We all need a little romancing but sometimes coming up with a plan to impress someone is half the battle! To make things a little easier on you, we’ve curated a list of things that we think are worth making a ‘date’ of. From the boujee candlelit dinner to a Sunday afternoon stroll and everything in between; now you can get planning for that ultimate date!

Explore 

Head to Stockton for the day

Jump on the Newcastle Ferry and head over to Stockton for the day. Take a picnic and somewhere in Pitt St reserve as you watch the ships come into the Harbour or go for a stroll up and along Shipwreck walk. 

Explore Newcastle on two wheels 

Book in for a tour with Newy Rides and see all the best of the Newcastle sights by bike!

Wander through Newcastle’s art galleries 

Walk the local galleries hand-in-hand with your loved one. Some notable venues to drop into include the Newcastle Art Gallery, Cooks Hill Galleries, Cstudios Art Gallery, The Lock-Up, Curve Gallery, Watt Space Gallery, and Back to Back Gallery just to name a few.

Wander Newcastle by foot 

Book a guided tour with local operator Newcastle Afoot and take in the streets of Newcastle. From seascapes to laneways, to architecture, street art and hidden secrets; there’s a lot to explore!

Discover Fort Scratchley

Walkthrough the extensive underground tunnel complex to gain an understanding of the site which was built to defend Newcastle's coastline.

See the city from above 

Climb the Christ Church Cathedral tower and see the City from one of the most beautiful viewpoints across town.

Relax

Pack a picnic and join the crowds at Hickson St Lookout

Dust off the old picnic basket and load up with all your favourite goodies. Head to Hickson St Lookout and join the locals taking in the sunset amongst the hang-gliders taking to the skies. Need some picnic help? Check out some of Newcastle’s top picnic offering businesses including the likes of Sharp & Co, Miss May’s, Luxe Lakeside, and Newy Event Collective!

Take a walk around town 

Newcastle has got to be one of the most scenic cities across Australia, not that we’re bias or anything, but we think the best way to enjoy it is by foot! Check out our guide of the best walking and hiking tracks here.

Stay in and cook a meal together 

Why not keep things simple and stay in and cook up a storm? Drop into some of our local foodie stores and pick up some local produce before hitting the kitchen.

Keep an eye out for whales

When whale watching season kicks in, head to one of these local spots and see if you can spot the whales making their annual pilgrimage.

Really relax with a couples massage

Is there anything quite as relaxing as a massage? Not in our books! Book yourselves in for a couples massage at one of our go-to beauty clinics across town.

Adventure

Hit the water with CoastXP

Take to the water with Newcastle’s premier whale-watching and coastal sightseeing business; CoastXP! Depending on the season, you could be getting up close to the whales making their annual migration, or exploring the many coastal delights of Newcastle all the way down to Lake Macquarie.

Climb on up at Pulse Climbing 

Head to Pulse Climbing for a fun kind form of exercise and try your hands at indoor rock-climbing. Pulse has venues at Warners Bay and Adamstown as well as facilities for all levels of climbing.

Take to the skies 

Get romantic and take to the skies to see Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in all its glory. Hop onto a flight with Aerologistics and experience a helicopter flight.

Foodie 

Progressive Dinners with Newcastle’s Famous Tram 

Book yourselves a spot aboard Newcastle’s Famous Tram and taste your way around Newcastle. Spend your night drinking delicious drinks and indulging in some of Newcastle’s best food, all whilst being carted around in the coolest of vehicles.

Finish your evening with gelato and harbour views

Whether you’ve been out for dinner or just caught a show, call into Popolo Artisan Gelateria on King St and pick your favourite gelato before wandering on down to the harbour and watch as Newcastle’s night lights reflect on the water.

Wine tastings at Inner City Winemakers  

Have a cellar door experience right here in the City of Newcastle at the Wickham-based venue, Inner City Winemakers.

Brew talk at Foghorn

For the beer-loving couples, you can book in for a brewery tour at the King St brewery, Foghorn! Learn about the local beer and behind the scenes brewing!

Bee Happy with Urban Hum 

Ever wanted to look inside a beehive and see a honeybee colony in action? Book your spot for a hive tour with Urban Hum.

Get crafty at Coal & Cedar 

Whether you love cocktails or whisky is more your thing, book in for a masterclass at one of Newcastle’s secret bars; Coal & Cedar.

Master the art of pasta making 

Love Italian food? Do you dream about upping those at-home Italian cooking skills? Then you’re going to love The Pasta Experience!

Create 

Become an artist with Raw Celebrations

Currently offering five very unique workshops, there is an option to suit whatever you two might be after. 

Get cooking with Essential Ingredient

For the couples that are more than just a little foodie forward, book into a cooking class at Junction Fair’s Essential Ingredient. Maybe it’s a dumpling night or pizza making party; there’s always something fun on offer at The Essential Ingredient’s cooking classes.

Make your own bespoke gin with Earp Distilling Co.

This one’s for the diehard gin lovers out there. Become a distiller for a day and immerse yourself in the gin-making process. You’ll be provided with a hands-on, interactive experience where you become head distiller for the day and get to take home your very own bespoke bottle of gin!

Get muddy in Maryville

Get your Patrick Swayze on with Maryville-based ceramic studio Workshopp Ceramics. Book in for either a hand-building or wheel course and get creating your very own ceramic goodness. 

Create a masterpiece with Artalicious Studios

Make something creative to have on display in your home with the help of Effie at Artalicious Studios. Whether it be a dried floral wreath to hang in the bedroom or some unique resin homeware pieces; Artalicious has it all.

Fun 

Go barefoot bowling at your local bowlo

Kick off the shoes, enjoy a bev and get competitive at a game of barefoot bowls at one of our many bowling clubs across town. Our favourites have got to be Lowlands in Cooks Hill, Adamstown Bowling Club, and Bar Beach Bowlo. 

Hit the ice

Does anyone remember heading to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Friday nights in high school? Well, however many years it’s been since you’ve hit the ice, it’s still a great way to have a laugh with your loved one!

Settle in at a unique cinema 

Step back in time and head to the quirky and cosy Lake Cinema in Boolaroo and catch a flick!

Don your bowling shoes and see who can bowl the best 

Drop into Strike Charlestown or Dullboy’s Social Co for a round of bowling. Chuck on those typical bowling shoes and see who can get the top score.

Race on a miniature racetrack 

Pick up some speed and see who is the biggest adrenaline seeker as your race around the track at Go Karts Go.

Do you think we've missed something? Email us!