You don't have to travel far to enjoy your summer holidays
Written by: Odette Tonkin
There’s nothing quite like a summer day trip to get amongst the best our region has to offer. Lucky for you, we’ve been out and about gathering plenty of day trip inspiration, so whether your travels are based around food and drink adventures, or you're drawn to the outdoors, you won’t have to venture too far for an incredible experience.
To help plan out your day trips, here’s our top 30 picks of things to do around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley, and the Central Coast. Grab your sunnies, a hat and the camera, and holiday like a tourist in your own backyard.
Food + Drink
1. Waterside Dining
Dining waterside in summer is the best way to eat and here in the Newcastle region, we’re awash with quality waterside venues. The latest in restaurants where you’ll feel that sea breeze on your face as you dine include Honeysuckle beauties Oceane, The Kingfish, Meat & Grain Steakhouse, and Nioka, adding to an already impressive lineup.
In Port Stephens there’s plenty of options, highlights being Little Beach Boathouse, Restaurant 2317, Crest Birubi Beach, and The Poyer’s in Lemon Tree Passage. Lake Macquarie naturally has a strong lineup with Martha, 8 at Trinity, Crusoe’s on the Lake, TINTA, Emerson’s on the Lake, and Pippi’s at the Point being the standouts.
2. Voco Gosford
Gosford just got a serious glow-up with the launch of Voco Gosford and The Archibald Precinct. With 130 stylish rooms, a Level 5 swim-up bar and six dining venues - including Astra’s Japanese-inspired rooftop menu and Archies woodfired eats - voco is set to be the Coast’s new summer hotspot.
Where: 108 Donnison Street, Gosford
3. A Meaty Meal
If you’re mourning the loss of Ettalong’s Osteria il Coccia, head to Erina Heights to experience Nicola and Alexandra Coccia’s newest venture, Carne & Cucina. The duo has joined forces with Saratoga Quality Meats so you can once again experience Nicola’s flame-cooked meats, and Saratoga’s premium selection of meats from The Butcher.
Where: 1/488 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights
4. Dine at The Bay
Day trip to Port Stephens? Dine at one of the region’s most outstanding restaurants. For quality locally sourced seafood it’s Rick Stein at Bannisters, and The Galley Kitchen at The Anchorage. For an authentic Greek menu, it’s Atmos in Shoal Bay, and over-water dining can be found at Restaurant 2317 at Soldiers Point and Little Beach Boathouse in Nelson Bay.
5. Bakery Run
If baked goods are your jam, enjoy a slice of something this summer at the region’s best bakeries. Ben Ean Patisserie is the Hunter Valley’s newest bakery and you’ve also got the delightfully tasty, Icky Sticky Patisserie in Lorn and Burnt Honey Bakery in Long Jetty or Copacabana. For iconic Italian treats it's Central Coast Cannoli at Lisarow and Long Jetty or Mamigato in Ettalong.
In Nelson Bay, it’s Two Bobs Bakery, and if you’re in the Newcastle area, Liebe in Newcastle West, Union St Pastry in Wickham, Uprising Bakery in Maryville, Pekárna in Adamstown, Bootleg Bakery in Merewether, and the delectable Crumb in Lambton are ones to add to the list.
6. Summer Sessions at Terrigal Pavilion
Terrigal is a go-to for holidaymakers over summer and nothing spells summer more than a long lunch or afternoon cocktail session at Terrigal Pavilion. With endless ocean views, a completely refreshed interior and a deliciously fresh menu to match, this place takes walk-ins only, so plan for a day trip and experience summer at its best.
Where: 2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal.
7. Top Notch
Want to live it up a little? Spoil yourself at one of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley’s Chef Hat-awarded restaurants. This phenomenal dining list starts with Hunter Street's Humbug and Wickham’s Flotilla. In the Hunter Valley it’s Muse Restaurant, Frank Fawkner’s EXP, Margan Restaurant in Broke, and the iconic Bistro Molines in Mount View.
8. Moments in Maitland
There are plenty of reasons to visit Maitland this summer. Whether it's for your morning coffee or a craft beer, getting active riverside, catching the newest exhibition at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, or enjoying a beautiful dining experience at Maitland's ever-evolving food scene starring Acacia by Cakeboi's Reece Hignell, Beud, and The Whistler.
