Get romantic in Newcastle with this date guide
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, we’ve created a guide to the best date ideas in Newcastle. From exploring our city's hidden gems to a fancy candlelit dinner, we've got you covered.
Explore
Head to Stockton for the day
Jump on the Newcastle Ferry and head over to Stockton for the day. Take a picnic and settle down somewhere in Pitt Street Reserve as you watch the ships come into the harbour or go for a stroll up and along Shipwreck Walk.
Wander through Newcastle’s art galleries
Walk the local galleries hand-in-hand with your loved one. Some notable venues to drop into include Newcastle Art Gallery, Cooks Hill Galleries, Cstudios Art Gallery, LEDA Gallery, Lighthouse Arts Newcastle, The Lock-Up, Watt Space Gallery, and Wester Gallery – just to name a few
Explore 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.
Take a day trip out of the city
Take advantage of our beautiful surroundings and become a tourist in your own backyard for a day. Whether it's a trip back in time in Morpeth, exploring caves in Lake Macquarie, or hiking in Port Stephens – we've put together a list of our favourite day trip adventures.
See the city from above
Climb the Christ Church Cathedral tower and see the city from one of the most beautiful viewpoints in town.
Go to a local event
There's always plenty to do in our amazing city. Check out our full list of things to do! Whether you're looking for sporting events, theatre or fun workshops – we've got you covered.
Explore a waterfall
There's nothing more romantic than visiting a waterfall, there are plenty of great ones within a short distance of Newcastle. Bonus, you can bring some snacks and a blanket for a relaxing waterfront picnic.
Relax
Pack a picnic and head to a scenic spot
Dust off the old picnic basket and load up with all your favourite goodies. Try our guide to Newcastle's best picnic spots when it comes time to decide on a scenic location – we love Hickson Street Lookout and King Edward Park.
Take a walk around town
Newcastle is an incredibly scenic city (not that we’re biased or anything), and we think the best way to enjoy it is by foot. Check out our guide to the best walking and hiking tracks here.
Enjoy a 'staycation' at one of Newcastle's best hotels
We're spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay in Newcastle. Stay in the city centre and above amazing restaurants at The QT, indulge at Newcastle's first ever luxury hotel The Crystalbrook Kingsley, or soak up unbeatable ocean views at NOAH's on the beach.
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 gourmet food stores (like Pork Ewe Deli, An Apple A Day, or Dawson's Oyster Supplies) and pick up some local produce before hitting the kitchen.
Enjoy a beach day
Pack an umbrella and relax together at your favourite local beach. Our top pick is Newcastle beach - grab a coffee at The Kiosk in the morning and finish off with some dinner nearby at Scotties.
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 the excellent beauty clinics across town.
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.
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.
Hot air balloon in the Hunter Valley
View the world famous vineyards like you’ve never seen them before. A sunrise hot air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft is the perfect romantic setting, we promise it's well worth the early wake up.
Go snorkelling and see some wildlife
Spot everything from starfish to turtles along our amazing coastline. The Bogey Hole, Susan Gilmore Beach, and Fly point are all great options. Be sure to check safety advice and tides before you go exploring.
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 Newcastle from a helicopter.
Climb on up at Pulse Climbing
Head to Pulse Climbing and try your hands at indoor rock-climbing. Pulse has venues at Warners Bay, Adamstown, Maitland, and Gosford as well as facilities for all levels of climbing.
Challenge yourselves with a new workout
Try out the latest exercise obsession with a Reformer Pilates class. Combining slow resistant movements and guided breathwork it'll leave you feeling calm yet accomplished. It's harder than it looks but it's also plenty of fun!
Food and drink
Dine at one of Newcastle's best restaurants
It's a classic date for a reason – dinner at an excellent restaurant will always impress. Try our guide to Newcastle's best restaurants for some ideas on where to make a reservation.
Bar hop between Newcastle's best bars
Newcastle has plenty of great small bars, offering interesting cocktails, quality wine, and unique beer. Peruse our guide to Newcastle's best bars to pick a few and enjoy a drink at each.
Find a new favourite cafe together
What sounds better than a quiet morning strolling in and out of cosy cafes. Whether you're into coffee, tea, or a steamy hot chocolate, Newcastle has plenty of great cafes to choose from. Don’t forget to fuel up on pastries and sweets along the way.
Finish your evening with gelato or ice cream and harbour views
Whether you’ve been out for dinner or just caught a show, call into G and G's, Popolo Artisan Gelateria, Monella Gelato, or East End Ice Creamery and pick your favourite gelato before wandering on down to the harbour and watch as Newcastle’s night lights reflect on the water.
Sip the afternoon away at a rooftop bar
There's just something special about enjoying a cocktail with a fantastic view. Rooftop at QT and Romberg's offer fantastic city and harbour views. If the ocean is more your vibe, The Beaches Hotel and Merewether Surfhouse are the perfect backdrop to watch board riders tear up Merewether beach.
Wine tasting at Inner City Winemakers
Have a cellar door experience right here in the city at Wickham venue Inner City Winemakers.
Brewery tour at Foghorn Brewery
For the beer-loving couples, you can book for a brewery tour at King Street's FogHorn Brewery. You'll learn all about the brewing process from grain to glass, plus you'll try FogHorn's finest brews.
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.
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!
Fun
Go barefoot bowling at your local bowlo
Kick off the shoes, enjoy a bevvie, and get competitive with a game of barefoot bowls at one of our many bowling clubs across town. Our favourites are Lowlands in Cooks Hill, Carrington Bowling Club, Adamstown Bowling Club, and Bar Beach Bowlo.
Get muddy with a clay workshop
Get your Patrick Swayze on with a ceramics workshop. There are a few spots across town offering classes, such as The Art Department and Fancy Nancy Ceramics.
Throw an axe or two
Enjoy the ancient art of axe throwing in the most entertaining of ways, at MANIAX Axe Throwing in Newcastle CBD.
Get competitive with a game of pool
Perfect if you're looking for something a bit more lowkey and love a bit of friendly competition. The Lass O'Gowrie, The Del Hotel, and The Great Northern are some of our favourites - loser buys next round!
Explore Newcastle's music scene
We are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to live music. No matter what genre you're into, Newcastle has something you'll enjoy. We've put together the ultimate guide of live music venues to make it nice and easy for you!
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 date!
Settle in at a unique cinema
Step back in time at quirky and cosy Lake Cinema in Boolaroo or the newly reopened Tower Cinemas to catch a flick. For something really unique, pack the blankets and drive out to Heddon Greta Drive in, one of only three drive-ins left in NSW!
Don your bowling shoes and get competitive
Drop into Strike Charlestown or Dullboy’s Social Co for a round of bowling. Chuck on those dorky bowling shoes and see who can get the most strikes.
Try your hand at putt putt
Putt putt golf is always an entertaining way to lean into your competitive side and enjoy each other's company at the same time. Try Rippit Mini Golf, Newcastle Supa Putt, Holey Moley, or Dullboy's Social Co.
Do you think we've missed something? Email us!
