Australia · TOURS IN NEWCASTLE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 9 tours in Newcastle worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
From Nelson Bay, Moonshadow-TQC’s 90-minute cruise searches Port Stephens for wild bottlenose dolphins. You’ll hear marine-life commentary, see Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, and can try the boom net. Moonshadow V offers indoor and outdoor seating, plus food and drinks for purchase.
“This was an amazing cruise, and the experienced captain brought us to dolphin water habitats to introduce a lot of harvest knowledge.”
Walk about 1.5 to 2 kilometres through Newcastle at 7:30 pm as your guide connects the Old Jail, Convict Lumberyard, Parnell Place, and other overlooked sites to murders, wartime attacks, hauntings, and fraud. Guides including Julia, Nat, Violet, Yasmin, and Lori have led the tour. Expect hills and stairs near the end.
“Very interesting and entertaining tour of Newcastle's east. Nat was a knowledgeable guide and I would recommend this to anyone.”
Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises at Nelson Bay for a two-hour dolphin search aboard MV Spirit or MV Spirit of Port. Watch bottlenose dolphins near Tomaree and Yacaaba, then use the onboard slide, boom net, float mat, and splash pool. Tea and biscuits are available, but bring swimwear and a towel.
“The Team of this tour were friendly and courteous. The tour was very nice indeed. I had a lovely day out.”
Join Nova Cruises from Honeysuckle Marina for a 2.5 to 3 hour whale-watching voyage along Newcastle’s coast. Look for humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, seals, penguins, and sharks, with a harbour and outer beach tour included. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and morning or afternoon snacks are provided.
“We saw whales spouts before we left the harbor just amazing, mom and calf around us. Obviously they did not get to close but we followed several crests, tail waves and spouts. fun and exciting. waves were substantial, if weather permits, go on top”
Walk through Newcastle East with an English-speaking guide such as Mars, Julia, Nat, or Giulia, hearing true crime stories at the Convict Lumberyard, old gaol site, cathedral, hidden lanes, and scenic viewpoints. The $24, 90-minute tour suits history fans and true-crime followers, but steep climbs make it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
“Fantastic tour. Awesome funny guide. Maybe change your info and remove wheel chair friendly from the web.”
Spend 2.5 hours aboard Lady Mac, cruising Lake Macquarie from Booragul Public Wharf. Enjoy steak, sausages, salads, fresh Australian prawns, plated dessert, tea, and coffee while an English-speaking guide points out shore attractions. The licensed bar sells alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and juices separately.
“Captain was very knowledgeable. Staff were very friendly, bubbly and helpful. Went above and beyond to make the whole cruise enjoyable. Smooth sailing and food was very yummy.”
Set out from Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore on CoastXP’s two-hour whale cruise. A small group of up to 20 rides a quiet, agile eco-vessel with an English-speaking guide such as Dom, Jane, or Glen. Watch for humpback whales from June to November, plus dolphins, fur seals, coastal landmarks, and geological formations.
“We had an amazing tour and won’t forget it. The team was very nice with us and flexible We will recommend!”
Travel from your Newcastle address to the Hunter Valley in a small group of up to 11. With guides such as Nathan and Keira, you’ll visit three wineries, taste boutique gin and vodka, enjoy a paired cheese, chocolate, or small-bites tasting, and stop for lunch at 4 Pines at the Farm. Venues can change.
“We had a lovely tour with Keira. I liked that it was a small group (5 of us). The transportation is clean, cool and spacious. The choice of wineries she chose for us to visit were the perfect selection of different types of wine tasting. The food stop is great, plenty of options for all dietary requirements. Would recommend to anyone visiting Newcastle.”
Join NOVA Cruises for a 150-minute Newcastle whale-watching trip aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned 16-meter catamaran. Your English-speaking guide provides commentary and fact sheets as you cruise the harbor and outer beaches, searching for humpback whales. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and morning or afternoon tea are included.
Pick a coastline, a desert or a cellar door.