9. A Trip to the Country
Spend the day in the quaint village township of Morpeth, on the banks of the mighty Hunter River, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the bustling country main street. From cute cafes to country pubs, delis, gelato, Boydell's boutique cellar door and the Morpeth Museum, there’s something for everyone.
10. Best Beer
Dedicate a day to checking out Newcastle’s Brewery Trail. Bringing together Newcastle’s brewers, distillers and craft beer venues, start at Newcastle’s OG brewery FogHorn, Modus in Merewether, then onto Good Folk Brewing in Hamilton, the Thirsty Messiah in Broadmeadow, and across to Method and Shout Brewing in Islington.
11. Escape to Ettalong
Ettalong is jam-packed with restaurants and bars to dine out at, starting with the stunning waterside venue, The Box. There's South American flavours at Chica Chica, and it's Yusu for your Japanese cravings. Escape to Italy at Bar Toto, or get your Indian fix at The Grand Pavilion. For more incredible Central Coast dining experiences worth the drive, read our guide to that stretch of the coast.
12. Port Stephens Picks
If you’re heading to Port Stephens over summer, there’s a long list of places to eat and drink at. Some of our faves include Fingal Bay Sports club for casual eats and socialising, The Little Nel as a brekky must-visit, Little Beach Boathouse for cocktails and seafood, and Atmos for authentic Greek fare. Book an overnight stay and try them all!
13. A Day in Broke
Broke is one of the Hunter Valley Wine Region's most beautiful areas, and it’s easy to spend a day, or weekend touring the many vineyards, including Krinklewood, Margan Wines, Whispering Brook, Greenway Wines, Winmark Wines, 1813, and Talits Estate. For dining options, Margan Restaurant is hard to overlook. For something more casual, check out Mount Broke Restaurant and Magoony's for heavenly coffee and house-made pastries and paninis.
14. Indulge in Oysters
Love oysters? You don’t need to travel far, and there's no better way to experience them than going straight to the source. Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed is as fresh as it gets, as is the ‘Immerse Yourself’ in-water experience with Sydney Oyster Tours.
Visiting Port Stephens, head to Holberts Oyster Farm and their waterfront outlet at Cromartys Bay. For those local to Lake Mac, drop into Dawson’s Oyster Supplies at Warners Bay and catch them getting shucked on site. If you prefer your oysters in restaurant comfort, here's our guide to some of the best oyster-eating experiences in the region.
15. Sneaky Cocktail Time
Summer doesn’t really feel like summer if you can’t find the time to squeeze in a Margarita, Mojto or an Aperol Spritz to cool you down. Carve out a day trip into the heart of Newcastle and make like you’re on holiday time, visiting one of these cocktail bars. No matter your tipple, catching up with friends at places like Earp Distilling Co or Light Years for a cocktail will bring those holiday vibes.
Let’s Get Active
16. Tomaree Coastal Walk
If you’ve hiked the summit of Tomaree Head, then why not challenge yourself a little further and take on the Tomaree Coastal Walk. The multi-day adventure in Port Stephens takes you 27km from the Tomaree Head Summit Walk to Birubi Point, discovering the hidden gems of the Port Stephens’ coastline along the way.
17. Island Life
Located along Swansea Channel, explore Pirrita Island Reserve. Wander along the boardwalk which connects the point to the sandy shoreline at Swansea Bay, and enjoy the unique fauna and flora of the local area. Whilst you're in the Swansea area, get on your bike and ride the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track.
18. Forest Bathing
Less than an hour from Newcastle’s center, explore diverse forest habitat with the four-kilometer loop Ridge to Rainforest track in the Strickland State Forest. Take your time and immerse yourself in the impressive variety of flora and fauna species. Check out a nearby waterfall while you’re there!
Where: Strickland Forest Rd, Somersby
19. Snorkel With the Fish
For a wild animal encounter, head to Fly Point in Nelson Bay - take your snorkel and goggles and you might be lucky enough to spot one of the local groupers! This protected aquatic sanctuary is teeming with life and in summer, see juvenile tropical fish in their natural habitat like wrasse, butterfly fish, and damsel fish.
