Away trips are a special part of life for any football fan and few destinations provide a more enjoyable experience than the tranquil coastal city of Newcastle in Northern NSW.
Whether you’re making the trip from interstate, New Zealand or even the two-hour journey up from Sydney, ‘Newy’ has something for everyone.
Local football journalist and Jets fan Josh Bennett has everything you need to know to make your trip to Newcastle an enjoyable one.
GETTING THERE
If your flying in domestically, Newcastle Airport is located about 30 kilometres North of the CBD and is about a 30-min drive by car.
Bus, taxi and Uber services run to and from the airport, though a hire car is probably the best option should you wish to explore all the city has to offer.
For International visitors, you will need to fly into Sydney before either catching a train (services run regularly from Central) or grabbing a hire car and making your way up the M1.
Next time you fly, make Newcastle Airport your point A. Go smarter. #NTLairport #GoSmarter pic.twitter.com/Fu9yBjp4hB
— Newcastle Airport (@NTLairport) July 10, 2017
EXPLORING THE BEACHES
Newcastle was named as one of the world’s best 10 cities to visit by Lonely Planet in 2011 and its idyllic coastline is a huge reason for that.
A plethora of stunning beaches stretch along the coast with the likes of Nobby’s Beach, Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach and Merewether Beach all within a five kilometre radius.
Merewether Surfhouse is a local favourite for those wishing to grab food or a coffee, with stunning views over the ocean a real treat.
There’s plenty of culture along the beach corridor too, with the newly-built Anzac Memorial Walk a fantastic way to learn some history while enjoying incredible 360 degree views over the ocean and the City.
The Walk is located above Memorial Drive The Hill, on Strzelecki Headland (between Bar Beach and King Edward Park).
The spectacular Merewether surfhouse #Newcastle pic.twitter.com/uXEzTbhbBj
— Newcastle (@NewcastleNSW_AU) January 17, 2016
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
Fans will be greeted with an array of vibrant cafes and restaurant options with a walk along Darby St, while the thriving Honeysuckle precinct offers a spectacular harbourside dining experience.
Take a walk along the foreshore for a beautiful look over Newcastle Harbour and grab dinner at the excellent Scratchleys on the Wharf or Queens Wharf Brewery.
Hamilton’s Beaumont Street also has an array of restaurants, coffee shops and live venues, and is located relatively close to McDonald Jones Stadium.
Westfield Kotara is also just 3kms away from the stadium and has a wide variety of food options, while its ‘rooftop’ restaurants offer an enjoyable experience.
GAME DAY EXPERIENCE
Broadmeadow Train Station is the closest transport hub to the stadium – just a 15-minute walk to the venue. A number of bus routes stop within close proximity to the stadium while Uber is a very popular avenue to get to the game.
Wests Leagues Club is approximately a 10-minute walk to the stadium and is a popular venue for both pre and post-game activities as home and away fans converge for food, drinks and entertainment.
The venue itself is one of the more family-friendly football stadiums going around with two grass-filled hills populating the Northern (Alcohol free) and Southern ends of the ground.
The grassed areas are particularly popular for those with children and offer a great view of the action.
For dedicated away fans, Bay 10 is the designated area for active supporters to show their passion and get the most out of the away-day experience.
