The warmer months have well and truly arrived, and it’s got us thinking; where can I spend my weekends basking in the sun, by the water, with a drink in hand?

If you're asking the same question, I’ve got news for you! I’ve done all the HARD work and have tried and tested the best picks around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and beyond that offer it all!

NEWCASTLE

Âpé Yakitori Bar
Brought to you by the experienced team behind Nagisa and Susuru, you can be assured Âpé Yakitori Bar will deliver a multi-sensory drinking and dining experience.
Where: The Boardwalk, 3N/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Casa Nova Italian
Delicious woodfired pizza and enticing handmade pasta are waiting for you at Casa Nova Italian Restaurant and Bar.
Where: 20/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Customs House Hotel
Seasonal Mediterranean meals and fine wine in an elegant 1877 building with a decadent terrace.
Where: 1 Bond St, Newcastle
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Elementa
Perched right on the waterfront at Maryville looking towards Carrington, Elementa has quickly become a much-loved spot for an elevated breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Where: 76 The Lane, Maryville
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Harbour Bar
Located along the strip of restaurants in Honeysuckle, Harbour Bar is one of those perfect spots you can enjoy an afternoon session as you watch the sunset over Newcastle harbour.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Honeysuckle Hotel
An elegant mix of modern, rustic, and industrial design, Honeysuckle Hotel stands tall on the shoreline of Newcastle Harbour with spectacular waterfront views.
Where: Lee Wharf, Lot 31 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Merewether Beach Bar
A complete triple threat; it’s got unparalleled views, it’s got great food & drink, and it’s got top-tier coastal vibes. Introducing you to Merewether Surfhouse's Beach Bar.
Where: Merewether Surfhouse Lower Level | 5 Henderson Pde, Merewether
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Merewether Surfhouse
One we’ve all heard of and visited (frequently), Merewether Surfhouse is an absolute favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Can you really get a much better view of the Newcastle coastline?
Where: 5 Henderson Pde, Merewether
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MoneyPenny
Another gem along the strip of spots to eat and drink in Honeysuckle, MoneyPenny is your go-to for retro harbourside vibes and some of the most quirky cocktails you can get your hands on in Newcastle.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Nagisa
The contemporary Japanese restaurant on Honeysuckle’s foreshore is a favourite amongst serious foodies, and with a view over the harbour you’ve got it all; good food, good drinks, and good views!
Where: 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Nautica
Located within Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Nautica offers a diverse menu with chef Luke Carpenter at the helm. Sit inside if the weather is rough, or head out into the courtyard basking in the sunshine and watching the boats pull in.
Where: 95 Hannell St, Wickham
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Paymasters
There is a real charm about the iconic Paymasters café, situated in Newcastle’s Foreshore Park.
Where: 18 Bond St, Newcastle
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Queens Wharf Hotel
Known for their iconic Sunday sessions at Wharf Life, Queens Wharf Hotel is great all week long with their airy wharf complete with rustic décor boasting a casual vibe alongside delicious seafood, bistro food and of course, cocktails!
Where: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
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Restaurant at Noah’s On The Beach
Enjoy magnificent ocean views at the restaurant at Noah’s On The Beach. Offering buffet breakfast, as well as a la carte lunch and dinner.
Where: 29 Zaara St, Newcastle East
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Rustica 
One of my personal favourite restaurants in Newcastle, Rustica is an incredible Mediterranean dining experience unlike any other. With expansive views overlooking Newcastle Beach, it’s a venue sure to wow.
Where: 2/1 King St, Newcastle East
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Scratchley’s
It needs no introduction, Scratchleys is one of Newcastle's most iconic waterfront venues and is undoubtedly known across town for their seafood! Do you need another reason to visit? 
Where: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
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Signal Box
Dine-in one of Newcastle’s most historic and stunning buildings, Signal Box Newcastle, all whilst gazing out to Newcastle harbour.
Where: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
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The Beach Hotel
Or The Beaches as the locals call it. This place has some of the best water views across town.  
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether
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The Dockyard
The Honeysuckle strip just keeps on delivering, with The Dockyard situated on one corner of the strip, you get beautiful views directly out to the Harbour.
Where: 13/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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The Icon Thai Restaurant
Discover authentic Thai cuisine right by Newcastle Harbour at The Icon Thai Restaurant.
Where: 2/15 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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The Kingfish
Since getting the keys to the place in April 2018, Garry and his team have transformed this Honeysuckle venue into somewhere that has become quite the household name when looking for a fresh seafood meal.
Where: Unit 19/15-17 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
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Wharf 350 Bar & RESTAURANT
With prime positioning on the Honeysuckle promenade inside the Rydges, and a breathtaking vista of the harbour, Wharf 350 is something to be experienced.
Where: 350 Wharf Rd, Newcastle
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LAKE MACQUARIE