Where: Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay
20. Kayaking Fun
Take a kayaking tour of Lake Macquarie with the newest outdoor adventure experience, Showtime Kayaking. Offering small group tours on board uniquely illuminated, clear-hulled kayaks, this is your chance to see fish, rays, and octopuses glide beneath you as you paddle over the sand flats near Naru Beach and Pirrita Island.
21. What’s 'Sup'
Dust off your stand up paddleboard and head to these fab coastal locations for some water time. Take a lap around Pirrita Island or head to Swansea’s Naru Beach and Salts Bay. If you want to explore the Hawkesbury, then head to Snake Island. There’s kilometres of calm waters in Port Stephens to explore with Fingal Bay being a favourite.
22. Adventure Day
Whether it’s horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, or abseiling, Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast is the perfect day trip destination for those looking to get out into nature and get active. There’s plenty of things to do at this adventure playground, and if you want to capture that holiday feeling, pack the tent and camp overnight!
Where: 69 Cooks Rd, Glenworth Valley
23. Bouddi Coastal Walk
Head off on the Bouddi Coastal Walk! 8-kilometres one way, this stunning Central Coast walk traverses boardwalks and bush tracks, exposing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, gorgeous coastal scenery, shady bush, and lush rainforest! Refuel with something to eat from one of the best Central Coast restaurant options on our guide.
Where: From Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach
24. Water Fun
Summer day trips don’t get much better than a day on the water at Nelson Bay. Aqua water and blue skies will greet you as you hit the bay in a different way with a kayak tour or a paddling picnic package from Port Stephens Paddle sports. Explore the marine eco systems up close or go on sunset for that added wow factor.
Where: Shop 25, Shoal Bay Village, 47-51 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
Things to do
25. Whale Watching
Known for their whale-watching tours departing from Newcastle Harbour, CoastXP offers a range of ocean and land based tours that will have you discovering the natural beauty of our region. From the fast-paced Ocean Explorer Tour to the slower-paced Lake Cruise and Nature Walk, there is a CoastXP tour for all moods and all ages.
26. Wildlife Action
Reconnect with some of your favourite furry and scaly friends and spend the day at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. With over 80 different species on display and tons of chances to get up close and personal with a wide range of animals and reptiles with the park’s animal encounters, this is one summer day trip everyone will enjoy.
Where: 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba
27. Boat trip to Tea Gardens
Jump onboard the ferry from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens enjoying the calm Myall River waters, whilst doing some dolphin spotting along the way. Make your trip even more memorable and dine at Tillermans cafe and restaurant on the waterfront, and enjoy their French inspired menu.
Where: 77 Marine Dr, Tea Gardens
28. Explore the Caves
Spend the day at Caves Beach. Time your visit to be there at low tide so you have the most amount of time to explore the rock formations. Are you brave enough to take on the tunnel crawl through? Or if you feel like stretching the legs, take on the Caves Beach Coastal Walk from Caves Beach to Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park.
Where: Mawson Close, Caves Beach
29. Marine Encounter
Get up close and personal with marine life at Anna Bay’s Irukandji Shark & Ray Centre and have an unforgettable experience on one of the best summer day trips near Newcastle. Feed a shark, pat a ray, or go snorkelling and learn all about looking after these incredible creatures. Then read our list of things to do in Port Stephens with kids and get amongst it!
Where: 2 Jessie Rd, Anna Bay
30. Flower fun
Every summertime is lavender season in the Hunter Valley. Located in Broke, Hunter Lavender Farm offers a French Provence style lavender wandering experience, complemented by lavender infused gelato, cocktails, beekeeping, and honey harvesting experiences. There’s also a yoga experience that takes place on NYE that makes for a memorable way to end the year.
Where: 25 Adams Peak Rd, Broke
Your Guide to the Ultimate Summer Adventures
From coastal adventures and foodie escapes to getting active in the outdoors, summer in our region is going to keep you busy.
With so many incredible day trips just a short drive away, it’s the perfect time to explore, and rediscover your own backyard. So pack your bags, gather your favourite people, and start ticking off your next unforgettable summer experiences.
