Eat, Drink, See, Do: An Art and Culture-Filled Day Exploring Newcastle

It’s taken some time for Newcastle to get the credit it deserves for its burgeoning art scene.

But now, with a newly re-opened Newcastle Art Gallery and world-class arts and music festival New Annual, the coastal city is finally on the creative map. Newy, as it’s affectionately known by locals, has quietly become a destination for art lovers, with its blend of first-rate public institutions, live music programs and independent creative spaces.

If you’re an art-curious traveller with a trip to Newcastle on the cards, here’s the ultimate guide to the city’s top spots – art, coffee and meals included – for a cultural fix.

Newcastle Ocean Baths

Take a sunrise swim in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, a group of historic saltwater pools overlooking the city’s striking coastline. Hopping in the water not your thing? Do the dawn dash to local favourite Dixon Park Beach where – during the festival – you'll have the chance to don headphones for the immersive listening experience Sea Stories. Also during New Annual, come back to the Newcastle Ocean Baths at sunset for Soak: Live at the Baths, a free open-air, live music experience with performances from Aria award-winner Hermitude and Gomeroi rapper Kobie Dee. Next door at the Canoe Pool, you can swim alongside an interactive art installation and witness a dance performance as part of the festival.

Floozy Coffee Roasters

If you need a morning caffeine fix, stroll over to one of Newcastle’s best specialty coffee roasters. Floozy focuses on sourcing its beans ethically and making the perfect brew for every type of coffee drinker. Don’t forget to pick up some baked goods and a bag of coffee to take home.

Newcastle Art Gallery

Take a short trip into the CBD to Newcastle Art Gallery, which reopened its doors in February following a $48 million renovation. The gallery is the natural centre of the city’s cultural scene, with exhibitions from both local and international artists (don’t miss Samoan Australian artist Angela Tiatia’s largest ever exhibition Muse), as well as regular live performances and weekend workshops if you’re keen on getting creative yourself. Between perusing exhibitions, stop for coffee, lunch or a glass of wine at Hilliers cafe, offering elevated takes on classic dishes with seasonal produce.

Watt Space Gallery

Head across the street to Watt Space Gallery, a University of Newcastle initiative. The space exhibits emerging and established artists as well as archival materials, telling stories of the local history. Don’t miss the iconic photographic series Night Flowers, capturing the UK’s and Newcastle’s queer nightlife scene, by Australian-born, London-based photographer Damien Frost, as part of New Annual – with a free glass of bubbles on arrival.

Blanca

Following an art-filled morning, be transported to the Mediterranean for lunch at harbourside restaurant Blanca. This lofty, light-filled spot is the perfect pick to reset before the art and culture day continues. Pair the grilled saganaki and vine leaf dolmades with Blanca’s signature cocktails for an afternoon of bliss.

The Lock-Up

Housed inside a former 1800s police station, this contemporary art space uses its history as the backdrop for boundary-pushing, experimental exhibits. The Lock-Up’s year-round program is constantly evolving with ambitious artist residencies, live music and new commissions. Be sure to catch internationally recognised visual artist Izabela Pluta’s meditations on the ocean at Cavitation.

Creator Incubator

A short drive away from the city, you’ll find some of Australia’s coolest creatives working out of independent arts hub The Creator Incubator. Here, you can see the creative process of 55 resident artists, designers, makers and thinkers up close. For New Annual, the space is collaborating with Catapult Dance Choreographic for Praxis, held across three nights showcasing five bold new works. Just down the road, Newcastle Art Space is home to more than 20 emerging artist studios, with exhibitions frequently on rotation.

Bistro Penny

Back in the city, settle in for a cosy meal at Bistro Penny, where French flavours meet open-flame cooking. The tightly curated menu is filled with well-loved classics – like steak tartare and entrecote – alongside exciting hits like braised tripe and grilled scallop with chicken fat. Book ahead, as this spot might just be Newcastle’s worst kept secret. 

Ship Inn

End the evening with a nightcap and live music at the historic Ship Inn, a pub that’s quickly become a local favourite since it opened in 2020. There’s plenty of craft beer on tap and cocktails lean on the inventive side. Things also get lively on the weekend with a line-up of exciting gigs. 

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with the City of Newcastle.