Venue & General Information

Newcastle Ocean Baths is distinguished by its architecturally significant Art Deco pavilion and stands as a prominent historic landmark serving as a favoured informal open-air studio for amateur photographers. Constructed before World War One and officially opened in the 1920s, the baths have maintained enduring popularity, creating nostalgic memories for generations of Novocastrians who fondly recall it as the place where they first learned to swim. Enjoy the baths all year around.

Newcastle Art Gallery is recognized as Australia's first purpose-built regional gallery and is celebrated for housing one of the country's finest public art collections, currently comprising over 6,700 works. Notable artists include Arthur Boyd, Judy Cassab, and Brett Whiteley, while prominent artworks like 'Black Totem II' by Brett Whiteley and John Olsen's 'The sea sun of five bells' 1964 are showcased in the gallery.

Blackbutt Reserve, situated 6km from Newcastle city centre & spans 182 hectares, offering a mix of recreational activities, environmental education, and conservation programs. The natural environment features picnic areas, barbecues, open spaces, nature trails, and diverse habitats. Modern wildlife exhibits showcase koalas, wombats, birds, emus, and kangaroos. Visitors can enjoy wildlife shows. The Blackbutt Kiosk provides information and offers tea, coffee, snacks, and Australian souvenirs.

Bogey Hole ocean pool on the Newcastle’s coastline is a captivating must-see, revealing its beauty in lively and serene moments. Hand-hewn by convicts in 1819, the name 'Bogey Hole' originates from the Dharawal word meaning 'to bathe.' Recognised as a historically significant site and is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register is at the foot of Shepherds Hill, it is potentially Australia's earliest purpose-built ocean swimming pool.

Nobbys Lighthouse, established in 1854 on Nobbys Head in Newcastle, guides vessels into the Hunter River. The surrounding cottages, significant for WWII defence and their association with the signal station until 2001, stand as historic markers. Nobbys Head, a prominent landmark, offers a popular recreation spot with the Breakwall. Access is limited to walking or biking from Nobbys Beach carpark, about a 10-minute walk to the gate, and a 220m uphill walk to the Signal Master's Cottage. Dress comfortably, as the site is exposed and may be breezy.

Located behind rusting steel in Newcastle, the Convict Lumber Yard is an early Australian convict industry site. Excavated from 1989 to 1992, it unveiled artifacts from the early days of the penal settlement, including vital Aboriginal materials. Information panels on-site detail convict life and indigenous history. As part of the Convict and Industry Walking Trail, a guide is accessible at the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre.