It is hard to dispute that Australia's east coast – with its award-winning beaches And world famous monuments – is a “hidden gem” when it comes to tourism. In fact, the New South Wales region is currently Australia’s most popular domestic destination, attracting 66 million domestic visitors in the year to March 2024, with an additional number 694,400 international visitors from all over the world. And although places like Byron Bay While the names are household names even outside of Australia, there are plenty of cities and towns across the state that attract far less hype but are definitely worthy of a spot on any travel bucket list. Newcastle is a prime example: the coastal city two hours north of Sydney has just been named one of the The World's Ten Most Underrated Travel Destinations.
The list of The World's Most Underrated Destinations was put together by Time Out Travel's international team, with the aim of helping to ease the burden of overtourism around the world. Rather than shining a different light on the Postitanos and Pisas of the world, the list aims to shine a light on under-the-radar destinations that are worth a visit – and Newcastle comes in at number nine. The coastal city on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples is located one of only two Australian destinations on the list, with Tasmania coming in seventh.
The former mining town two hours north of Sydney has seen something of a gradual revival in recent decades, with hat restaurants And world famous hotels It’s home to quality local restaurants and charming boutiques. The low-rise coastal city (the state’s second largest after Sydney) is home to six main beaches, each offering slightly different experiences. Settle into the sand at lovely Nobby’s Beach, or revel in the Art Deco splendour of Merewether Ocean Baths –The largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere. Newcastle’s food scene is vibrant and deliciously freewheeling. The surf town’s community lends an unpretentious approach that prioritises good local produce and soulful experiences. And the best part is, it’s all within walking distance, with the CBD just minutes from the sand.
Alice Ellis, Editor-in-Chief of Time Out Sydney says it's Newcastle's unique format (a city right on a surf beach) that sets it apart: “In Newcastle you get the best of a relaxing beach getaway and a bustling city break in one place.
And while we agree that Newy is an underrated place, it is most certainly booming – with high-end hotels (including QT Newcastle and recently opened Little Newcastle National) and an ever-growing list of gastronomic venues that attract more visitors every year.
We advise you to go there before the news spreads. You can read our guide to Newcastle here.
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