Take a tropical break this weekend in Newcastle

Take a tropical break this weekend in Newcastle

Most people refer to it as “the working class city by the sea” but Newcastle, NSW, is becoming more and more beautiful - and intriguing - every year. With the average daily temperature a balmy 20 degrees in winter, and with Link Airways offering 60-minute direct flights from Canberra to the harbour city, we’ve designed you the ultimate tropical mini-break.

How to get there

Depart Thursday afternoon

  • Depart Canberra Airport via Link Airways at 15:45
  • Arrive Newcastle Airport 16:45
  • Taxi or Uber from the airport into Newcastle directly, or catch a public bus (departs hourly)

Return Sunday afternoon

  • Taxi or Uber from Newcastle to the airport directly, or catch a public bus (departs hourly)
  • Depart Newcastle Airport via Link Airways at 17:15
  • Arrive Canberra Airport 18:20

Where to stay:

The Executive Inn

Relax by the pool with a mojito, a good book and nowhere to be. The Executive Inn is a tropical paradise on the outside and sports fanatic on the inside, with three sports bars and 12 dining options to choose from. Book a room with a pool view and sweat it out in the gym before taking a dip in the aqua depths of one of two pools.

    Where to stay:

    Crystalbrook Kingsley

    While the exterior is best described as “glamorous Telstra Tower”, the interior of this hotel is the type of pure luxury that makes you want to spend 48 hours inside your room and nowhere else. The Crystalbrook Kingsley was the first five-star hotel to grace the Newcastle CBD and its restaurants and bars are mecca for young, hip Novacastrians.

      What to do:

      Take Instagram worthy pics here

      Who knew Newcastle has its own version of Bondi Icebergs? The Bogey Hole ocean pool is an Instagrammers dream, steeped in history. The pool was carved out of a rock platform by convicts in 1819, and can be found at King Edward Park.

        What to do:

        Get your lips around a lobster club sandwich

        Scottie’s Beach House is a Newcastle seafood institution with WA lobster at the heart of its success. Go at night for the lobster with XO sauce, fresh egg noodles, brown butter and green shallot, or during the day (after an ocean dip) for the lobster club sandwich featuring hash brown.

          What to do:

          Be the first of your friends to try wing surfing

          Wing surfing (or wind foiling) is the fastest-growing water sport in the world. It’s a combination of kite surfing, wind surfing and surfing, and Newcastle-based water adventurers Kiteandsup offer custom lessons for individuals, couples and groups. More pics for Insta - and maybe a video or two for Fail Army.

            Book flights direct from Canberra to Newcastle via Link Airways

            Book my flights