Eat & Drink

Our guide to ice cream and gelato spots across Newcastle and beyond

A post-dinner treat, a snack after a day at the beach, an after-school sugar hit for the kids, or maybe even a mid-morning splurge – there’s never a bad time for an ice-cream. Whether you’re into a good, old-fashioned double scoop of chocolate in a waffle cone or you enjoy experimenting with new flavours, try our guide to ice cream and gelato spots in Newcastle and surrounds.

Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co.

Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co. in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD may be better known for its burgers, but its house-made, rich, creamy, frozen custard ice-cream is worthy of mention. 
Where: 11 Perkins St, Newcastle

Cold Rock Ice Creamery

With stores across plenty of locations, Cold Rock is the perfect spot to try out some crazy combinations. Proudly 100% Australian-owned and made, the classic ice cream flavours change things up with your favourite mix-ins spanning from M&Ms, to sour lollies, to Nutella.
Where: Charlestown | Hamilton | Honeysuckle | Kotara | West Wallsend | Rutherford

Common Circus Hamilton

Common Circus Hamilton may be your go-to lifestyle store and coffee spot, but it even has its very own gelato bar, brought to you by The Hood Milkbar.
Where: 1A Dixon St, Hamilton

Dippin’ Dots

This place evokes plenty of nostalgia! Ice cream, in the form of tiny little dots, with plenty of flavours, colours and toppings; there’s something for the whole family at this iconic spot on the shores of Lake Macquarie.
Where: 478 The Esplanade, Warners Bay

Doughheads

That’s right, Newcastle’s go-to spot for doughnuts has dipped its toes in the world of gelato. Expect flavours like Minty Boi (mint-infused gelato, cookie crumble, and chocolate fudge sauce) and Coconut Lime Pie.
Where: 17/200 Union St, The Junction

East End Ice Creamery

Head into East End Ice Creamery to explore the massive range of unique flavours, including vegan and dairy-free options, next time you’re hungry post-dip at Newcastle Beach.
Where: 40 Zaara St, Newcastle

newcastle icecream gelato guide

Estabar

Estabar has, for as long as we can remember, supplied some of the best gelato in town, with a focus on locally-supplied ingredients and seasonal fruits. Made with Single Origin milk and cream by Little Big Dairy, expect creamy, delicious gelato, ideal for enjoying as you take in the views of Newcastle Beach.
Where: Cnr Ocean St & Shortland Esp, Newcastle

G&G Gelato

Tucked away at the east end of Hunter Street, G&G Gelato remains a crowd favourite that brings locals back time and time again. The ever-so-popular authentic Italian gelateria has operated for over 12 years, offering Italian lunch options in addition to sweet treats.
Where: 67 Hunter St, Newcastle

newcastle icecream gelato guide

Greg & Audreys

Grey & Audreys is a 50s-style diner that sits opposite the foreshore at Toronto and serves homemade gelato-style ice cream. Offering up a big menu of sundaes, shakes, and floats, there's gluten-free cones available, plus vegan sorbets for plant-based eaters.
Where: 2/32 Victory Pde, Toronto

Hunter Valley Chocolate Company

Come for the chocolate, and stay for the handmade gelato. Next time you're in wine country, make sure you stop off at the super-sweet Hunter Valley Chocolate Company for a scoop of gelato (and a chocolate or two).
Where: 2320 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Jetty Gelato

Located in Shoal Bay at the traffic lights opposite the beach, Jetty Gelato serves up handmade artisan gelato with vegan and gluten-free options, and is open seven days a week – ideal for when the gelato cravings hit.
Where: 11/63 Shoal Bay Rd

Jim’s Dairy Delite Bar

Always a safe bet, this old-school dairy bar has been operating since 1957 and has got you covered with classic Peter’s ice cream and a cool milkshake if you’re on the go. 
Where: 79 Tudor St, Hamilton

Jubilo Gelato

Jubilo Gelato features over 100 flavours of gelato made in-house daily with fresh local and Australian ingredients. The shop serves up a range of milk-based gelato, water-based sorbets, Vegato (non-dairy-based frozen dessert), sugar-free gelato, plus gluten-free options.
Where: 8/1A Ken Tubman Dr, Maitland

