Top Newcastle Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Newcastle’s lookouts and historic highlights are scattered over a surprisingly large area. See more than you could on foot without the hassle of itinerary planning or research on this convenient tour, the perfect introduction to the city for first-time visitors. From coastal views and hand-dug swimming pools to the cathedral, the fort, and the city’s best eating streets, discover it in just half a day.

The coast off Port Stephens often sees whales and dolphins pass by, although they can be challenging to spot from the land. Get closer to the action by setting out onto the open ocean with this wildlife-watching cruise. Learn about whales and dolphins from commentary aboard the catamaran and benefit from their experienced eyes to better spot any nearby creatures.

NOVA Cruises pioneered whale watching from Newcastle back in 2006. Join Newcastle's longest running most experienced operator for an unforgettable 2.5-3 Hour ocean voyage and witness the amazing migration of over 25,000 Humpback whales passing Newcastle's scenic coastline. TOUR: Chance to see huge pods of playful dolphins, sea birds, seals, penguins, sharks, & much more. Includes bonus harbour and outer beach tour. Complimentary morning & afternoon tea. Informative commentary & free fact sheets. Licensed bar & snack food available onboard. Fully heated and air-conditioned Indoor & Outdoor viewing areas Best value whale watching in the Hunter!

Between May and November, take to the water to see migrating humpback whales off the coast of Port Stephens. Find a comfortable spot on board your cruise vessel, grab a drink (own expense), listen to the live commentary, and look out for breaching, slapping, or rolling humpbacks. Also, keep an eye out for dolphins, which can often be seen in the same area.

Look for wild bottlenose dolphins in the waters of Port Stephens on a dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay. You can also get great photo ops of the Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, and ride in the boomnet (a sturdy net attached to the boat). Learn about the region's abundant marine wildlife as you cruise the waters in comfort on an all-weather boat (indoor and outdoor seating available).

Prebook to save time and see humpback whales in their natural habitat on this whale-spotting cruise from Newcastle. Board an eco-tourism boat and hit the open waters to observe humpbacks in the wild, learning about their natural behaviors via the commentary as the boat maintains a respectful distance. Plus, watch for dolphins and seals, and admire the coastal scenery as you hear details on local landmarks, culture, and history.

Book ahead for front-row views of the Hunter Coast and its marine life on this cruise from Newcastle. Save time and avoid missing out by prebooking, and absorb the panoramas as you cruise along the coast. Watch for dolphins, seabirds, and turtles; sail by coastal forts, cliffs, and beaches; and cruise up-close to the caves at Caves Beach, all as a guide shares background. Photos of your trip are included.

Discover the dark side of Newcastle’s past—one that most visitors never experience—on this walking tour. With a guide to show you the city’s spookiest sights, uncover tales of true crimes that you might never hear otherwise. Hear about the Tomahawk Murderer, view locations such as the Convict Lumberyard and Old Jail; and absorb the creepy atmosphere as your guide reveals stories of killings, hauntings, fraud, and more.

Drive the Hunter Valley yourself, with a GPS audio guide that plays automatically as you go. Your booking unlocks Australia's oldest wine region in the free Wine Trails app: pick your date and starting point — Cessnock, Pokolbin, Broke or Lovedale — choose the cellar doors you want, and the app builds your personal route with turn-by-turn narration. 84 narrated stories cover 62 cellar doors and the people behind them: as you roll into Pokolbin you'll hear how James Busby stepped ashore in the 1820s carrying vine cuttings gathered across France and Spain, and how every Australian wine region that followed traces its genetics back to that single act. No group, no schedule, no guide — pause for a long cellar-door lunch, replay anything, and the audio keeps working when the signal drops on the back roads toward Broke. You'll need a car and a designated driver; tastings are booked and paid directly with the wineries.

You don't have to worry about missing out on seeing dolphins while in Port Stephens with this sailing tour. Board your boat and start spotting the bottlenose dolphins that call this bay home. You can choose to relax in the dry bow-net or take a dip in the wet boom-net. If conditions allow, your guides may even hoist the sails and take you gliding through the water.

