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Need some unique ideas for things to do this weekend in Newcastle? Australia's second-oldest city may be known for its picturesque beaches, coastal walks and growing foodie scene, but there's so much more to discover. Whether you're holidaying, day tripping or a local looking for some new suggestions, there are a bunch of Newcastle activities you can try for a full day of fun. From pottery to floristry and even mead making, we’re here to help with your Newcastle itinerary planning. These are the unexpected Newcastle attractions you might miss if you’re not looking in the right places.
Are you ready to plan the best weekend out in Newcastle? Here’s how we’d enjoy our favourite Newcastle activities, from morning, noon, til night. There are plenty of fun places to go!
Energising morning activities
These fun Newcastle activities are great for: People looking to fit in more than one Newcastle attraction or who’d love to set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Newcastle is best known for coastal living. This means waking up early to enjoy the sunrise and starting the day with some easy-going, uplifting activities like a walk along the beach or grabbing a coffee and breakfast in town. For an iconic Newcastle experience, head down to Nobby’s beach and take a stroll to the lighthouse and back to start your day!
At 9 am, head on over to this resin spin class in Cardiff. You'll spend the morning swirling colourful resin into hypnotic patterns and leave with a Lazy Susan that's almost too pretty to cover with snacks.
If you’d like to keep your hands even busier, you could mosy on down to a 10 am mug making pottery class, to handbuild a unique set of mugs. Settle in for a hands-on experience at The Art Department and take in one of the best Newcastle activities for pottery lovers. This class sets the creative mood as you banter with your friends, listen to music and hand-mould two mugs, ready for pick-up in just a few weeks. You may find that working with clay becomes a new go-to weekend activity. Soothe the stresses of the week, one handful of clay at a time.
“Had a fantastic time at this class! Everything was perfect—the instruction and guidance, the amount of time for making the mugs, the materials. Was so happy with the final products! The studio has a great vibe too.”- Claire M
If you want to take your clay skills up a notch, experiment with a wheel throwing class in Newcastle this weekend. Playing with mud is just as fun now as it was when you were a kid. So, prepare to hang out, get a little messy, and see what you can create. With the guidance of patient, experienced instructors and your own spark of creativity, we know you’ll have a wheely good time. As a bonus, you can do this class in the morning, afternoon, or evening, so you can book in whenever the desire for wheel throwing calls! If you do join a morning session, you can always hop on over to Susuru for lunch afterwards and delight in a bowl of warm ramen or some Japanese gyoza.
Fun wine and dine lunch experiences
These Newcastle social experiences are great for: Foodies and extroverts alike! Anyone who would love to have a unique dining experience and enjoy a restful, restorative social afternoon.
If your idea of the perfect day involves tasty bites, quality company, and leaving with your cup completely full, you’re in the right place. Perfect for a laid-back catch-up, this spirits taste and graze experience in Newcastle is an easygoing spirit tasting session, where you’ll get to pair your choice of ‘flight’ with a spread of cheese and charcuterie, marinated olives, and toasted sourdough. Fill your stomachs, and forget the outside world for a moment as you let the drinks flow freely. Debbie S loved her taste and graze experience in Newcastle:
“The staff were so friendly that we were at ease right away. The venue is very lovely and modern. The tasting was a wonderful experience.”
If you’d prefer a more hands-on lunch experience, you could explore Tighs Hill for some unique cooking classes where you always get to feast on the delicious foods you make. With its deep-rooted community spirit and distinct character, Tighs Hill is a neighbourhood with a whole lot of heart. Here you’ll discover one of Newcastle’s top foodie attractions: The Yellow Door Kitchen. If you’re in the mood for a different kind of lunch setting, somewhere you can get immersed like you’re part of the kitchen brigade, try a French and Italian cooking class, or, if you want to lean into the coastal vibes, head to a seafood masterclass with the bonus of wine tasting. Let your inner chef bloom, enjoy a tasty meal with loved ones and take home recipes you can’t wait to recreate.
Try something unexpected in Newcastle this way.
Plan a calm afternoon
These relaxing Newcastle activities are winners for: People who want to unwind. Best for those who’ve had a busy morning and want to find a sense of peace in their weekend.
Slow down and get creative by joining this flower tote painting workshop in the heart of Newcastle. Get some friends together and paint your own handy tote bag, enjoying an uninterrupted two hours of creative time while being guided by Wayde Clark, a proud Wiradjuri and Birpai artist. Nicole B, one of our local crafters, left this studio session feeling fulfilled:
“Wayde is such a gem and talented artist! We had a wonderful workshop and both left feeling soothed, inspired and uplifted.
He is an incredible space holder with a gift for connecting with people. Do yourself a favor and visit this gallery!”
If you’d like to get more in touch with nature, the beaches won’t be the only reason you’ll love Newcastle. Find a spot at this succelent wreath workshop in Dora Creek. Spend the afternoon touching some grass and following step-by-step guidance to create your own wreath, from selecting the right materials to arranging them beautifully. Get in the zone, craft with live plants and leave with a piece to be proud of like Amy B:
“Had a great afternoon, definitely recommend! Very organised and relaxed atmosphere, easy to follow instructions and left feeling very accomplished.”
Or, wind down your weekend making a dried flower arrangement. Working with a wide variety of preserved, dried, and silk blooms, you'll get to explore a whole palette of colours and textures. Relax into your creative energy, let the floral design flow and walk away with a flower arrangement gorgeous enough to gift!
When you need peaceful activities to try with your friends in Newcastle, these workshops offer a calm sanctuary and creative escape.
Make the most of a night out
These nighttime Newcastle ideas are perfect for: People looking for a different kind of night out.
Start your night with a distilling and dining experience in Carrington, where you’ll craft your own custom spirit and delight in some light grazing.
Enjoy exploring a range of botanicals and flavour profiles to make your personalised mixture before enjoying a two-course meal paired with nibbles and your latest creation! If it’s fun enough for a hen’s night activity, then it’ll definitely brighten up your weekend in Newcastle.
“This was a fantastic night which was arranged as part of a hen's party! Our teacher was lovely, and we all learned a lot about gin and vodka, as well as having a lovely feed.” - Tanisha B
If you’re still keen to get crafty, book an early dinner at Bartholemews in the heart of Newcastle, then head on down to get messier in this clay and sip class, where you can create two ceramic pieces of your choice. Order a mezze board, or bring your own drinks and dessert to keep the creative juices flowing. This is a fun night out that won’t leave you feeling lacklustre the next morning. You may even feel great enough to wake up and tackle the famous 6km scenic route—The Bathers Way!
For a little break away from the usual, head just an hour's drive to the Hunter Valley and add tasting the ‘nectar of the gods’ to your weekend plan. Mead tasting and stargazing will become one of the most memorable Saturday nights yet. Not only do you get to cosy up in Australia’s oldest and most famous wine region, but you’ll be tasting some mead and joining a guided stargazing experience. Pack your jackets and prepare for an unforgettable time spent admiring the beauty of North New South Wales. To truly make a weekend out of it, you could book a stay in Polkolbin, famous for its Semillon and Shiraz. Plan a day out cheese and wine tasting at Tulloch Wines, before cuddling up with some fuzzy socks, sitting by the fire, and sipping on your favourite wine of the day.
The best Newcastle attractions can be found in the most unexpected places. Be sure to explore all the fun places to go where you’ll learn new skills, unwind, have a laugh, and create memories that will inspire you to make the most of many weekends to come.
3 years in business
Runs regularly
Soldiers Point
1 to 10 guests
$200 - $220
