One way to really get the "lay of the land" when exploring a new area, is to visit a local lookout and get your bearings. One of the highlights of the Newcastle area is the rugged and stunning coastline, so it is only natural that some of the best lookouts are located along the water. A popular place to visit in Newcastle is
Nobbys Lighthouse, as it is located at the top of a high cliff near the Hunter River break wall, so you can get a 360-degree view of the river, beaches and beyond. This heritage-listed lighthouse is still an active lighthouse, so the grounds are only open between 8am - 4pm on weekends (see details
here).
These lookouts, below, are my other two favourite lookouts in Newcastle which are open 24 hours a day, all year around. Do you have a favourite lookout around Newcastle? Perhaps it is a grassy hill, a restaurant or a rooftop bar that has the best view? If so, I would love to hear it! Please leave a comment at the top of this article and share your local tips. Newcastle has no shortage of views - where is
your favourite?
Take in the view from Nobby's Lighthouse - the grounds are open on weekends between 8am - 4pm. Image: Port Authority website
Newcastle Memorial Walk - a 450 metre long lookout
is a spectacular lookout and walk, which is part of
Bathers Way coastal path. It was opened on ANZAC Day in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. This was also the year that steelmaking began in Newcastle, so the 450-metre section of the coastal walk is a memorial to the men and women of the Hunter who served their community and their country. There are informative signs to read about World War 1 and a number of metal artworks to view, which depict the silhouettes of soldiers at war.
If you are after a view, you can't beat this spot for 360 degree views of the Newcastle region. The coastline is rugged and wild - especially if you visit on a windy day! If you are visiting between May and November, you also have the chance of spotting whales migrating up the beaches. It is my family's favourite lookout in Newcastle - this view never gets old! See
here for a full article on this lookout and walk.
Allow plenty of time to stop and take in the view on the Newcastle Memorial Walk
is found up the hill and around the headland from the southern end of Merewether Beach. It is a local spot that isn't visibly sign-posted, but it is worth tracking down and experiencing the beauty of this secluded location. If you visit on a day where the
paragliding club is there, there is a sign which tells you to keep your distance around the gliders, but you can still walk around it and sit in other areas. If there are no paragliders, it is the perfect spot for a picnic! See
here for a full article on this lookout.
These are my favourite lookouts to take visitors to, when they visit Newcastle for the first time. Where is your favourite lookout? Please leave a comment at the top of this article and it will be shown underneath, for others to read. Ensure you pack your camera and your binoculars - you won't want to miss a thing!
Picnic time at Hickson Street Lookout!
If you are looking for other lookouts in the region, then take a day trip up to the Nelson Bay region (1 hour north) and hike up
Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay. You won't regret it.
Put on your walking shoes and climb Tomaree Head, Port Stephens
