Honeysuckle is a revived urban development that sits along the Hunter River, at the edge of the CBD. Although it’s so close to the hub of Newcastle, it’s quiet and calm, and The Boardwalk has a number of the city’s favourite bars and restaurants.
For those typically Australian bohemian surf vibes, head to Merewether and Bar Beach, home to one of the country’s best surfing beaches. Here, suits are replaced with surf shorts and cosmopolitan bars are replaced with rustic cafes.
Although Hamiltonand Mayfield are located 4 km from Newcastle’s CBD, they offer a vibrant multicultural atmosphere that is equally inviting. Indulge in quirky shops, cultural cuisine, and period properties from Beaumont Street to the Islington antiques district and Little Italy.
Thanks to its community vibe, Tighes Hills lends itself really well to families who want to embrace a quieter side of central Newcastle. While it’s just a few minutes from the CBD, it boasts plenty of parkland and numerous cafes.
If you do want to splash out a little and enjoy the finer side of Newcastle, stay on The Hill, which is directly next to the CBD. It offers a San Francisco vibe with steep quiet roads lined with quaint Victorian terrace houses that lead down to the harbour.