Taste your way through Newcastle East on a small-group walking tour that pairs five local food and drink stops with the city's best street art and sculptures. Your local guide shares the stories behind both: the makers, the murals, and the food scene reshaping our old harbour city. Over an easy 2.5 km stroll, you'll sample a curated selection of five tastings, including a craft beer stop, while discovering hidden laneway artworks and sculptures most visitors miss. It's a relaxed, sociable couple of hours built around connection and storytelling, ideal for food lovers, art fans, and anyone wanting to see the real Newcastle beyond the obvious. Small groups mean you'll never feel rushed, and there's always time for questions, photos, and a chat with your guide. Sample tastings: Three locally made craft beers (tasting paddle) Half an Italian gourmet panini Handmade dumplings Locally caught, panko-crumbed prawns Newcastle-made ice cream Please note: stops vary, but the quality never does.

Taste your way through the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region, on this small-group day tour from Newcastle. We've hand-picked a mix of iconic Australian labels and family-run cellar doors so every stop brings something new, with door-to-door transport so all you have to do is relax and enjoy. What's included: -Three exclusive seated wine tastings, each a relaxed and immersive cellar door experience -An artisan vodka and gin tasting, discovering the craft behind these award-winning spirits -A paired tasting of local cheese, chocolate or small bites, showing how food changes the flavours of wine -Lunch at 4 Pines at The Farm, with an à la carte meal (at your own cost) overlooking the vines -A small group of no more than 11 guests, for a personal and relaxed day -Engaging commentary from your guide on the region's history, winemaking and local culture -Pick up and drop off at your Newcastle address Please note the venues featured on each tour can vary.

The Hunter River Discovery Cruise offers a unique exploration of the magnificent Hunter River, transitioning from the vibrant Port of Newcastle to the serene Kooragang Wetlands. Enjoy informative commentary from the captain while sipping on unlimited tea and coffee, complemented by a delightful Devonshire Tea served en route. Lunch, featuring popular pub favorites, is served at the Junction Inn Hotel, followed by dessert onboard. This 5.5-hour cruise is perfect for families and anyone looking to unwind on the water. - 5.5-hour cruise including morning tea and lunch - Explore the Hunter River and Kooragang Wetlands - Enjoy unlimited tea, coffee, and a Devonshire Tea - Depart from Harbour Square Boat Dock, Newcastle

Set sail on Newcastle Harbour for a delightful 3-hour Bingo Afloat Cruise, where fun and socializing take center stage. Enjoy a leisurely morning tea and a plated lunch while engaging in trivia and bingo games, all narrated by the Captain who shares fascinating sights along the way. With prizes for lucky winners, this cruise is perfect for groups looking to enjoy a unique and entertaining day out on the water. - 3-hour cruise filled with trivia and bingo games - Includes morning tea, a plated lunch, and dessert - Prizes for participants and a lively atmosphere - Group bookings available on demand

Soar through the skies over Newcastle with this spectacular helicopter flight. Departing out of Newcastle Harbour, you'll be treated to world-class views from the minute you take off. Cruise past famous foreshore attractions including Honeysuckle and Nobbys Head, before heading south. Enjoy uninterrupted views of ANZAC memorial walk, Bar Beach and Merewether Baths while marvelling at the picturesque coastline. Look back for a fantastic overall view of the city including McDonald Jones Stadium the home of the Newcastle Knights and Jets. Your knowledgeable pilot will make your experience all the more memorable with fascinating commentary along the way.

"Dive into adventure, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! Every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? Let’s make every day an adventure!"

