
View the Shoreline Walk map.
Newcastle at War
Generations of Novocastrians experienced the impact of war on their lives and their city. This walk lets you explore Newcastle through the conflicts that have shaped its landscape and character. Meet locals that left Newcastle to participate in some of the most devastating wars in history and walk in their footsteps, visiting places dedicated to their memory.
After taking in the iconic octagonal-shaped Tower of the former Royal Newcastle Hospital, cross the road to East End Hub for your caffeine fix, or continue on your journey past hot-spots Good Brother Espresso, Xtraction espresso and Bolton Street Pantry.
View the Newcastle at War map.
Newcastle Architecture Walk
The architecture of Newcastle showcases a rich diversity of styles that reflect the city’s prosperity and growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. On this tour you’ll explore buildings that have acted as cultural, political and economic icons for the people of Newcastle, and discover designs created by architects of local, national and international significance.
There’s no shortage of options along this stretch! Fuel up at Civic Digest or Blue Door in Wheeler Place, or pop into one of the many establishments dotted along Hunter Street including The Press Coffee Book House, New Slang Coffee Brewers, Papas Bagel Bar, The Happy Wombat or Bank Corner.
View the Newcastle Architecture Walk map.
Convict and Industry Walk
During this walk you’ll explore the city’s early years as a convict settlement. Visit remnants of the great industrial enterprises that once defined the city, and discover amazing engineering feats that allowed Newcastle and its people to prosper.
Why not combine this walk with a visit to one of Newcastle’s oldest and unique buildings, Paymasters Cafe? The building is a fine example of Georgian architecture and has been listed as an item of Regional Heritage Significance since 1987.
View the Convict and Industry Walk map.
Artist's City Walk
Newcastle has nurtured, supported and inspired generations of artists. On this tour you'll explore the city through their eyes, visit the galleries that have displayed and celebrated their work and view examples of the extraordinary public art that populates the Newcastle landscape.
The walk will take you past countless coffee haunts as you head west along Hunter Street including Ground Floor Café, Ka-fey Café, One Penny Black, Mister Sister East, Momo Wholefood, and The Umbrian. As you return east, make a pit stop at The Edwards or Sherwood Coffee Bar on Parry Street.
View the Artist's City Walk map.
Happy strolling and remember, the opening hours of listed venues may differ right now so be sure to check with the business directly before visiting, and always follow the latest COVID advice from the NSW Government.