Kiwi Waffle & Cones

This iconic ice-cream joint has been keeping Warners Bay locals cool over the warmer months for years. Grab your ice cream cone and go for a stroll along the esplanade while you take in views of Lake Macquarie.
Where: 2/87 King St, Warners Bay

Lulu and Benson

The human and puppy-friendly spot on Beaumont Street is a go-to for super smooth soft serve and gelato, with flavours like strawberry cheesecake gelato and tiramisu soft serve. Lulu and Benson is a nod to the milk bars of the past, complete with milkshakes and plenty of pastel. 
Where: 71 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Lulu’s Gelato Company

The gelato van that you might have seen popping up at markets and events over the years has its very own bricks and mortar store in Toronto. Drop on into Lulu's Gelato Company for a delicious selection of handmade gelato.
Where: 2 Wharf Rd, Toronto

newcastle icecream gelato guide

Lynch's Hub

Head to this harbourside cafe on the foreshore for some refreshing handmade gelato and sorbet. With more than twenty flavours on offer, there's bound to be a flavour that hits the spot, especially when there's vegan, dairy, and gluten free options available.
Where: 292 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Monella

Monella is the place to be if you’re keen to try something new. Monella's flavours range from classics like raspberry sorbet and dulce de leche to inventive takes like Vovo (featuring all those beloved Iced Vovo flavours) and Queen B (milk chocolate gelato, honeycomb ganache, milk chocolate chunks, and honeycomb chunks).
Where: 150 Darby St, Cooks Hill

newcastle icecream gelato guide

Nero’s Gelato

If you’re craving a creamy gelato or ice-cold sorbet after a day in the sun, Nero’s Gelato is the place to be. Located right in the heart of Nelson Bay on Magnus Street and with all gelato made on-site, you’re guaranteed a mouth-watering treat.
Where: 93 Magnus St, Nelson Bay

Northern Star Cafe

This authentic Italian cafe makes their gelato from scratch with the finest ingredients, with fresh new flavours whipped up every week.
Where: 106 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Popolo Gelateria

With a large range of flavours available, the gelato at Popolo is sure to catch your eye with vibrant colours and a vast array of flavours, with vegan options and gluten-free cones. Made from scratch each day, Popolo offers the usual suspects, like lemon and chocolate, as well as more unconventional options like earl grey tea!
Where: 172 King St, Newcastle

newcastle icecream gelato guide

Qirkz in the Hunter

Whilst it may be a little outside of Newcastle, if you're headed up to the Hunter Valley we'd recommend dropping in on this gem of a venue. Qirkz in the Hunter has 16 delicious gelato favours, including many GF options, as well as several vegan options.
Where: 141 Cessnock Rd, Abermain

Ribs and Pizza

Using only the freshest of ingredients, Ribs and Pizza in Adamstown are known best for serving up some of the best pizza and ribs in town, and now they have a new addition to the family. Coming to you all way from Tasmania, the award-winning Van Diemens Land Creamery icecream and gelato is now available in scoops.
Where; 548 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

Sunnyboy Kiosk

The always-popular Sunnyboy Kiosk might be your go-to spot for your morning coffee before your beach walk, but did you know they do gelato too? Grab one to cool off after a hot day at the beach.
Where: 15 Ocean St, Merewether

The Hood Milk Bar

The Hood Milk Bar is conveniently located in The Junction, great for a pit stop before or after the beach. There's an abundance of gelato flavours on offer, plus triple scoop crunchy waffle cones and thick peanut butter shakes.
Where: 188 Union St, The Junction

newcastle icecream gelato guide

Tea Gardens Ice Cream Shack

It’s called the Ice Cream Shack so of course, it’s packed with the goods! Choose from 45 tempting flavours of ice cream, gelato, and sorbets at this fun retro spot.
Where: 2/79 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens

The Marina Ice Creamery

The Marina Ice Creamery has been continually serving the people of Nelson Bay and its many visitors for over 27 years. Sourcing only the best ingredients, you can expect the finest quality ice cream, gelato and sorbet.
Where: 9/6 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay

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