It’s hard to argue that Australia’s east coast – with its award-winning beaches and world-famous landmarks – is a “hidden gem” when it comes to tourism. In fact, regional NSW currently stands as Australia’s most popular domestic destination, attracting 66 million domestic visitors in the year leading up to March 2024, and a further 694,400 international visitors from around the world. And although places like Byron Bay are household names even outside of Australia, there are so many towns and cities across the state that attract far less hype, but are very much worthy of a spot on any travel bucket list. One prime example is Newcastle – the coastal city two hours’ north of Sydney has just been listed among the top ten most underrated travel destinations in the world.
The list of the world’s most underrated destinations was put together by the international Time Out Travel team, in an effort to help ease the burden that overtourism is having around the world. Rather than shining (another) light on the Postitanos and Pisas of this world, the list aims to highlight the under-the-radar destinations worthy of a visit – and Newcastle came in at number nine. The coastal city on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi people is one of only two Aussie destinations that made the list, with Tasmania coming in at number seven.
The former mining town two hours’ north of Sydney has experienced something of a gradual glow-up over the past few decades – with hatted restaurants and globally-renowned hotels joining its low-key landscape of well-executed local diners and boutique boltholes. The low-rise coastal city (the second-largest in the state, after Sydney) is home to six main beaches, which each offer slightly different experiences. Set up on the sand at the adorably-named Nobby’s Beach, or revel in the Art Deco splendour of the Merewether Ocean Baths – the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere. Newcastle’s food scene is dynamic and delightfully unrestrained – with the surf town community informing an unpretentious approach that prioritises good, locally-sourced produce and soulful experiences. And the beauty is, it’s all within walking distance – with the CBD mere minutes from the sand.
Time Out Sydney Editor Alice Ellis says it’s Newcastle’s unique format (a city right on surf beach) that sets it apart: “In Newcastle you get the best of a relaxed beach escape and buzzing city break in one.”
And while we agree that Newy is an underrated spot, it’s most definitely on the up – with high-end hotels (including QT Newcastle and the recently opened Little National Newcastle) and an ever-growing list of foodie hotspots drawing more visitors every year.
We’d recommend heading there before word gets out. You can read our guide to Newcastle here.
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