Newcastle was great for a visit and not just because family live there. Great vibe, many cafes and shops, really nice to stroll around the town and get a feel for the place. The river waterfront was really pleasant after a hot day.

Newcastle offers some great activities. Great beaches, the recently renovated city baths, the Bogey Hole convict dug swimming pool on the cliff edge, Fort Scratchley, Nobbys Head and lighthouse, Newcastle Memorial Walk, museums and galleries, fabulous cafes, National Parks and weekend markets. So much to do nearby.

I am biased because the 1st 4 years of my life was spent living there and yearly holidays there also. Love the harbour & watching the boats come & go while enjoying the scenery & restaurant food. As a former resident it is always easy for me to navigate the city & beaches.

I was there for a sports event which took up most of my time. I did get the opportunity to swim in the Bogey hole and Mereweather baths. Next time, I'll ensure I have more holiday time to appreciate the location more. I would love to check out more of nature and visit cafe and restaurants which there was plenty of options around.

The area of Newcastle near the Ibis is tired with a lot of closed business'. The footpaths are dangerously lumpy and are not covered with awnings so if it rains....well you will get wet. We ate at the Happy Wombat....professional staff who were very helpful. We booked a large crowd at short notice two nights in a row. The meals were somewhere between excellent and brilliant....though some were a little pricey. Great range of craft beers, not too noisy with comfortable chairs and tables. Newcastle is not easy to get around...it has some difficult narrow streets with a lot of 'no right turns' even at intersections with lights.

We have visited newy many times The jetty walk is always top if the list. Best ocean view is King Edward Park, can boat watch & whale spot. Best fish and chips is opposite the marina/ fish market- harbourside takeaway.