Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Newcastle

"Blackbutt Reserve is a 182 hectare reserve in the middle of Newcastle’s suburbs which features walking trails, children’s playgrounds and tranquil picnic areas with free electric barbeques. However, its wildlife exhibits at the Carnley Avenue entrance are the main attraction as it is home to koalas, emus, wallabies, wombats and peacocks. A series of boardwalks make it easy to push a stroller and let young ones view the creatures up close in the enclosures."

"This 182-hectare oasis is the perfect spot for a picnic and is a quick 10-minute drive from the city centre. The playground is awesome and the peaceful pond and symphony of birdsong provide a sublime backdrop for lunch. There are picnic tables and barbecues aplenty, but if all you feel like is a drink and an ice-cream, there’s an on-site kiosk."

"Designed with children in mind, The Hunter Valley Gardens is a fun two or three hours for the whole family. The garden’s do some great school holiday exhibits including their Spring Holiday display, Mega Creatures, running until October 14. Soon the Christmas lights display will be live."

"The Gardens are a place for the appreciation of nature and peaceful reflection…but they are also a place for families and fun. Our unique events like Snow Time and our Christmas Lights Spectacular bring generations together for a fun day out and feature our beautiful custom-built rides."

"The Hunter Valley Gardens is a vast landscaped park with 10 feature gardens spread out over 25 acres. Take a soccer ball for a kick around, or simply let the kids run free. In school holidays the Gardens have extended opening hours."

"Dominating the city skyline, Newcastle's Anglican cathedral is filled with treasures like a gold chalice and a remembrance book made from jewellery donated by locals who lost loved ones in WWI."

"Kids will enjoy splashing in the beachside creek and rock pools. Redhead Beach is home to Redhead Surf Lifesaving Club."

"Time to jump back onto the tram and head down to the next stop – Civic – then walk across the road to The Clarendon Hotel. This place boasts a beautiful Art Deco front bar, built around the 1930s, with the original tiles continuing their unique lines up the wall and a bar that runs the length of the hotel. Outside, there's an open courtyard complete with tables and sofas to sink into as you take in the live solo acts The Clarendon supports."

"Perfectly placed for the theatre-goers, The Clarendon Hotel is next to the city’s main theatre. Enjoy a glass or two of wine, sourced from the nearby Hunter Valley, in the hotel’s Art Deco Bar before you tuck into a few Aussie pub specials. Rooms and suites are sleek and modern, and you’re just moments away from the historic harbourside and the Central Business District (CBD)."

"Situated within walking distance of Wickham Railway Station, Clarendon Hotel Newcastle offers guests a convenient base while in Newcastle. It is conveniently positioned for those wanting to visit local attractions."

"Transformed from a dump and abandoned sporting fields into a magnificent conservation sanctuary, this swampy centre is home to over 200 species of bird, including magpie geese, freckled ducks and egrets, and a..."

"For more nature, visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland. It’s a great nature outing with kids with a playground and plenty of picnic spots. Just don’t forget the Aerogard!"

"One of Newcastle’s oldest surviving buildings, you’ll find this charming 1857 cottage tucked behind the Family Law Court in Bolton St. Toll Cottage (formerly known as Rose Cottage) is a rare early example of a Victorian Georgian-style domestic dwelling in an urban area. The cottage has been constructed using materials from older building stock with many of its original features intact including Victorian fire grate and oven."

"The accredited Hunter Valley Visitor Centre is located just outside of Cessnock in the heart of the Hunter Valley,...More. Pokolbin | Hunter Valley | NSW | Airports | Visitor Information | find |"

"Established in 1975 Cooks Hill Galleries is one of Australia’s leading commercial art galleries. The Gallery presents regular exhibitions and features art within four rooms, with art including abstract, modern, impressionism, surrealism and traditional. Easy to access with on street parking available."