Summer break is here, and it is time to take advantage and explore all the warm Aussie coast can offer! Coming from someone currently on a semester exchange in the freezing depths of Canada (which it makes up for in its beauty), I am fully committed to taking advantage of the warm weather and beaches down under when I return. Don’t know where to start? Well, look no further. Here is a list of student-friendly summer adventures and activities to try in the Newcastle area. 

Beaches, beaches and more beaches 

Merewether, Glenrock and Hickson St Lookout. 

If you are in Newcastle, going to the beach is a must. Whether you want to go for a swim or a cool coastal walk to alleviate the heat, Newcastle has you covered. One of my favourite things to do in the summer is to go for an early swim and walk at the Merewether Ocean Baths. Morning is the perfect time to stroll along the beach and grab a coffee at the Merewether Surfhouse Beach Bar or Blue Door Kiosk before it gets too busy!  

If you are in the Merewether area, why not take a walk to Glenrock or visit the Hickson St Lookout? Glenrock State Conservation Area has plenty of bush and beach trails as well as local wildlife. The lookout offers beautiful coastal views of Burwood beach and Glenrock and is an ideal spot for a picnic or to watch hang gliders launch over the cliff. 

The Bogey Hole 

Carved into the Newcastle coastline and a bit of a local secret, the Bogey Hole is a beautiful rock pool that overlooks the ocean. This makes it perfect for catching the sunset! If you are not a fan of swimming, the pool is still worth a visit and is ideal for enjoying the coastal breeze. However, if you would like to swim, the Bogey Hole does not have lifeguards and conditions can be dangerous depending on the tides and surf conditions, therefore caution is advised. 

Nearby is King Edward Park, an ideal spot for a pre or post-swim picnic. The location offers plenty of shade and grass to play sports or read a book while being conveniently located close to the Bogey Hole and Newcastle Beach. 

Both of these locations are accessible by bus and a little walking. 

Hikes and Walks 

As someone who loves exploring and spending time in nature, hiking is one of my favourite activities and Newcastle has plenty of trails on offer. Glenrock, Green Point Reserve and the Warners’ Bay Foreshore are among my go-to places to walk, hike or run. 

Discovering local places 

Aside from spending time at the beaches and in the sun, the summer break is a great opportunity to visit markets, galleries and new places! 

Markets  

There are plenty of markets around the Newcastle area, offering an array of local products and entertainment. The Olive Tree Markets are held at Civic Park on the 1st Saturday of every month (and the 3rd Saturday in December). Established to showcase the designers, artists, foodies and creatives of Newcastle, the market is a fantastic way to spend your Saturday while supporting local producers. The Newcastle City Farmers Markets also run every Sunday at the Broadmeadow Showground, there you can find an array of local farmers and small businesses selling produce as well as local music and an array of food vendors. It’s perfect for grabbing your weekly fruit and veg, a locally made artisan gift or to grab coffee and brunch with friends. 

The Lock Up  

If you want to stay cool inside, visiting some art galleries and museums is perfect. Located on Hunter St The Lock Up is a refurbished 1800s police station turned contemporary art gallery. Exhibitions are free and the building itself is interesting to walk through. The gallery has ramped access, with most sections accessible to people with mobility issues and is also easy to get to by bus. 

Christ Church Cathedral  

We have all seen it, but I am willing to bet that many of us have not visited the Christ Church Cathedral. With beautiful architecture and a magnificent view of the Newcastle area, the Cathedral is a wonderful place to overlook the city. The tower itself can be climbed by booking over the phone. I tried this quite a few years ago; getting up there is fun, and the view is worth it. 

Day Trips

If you want to explore further out of town, there are plenty of day trips from Newcastle for a change of scenery. 

Shoal Bay  

Located north of Newcastle, Shoal Bay offers plenty of activities to try this summer that are budget friendly. The bay is accessible by a 1-hour drive or a 2-hour bus from the Newcastle Interchange for $3.73 for an adult each way or $1.86 with a concession Opal card (check out Trip Planner for details). If you are in the area, stand-up paddleboarding is a fun activity to try! Take an hour-long lesson for $25 or hire a board with your friends for $30–50. 

Sydney  

If you are a fan of nature and hiking, or if you love trying delicious foods, going to museums and sightseeing, a day trip (or two) to Sydney has you covered. With public transport to get you there and around the city, Sydney has plenty of activities for the summer break. Hiring a bike is an affordable and easy way to see the city from a new perspective and to visit some of the classic landmarks. The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk is a great hike with swimming, snorkelling and views along the way. I did this hike last summer and it was amazing to see another side of Sydney, plus the water is super clear! 

So, there it is. A list of adventures and activities you can try during the summer break. Make sure you take time for yourself to relax, socialise and, of course, have fun in the warm weather. I hope to see you out there! 

Feature Image: Created using Adobe Firefly and Photoshop