Newcastle for a day
Last weekend I took a last minute work trip to Newcastle.
I had half a day free to wander around, and with the help of a car, was able to predominantly escape the occasional rain.
I visited Merewether Beach which wasn’t exactly beach weather but it was nice to walk along the boardwalk and quite ironic there was a giant umbrella erected on the beach to promote a new show.
I wandered up Shepherds Hill Reserve which had nice views overlooking Bar, Dixon Park and Merewether beaches and was the start of one end of the Newcastle ANZAC Memorial Walk.
The memorial boardwalk stretches 430m past Strzelecki Lookout with views over the sea and Newcastle. I continued walking to King Edward Park with views over Newcastle Beach and Newcastle Ocean Baths.
Then I drove to Nobbys Headland and walked the 1.5km past Stony Point to Nobbys Lighthouse and Newcastle Breakwall.
It was a nice walk to the end watching the waves crashing the rock walls and surfers catching waves, but not so fun getting caught in rain half way back as there was no where to hide.
Lucky for me there was a car and heating waiting for me when I finally made it back to the car park drenched.
This didn’t deter me from continuing my afternoon wanders. Next up I checked out the Newcastle Ocean Baths which looked very swimable had the weather been much warmer. The baths are open year round and have lifeguards on duty during certain hours.
I ended my day at Queens Wharf in the heart of town which has a mix of restaurants, bars and cafes along the wharf and marina. It was a nice spot to watch the sunset over the Hunter River and I enjoyed dinner at Cielo Italiano restaurant as the Italian in me was craving pasta.
I made the trip to Darby Street twice, an inner city high street lined with eateries, shops and galleries. The first time was for lunch on Saturday at Coco Monde. There was a group of girls enjoying a hens high tea and I couldn’t help feel a sense of FOMO – both for being away from my girlfriends and missing out on some delicious high tea.
I had breakfast on Sunday at Three Monkeys Cafe – smashed avocado with feta, poached eggs and beetroot hummus – it was delicious and the great start to a day of work.
It was a nice last minute getaway for the weekend considering cyclone weather was predicted for Brisbane, and it was just enough time to explore Newcastle.
Next up I’m excited for Moreton Island this weekend with my cousin.
LWL xxx