Planning a weekend visit to Newcastle with your four-legged friend? Newcastle continues to welcome not only human visitors, but our pet friends too. With plenty of pet-friendly cafes, bars, restaurants, and now even accommodation options all across the city and beyond, we thought it was time to put together a dog-friendly itinerary for a weekend in Newcastle.

Day 1

Morning

Kick off your break burning all of your doggo’s energy at one of our local dog friendly beaches. Our pick? Horseshoe Beach is an absolute must for your pet friendly getaway and makes for a great start to the day.

Horseshoe Beach is perfect for dogs to frolic in the sea, dig in the sand, and smell the butts of other mutts to their heart’s content.

If you’re keen to head a little further afield, drive out to Lake Macquarie’s Redhead Beach to enjoy a large stretch of off-leash coastline, perfect for active dogs and those that might require a little more space.

After all the energy has been exerted at the beach, a caffeine hit and a puppycino is exactly what is next on the agenda. There are many dog-friendly cafes where you can sip on your latte whilst your furry friend lounges at your side. Our pick? Newcastle CBD’s Papa’s Bagel Bar.

Located on Hunter Street, Papa’s Bagel Bar makes a mean cup of joe, the tastiest bagel creations, and even offers free puppycinos when you purchase a drink and a meal. What more could you want?

Midday

Get out, stretch those legs, and catch some of the best views of the city at Newcastle’s King Edward Park. Walk the full 5.9km Bather's Way track and take in the skyline and coastline views as you walk through lush lawns, garden beds, and our iconic rotunda.

Make your way to the very top of the park, a dedicated off-leash zone, play fetch with the doggo, sit and enjoy the views, and maybe even spot a whale if you’re lucky!

For lunch, choose from one of our region’s dog-friendly pubs like the Lambton Park Hotel, Maryville Tavern, or The Family Hotel just to name a few. Once you’ve filled up, head on over to Newcastle’s newest pet-friendly accommodation offering, Quest Newcastle, and check into your room right in the heart of our CBD.

Choose from one, two, or three-bedroom serviced apartments, all of which come complete with a full kitchen with oven and dishwasher, private bathroom, balcony, laundry facilities, plus all those creature comforts to make it feel like home; making for a fuss-free pet-friendly accommodation offering. 

Not only is Quest Newcastle pet-friendly, but the location offers restaurants, bars, and cafes quite literally on your doorstep. The onsite gated parking and complimentary use of the indoor heated pool and spa, as well as onsite gym, makes for a no-brainer when booking your pet-friendly getaway.

Not to mention, your doggo will be very well looked after with their Pawfect Pet Package that ensures your fur baby will have their own dog bed, food and water bowls, and some delicious pet treats ready for you on arrival.

Afternoon 

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, it’s time to get out and explore Newcastle! Discover some more of our local dog-friendly venues and walk on down to The Clarendon Hotel on Hunter St [10-minute walk] and set up in their expansive pet-friendly beer garden as you sample their drinks list.

Night

Keeping with the theme of staying within walking distance of your accommodation, just downstairs from Quest Newcastle is The Happy Wombat. The entire venue (both inside and out) is pet-friendly and it’s home to classic Aussie restaurant dishes for you to fill up on after a big day exploring all the very best that Newcastle has to offer.

Day 2

Morning

No doubt your doggo has woken you up early, so to make the most of it, drive on over to Dixon Park and catch the sunrise over beach. Let your dog run wild leash-free at Dixon Park Reserve, just behind the beach (from sunrise til 9am, and 5pm to sunset).

Before heading off, drop by Sunnyboy Kiosk and top up on your morning coffee and breakfast fix. A favourite for locals with doggos, your four-legged friend will no doubt have plenty of socialising to do!

Once you’re set for the day, drive out to Bennetts Green in Lake Macquarie, where you’ll be able to browse all the delicious treats for your doggo at the Gourmet Dog Barkery. You read that right – it’s a bakery for dogs!

Lunch

Feeling peckish? Your next stop has to be to Sandgate’s Newcastle Food & Flower Markets for a spot of shopping before sitting down to lunch at this dog-friendly spot. Whilst you enjoy lunch, why not treat your pup to another puppycino? You are on holidays after all!

Afternoon

Before wrapping up your pet-friendly weekend in Newcastle, stop by Customs House Hotel overlooking our iconic harbour and enjoy an afternoon beer in their pet-friendly beer garden.