8 at Trinity
Experience Lake Macquarie’s newest modern contemporary Australian restaurant situated right on the waterfront at Trinity Point.
Where: 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park
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Brownsugar Restaurant
This modern restaurant features seasonal Australian cuisine in a sleek space with contemporary lighting and water views across the lake from Warners Bay.
Where: King St & The Esp, Warners Bay
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Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
We may have just found the perfect destination to enjoy a refreshing icy cold drink, a long lunch, or an out-of-town beach getaway. Situated right off of Caves Beach, it is the ideal destination for those of you who love sunshine, the fresh ocean breeze, and coastal views.
Where: 27 Mawson Cl, Caves Beach
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Crusoe’s on the Lake
This little hidden gem sits on the edge of Lake Macquarie right off of the Pacific Highway in Belmont and has taken FULL advantage of its location. With their massive deck space calling for guests to enjoy a long lunch or afternoon session to take in that gorgeous sunset over Lake Macquarie.
Where: Ada St, Belmont
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Pippi’s at the Point
Sit back and enjoy the absolutely spectacular views whilst your ears take in the live music and your tastebuds enjoy the seafood menu and all the best cocktails, beers, and wines anyone would want!
Where: 199 Main Rd, Speers Point
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The Gunyah
Just up the road from Crusoe’s on the Lake, The Gunyah is a favourite local pub featuring all your usual pub feeds and a view that has one of the best sunsets over Lake Macquarie.
Where: 644 Pacific Hwy, Belmont
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TINTA Belmont
Over in the lakeside suburb of Belmont sits a new foodie focussed venue making the most of those iconic Lake Macquarie views.
Where: 690 Pacific Hwy, Belmont
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CENTRAL COAST

Avoca Beach House
Located right on the shores of this world-famous beach, Avoca Beach House features locally famous food. Enjoy their high-quality seafood, amazing share-style platters and sensational cocktails in the restaurant with 180-degree beachside views.
Where: 3/85 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach
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Drifters Wharf
From the founders of Mumbo Jumbos and Shady Palms comes the newly renovated Drifters Wharf. Only opening at the backend of 2021, Drifters Wharf is Gosford’s go-to waterfront eatery and live music haven.
Where: 12A Dane Dr, Gosford
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Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed
Get your hands on the freshest seafood right on the edge of the Hawkesbury at the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed over at Mooney Mooney.
Where: 6 Kowan St, Mooney Mooney
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Mumbo Jumbo’s
This Caribbean-inspired bar and restaurant features nothing but good vibes, good food, and good drinks all whilst overlooking Terrigal Beach.
Where: 92 Terrigal Esp, Terrigal
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Osteria il Coccia
Step inside and you instantly feel at ease with the light Mediterranean-inspired interior tones adding a sense of space to the luxurious restaurant. 
Where: 49 The Esp, Ettalong Beach
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Pearls on the Beach
Nestled in the corner of Pearl Beach, sheltered by Norfolk Pines and beach grass, Pearls’ has uninterrupted views of the beach and ocean, captivating you with some of the best scenery on the Central Coast offers.
Where: 1 Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach
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Terrigal Beach House
The iconic beach bar sits right on top of Terrigal Beach and features endless good times in the shape of divine foodie treats and cocktails to die for.
Where: 40 Terrigal Esp, Terrigal
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The Beachcomber Hotel 
The Central Coast’s Queen of the North, The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, more affectionately known as The Beachie had an extreme makeover and has since returned with fresh, sophisticated style!
Where: 200 Main Rd, Toukley
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The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
Looking for something a little further afar? We might have found the ultimate slice of heaven on the Central Coast; The Boathouse Hotel Patonga. With coastal views and easy tunes on the weekends as well as a long list of beers on tap, an impressive wine menu and the all-important cocktail list.
Where: 6-8 Patonga Dr, Patonga
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The Box on the Water
This stylish spot sits along the Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve and features modern Australian fare alongside scenic water views through its ceiling-high windows.
Where: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, Ettalong Beach
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The Entrance Social Club
The impressive refreshed venue has become a hub for live music, delicious waterfront cuisines, refreshing signature cocktails, and so much more.
Where: 87 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance
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Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf
Discover locally sourced and sustainably caught seafood in Woy Woy.
Where: The Boulevard, Woy Woy
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PORT STEPHENS

Atmos
One of the newest additions to Port Stephens’ dining scene, Atmos brings traditional architecture and the relaxing atmosphere of the Greek Islands right to the shores of Shoal Bay.
Where: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
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Bluey’s Restaurant & Bar
Located in the heart of Nelson Bay at D’Albora Marina, Blueys Restaurant & Bar offers relaxed waterfront dining.
Where: 6 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay
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Little Beach Boathouse
With a seafood restaurant upstairs and a casual waterfront bar downstairs, Little Beach Boathouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch, relaxing dinner or an evening of cocktails whilst you watch the sun go down. You might even be lucky to watch a few dolphins go past.
Where: 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay
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Rick Stein at Bannisters
Port Stephens’ go-to seafood restaurant sits inside Bannisters and offers an expansive space which is the perfect combination of contemporary industrial design and luxe lounge vibes.
Where: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
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Saltwater
Treat yourself to Modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist at Saltwater. The venue is perched atop the Surf Life Saving Club and gives you delightful views of Fingal Beach.
Where: 1/3 Marine Dr, Fingal Bay
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Shoal Bay Country Club
This place has become a bit of an institution up here and it has certainly not lost its buzz. Why not hike up Tomaree and treat yourself to a glass of wine or two afterwards? That’s a yes from me!
Where: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
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The Deck Café & Restaurant
This family-run restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and seafood served in their airy dining room overlooking the water.
Where: 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Soldiers Point
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The Galley Kitchen
Located inside Corlette’s The Anchorage, The Gallery Kitchen showcases the region’s growing culinary reputation and incredible produce all whilst looking out over the shores of Port Stephens.
Where: 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette
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The Point Restaurant
A short drive from Nelson Bay, The Point Restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with breathtaking views of Soldiers Point waterways.
Where: 1 Sunset Blvd, Soldiers Point
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The Poyer’s
This hidden gem of a restaurant is located in Lemmon Tree Passage, quite literally on the water. The family-owned and operated business focuses on fresh food and creating a relaxed dining experience.
Where: 42 Cooks Pde, Lemon Tree Passage
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Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!