Celebrate the festive spirit in July on this delightful 3-hour Christmas in July Cruise. Indulge in a Christmas-themed buffet lunch featuring hot smoked ham, succulent turkey breast, and delicious desserts, all while enjoying live music and festive trivia. Dress up in your holiday best for a chance to win prizes, and enjoy Bon Bons as part of the merriment. Perfect for families and friends looking for a unique celebration, this cruise provides a memorable way to enjoy Christmas cheer any time of the year. - 3-hour Christmas-themed cruise with buffet lunch and dessert - Enjoy live entertainment and Christmas trivia with prizes - Festive atmosphere with Bon Bons and best-dressed competition - Departure from Lee Wharf, Newcastle, with a welcoming vibe for all ages

Celebrate the festive season with a delightful Christmas lunch cruise on Newcastle Harbour. Enjoy a 3-hour journey filled with a buffet Christmas-themed meal featuring hot smoked ham, succulent turkey breast, and delicious desserts. Engage in live music, trivia, and festive fun, making it a perfect gathering for friends and family. Dress up and participate in the best-dressed contest or trivia for a chance to win prizes while soaking in the scenic views of the lake. Ideal for all ages, this cruise promises a joyful holiday atmosphere. - 3-hour cruise with a buffet Christmas-themed lunch and dessert - Live music, trivia, and festive activities onboard - Suitable for all ages, including children aged 3-14 - Departing from Lee Wharf, Newcastle, with great views of the lake

Embark on an unforgettable small-group day tour to Port Stephens, blending adventure, relaxation, and local flavour. Start your morning with a scenic guided hike up Mount Tomaree (2.2km return) for panoramic views of the coastline and offshore islands. Prefer a slower pace? A flat coastal walk is available too. Next, board a 1.5-hour dolphin-watching cruise through the bay, home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins. After your marine adventure, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a popular local eatery (at your own cost) with fresh fish and seafood options available. Then unwind on the golden sands of one of Port Stephens’ pristine beaches—swim, sunbathe or simply take in the view. Cap off the day with a visit to B Farm for a craft beer tasting and a glimpse into the region’s local brewing scene. Throughout the day, our expert guides share fascinating stories about the area’s wildlife, culture and history. Let us handle the details while you discover the very best of Port Stephens.

See the humpback whale migration up close on this full day tour from Newcastle to Port Stephens, with hotel pick up and drop off included and a local guide for the day. What you'll do: -Hike Mount Tomaree (2.2 km) for panoramic views of Port Stephens, or take the flatter coastal walk. -Cruise for 2.5 hours during the humpback migration, when over 40,000 whales pass the NSW coast. Watch for dolphins, seals and seabirds too. -Enjoy a seafood lunch with ocean views, with vegetarian and kid-friendly options (own cost). -Finish at a lookout over the Southern Hemisphere's largest moving sand dunes. -Return transport from your Newcastle accommodation is included. Whale cruises run in season, roughly May to November.

Explore the Hunter Valley your way on this private wine tour from Newcastle, shaped entirely around your group. From iconic Australian labels to family-run cellar doors, every stop is hand-picked, with a private guide and door-to-door transport so all you have to do is sip, taste and enjoy. What's included: - Three exclusive seated wine tastings, each a relaxed and immersive cellar door experience - An artisan vodka and gin tasting, discovering the craft behind these award-winning spirits - A paired tasting of local cheese, chocolate or small bites, showing how food changes the flavours of wine - Lunch at 4 Pines at The Farm, with an à la carte meal (at your own cost) overlooking the vines - Pick up and drop off at your Newcastle address - Relaxed, insightful commentary from your guide as you travel between stops As a private tour, you choose the cellar doors, the pace and the timing, making it ideal for couples, groups of friends, corporate days and milestone celebrations.

Discover the sights and tastes of Australia's renowned Hunter Valley wine country on this private and personalized tour. With no set itinerary, the whole experience can be tailored to your own preferences or you can leave the planning up to your guide (who lives in the valley and has been part of the wine scene for decades). Either way, your guide will take you to the most spectacular locations and introduce you to the most wonderful wines.

Enjoy a fun afternoon sailing from Nelson Bay—without having to charter an expensive private vessel. Join a small group to look out for bottlenose dolphins in the bay as you head to a nearby island for snorkeling and swimming. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own, and guides join you in the water to keep you safe.