Merewether Ocean Baths

To welcome AIHL fans to Newcastle for the 2019 Finals series the Northstars have compiled a list of favourite and convenient places to eat, drink and see during their stay. 

Where to eat and drink in Newcastle 

There are so many places to enjoy a drink and a meal around Newcastle. Some of our recommendations are: 

• James Squire (Honeysuckle, restaurant/pub)  
• The Landing (Honeysuckle, restaurant/pub) 
• MoneyPenny (Honeysuckle, restaurant) 
• The Grain Store (Newcastle, American pub-style menu) 
• Honeysuckle Hotel (restaurant/pub) *nightlife* 
• The Lucky Hotel (Newcastle pub, American pub-style menu) *nightlife* 
• Queens Wharf hotel (Newcastle, restaurant/pub) *nightlife* 
• Customs House (Newcastle, restaurant/pub) *nightlife* 
• The Great Northern (Newcastle, restaurant/pub) *nightlife* 
• Merewether Surfhouse (Merewether, restaurant/bar) *nightlife* 
• 5 Sawyers (Darby Street, Newcastle, bar) *nightlife* 
• The Delaney Hotel (Darby Street, Newcastle, pub) *nightlife* 
• Blue Door Cafe (Merewether) 
• Newy Burger Co (Hunter Street, Newcastle) 
• Doughheads (The Junction) 
• Milky Lane (Darby Street, Newcastle) 
• Warners at the Bay - the Newcastle Northstars’ post-game venue 

ALSO READ: 2019 AIHL Finals guide

Merewether Surfhouse

Cafes for breakfast and lunch 

• Canon Espresso (Warners Bay) 
• Table 1 Espresso (Warners Bay) 
• Hippo Espresso (Warners Bay) 
• Merewether Surfhouse Cafe (Merewether) 
• The Barn (Adamstown) 
• The Wickham Boatshed (Wickham) 
• Three Monkeys (Darby Street, Cooks Hill) 
• The Autumn Rooms (Darby Street, Cooks Hill) 

Darby Street is the heart and soul of Newcastle’s cafe culture. If in doubt, head to one of Darby Street's many cafes for a meal or a coffee. You can also check out Beaumont Street in Hamilton or The Esplanade at Warners Bay. 

Nobbys Lighthouse

Where to eat near the rink 

• Canon Espresso (cafe/restaurant) 
• Brownsugar (restaurant) 
• Sephardim (restaurant) 
• Warners at the Bay (pub)  
• Warners Bay Hotel (pub) 
• Charlestown Square (shopping centre) 
• Stockland Glendale (shopping centre) 
• Mattara Hotel (pub)

Talk a walk along The Esplanade at Warners Bay. There is a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops and coffee spots to enjoy. Cross the road and you’re staring at beautiful Lake Macquarie. Talk a walk around the Lake and enjoy the view. 

Warners at the Bay

What to do during the day 

• Newcastle Memorial Walk (Memorial Drive, The Hill) 
• Enjoy the view and sunshine at Dixon Park (Merewether) or King Edward Park (Newcastle) 
• Warners Bay waterside - walk around Lake Macquarie  
• Talk a walk along Bathers Way. This coastal walk links Newcastle's beaches from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach. It is 6km long and forms part of the Great North Walk. 
• Check out Newcastle and/or Merewether ocean baths 
• Morning whale watching cruise with Nova Cruises (Honeysuckle) 
• Visit Fort Scratchley (Newcastle East) 
• Visit Blackbutt Nature Reserve (Kotara) 
• Speers Point Park (the kids will love it) 
• Nobbys Lighthouse (Newcastle East, open 10am to 4pm every Sunday)  

Newcastle Memorial Walk

Shopping centres 

• Westfield Kotara  
• Charlestown Square (closest to the rink) 
• Lake Macquarie Square 
• Stockland Glendale Shopping Centre 

How to get around 

• Uber (best option to get to and from rink to avoid parking hassles) 
• Taxi (best option to get to and from rink to avoid parking hassles) 
• Bus (not often convenient around Warners Bay or late at night) *Opal Card* Click here for more infromation 
• Tram (easy form of transport in inner Newcastle from Hamilton East into Newcastle Beach) *Opal Card* 
• Hire car (different options from Newcastle Airport) 
• On demand public transport for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie *Opal Card* Click here for more information 
• Bykko rental e-bikes in Newcastle 

Visa/MasterCard/Amex cards can now be used to tap on and off public transport (bus, tram), as long as it has the paywave option. However, there is a small extra fee charged. To avoid this fee, get an Opal Card. Opal Cards are available over the counter from most retailers including convenience stores and newsagents. Opal Cards can be topped up via the pay stations at most train and tram stops. Tap on and off the buses and trams around Newcastle. 

Lake Macquarie