While Newcastle is full of fantastic spots, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Whether you’ve got an hour to spare or a full day up your sleeve, there’s no shortage of great day trips from Newcastle for families. We’ve rounded up our favourites from beaches and wildlife parks to rainforests, historic villages, and wide-open country towns.
These destinations span Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, the Central Coast and beyond. Far enough to feel like a proper escape, close enough to be home for dinner.
Jump to a destination: Barrington Tops | Central Coast | Cooranbong | Denman & Merriwa | Dungog | Hunter Valley | Lake Macquarie | Maitland | Medowie & Raymond Terrace | Myall Lakes | Port Stephens
Barrington Tops
Escape to the World Heritage-listed gondwana rainforests of Barrington Tops. There’s an extensive walking track network which includes short and easy walks that are ideal for a day trip. Start with a short walk along the Gloucester Falls walking track. Only a 1.8 kilometre loop, it features waterfall views, scenic lookouts, and birdwatching opportunities and makes for a great family day out.
The Aeroplane Hill (6 kilometre one-way) walking track offers scenic views, wildlife, and wetlands in the sub-alpine region of Barrington Tops National Park while the Antarctic Beech Forest walking track (2.5 kilometre loop) offers rainforest, cascades, scenic views, and birdwatching. After your walk, enjoy a picnic lunch at the Gloucester Tops picnic area or Gloucester Falls picnic area.
Wildlife lovers can experience the rare opportunity of seeing Tasmanian Devils in their natural habitat on a Devils In The Wild Tour at Aussie Ark, a Tasmanian Devil sanctuary located at Tomalla in the Barrington Tops. There’s also nearby accommodation options as well as accommodation for couples, families and groups at “Quoll Cottage” or “Devil’s Retreat”, both of which support Aussie Ark.
- Distance from Newcastle: 168km
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes via The Bucketts Way
Best for: Nature lovers, walkers, older kids and teens
Good to know: Weather at Barrington Tops can change quickly — pack layers even in summer - For more information, visit Barrington Tops Tourism website
Central Coast
Head to the Central Coast for a day out. There’s lots of different things to do. Head to one of the many beaches for a swim, surf, fish or snorkel. Some favourites include Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Copacabana Beach, Terrigal and Avoca Beach.
Towering over the Central Coast coastline is the Norah Head lighthouse. Visit for a guided tour and climb the 96 steps to the top for a spectacular view.
Feel like a walk? Do the Coast to Lake Walk – either in parts or in its entirety. It’s a self-guided 7.6 kilometre walk from Memorial Park in The Entrance round Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay before cutting back across the peninsula to The Entrance.
Time your return to watch the daily pelican talk. Pelican Time with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast takes place every Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays (with the exception of Christmas) and every day during School Holidays, at 3:30pm at Pelican Plaza, The Entrance.
Want to see more creatures. Visit Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park or Australian Reptile Park, both located on the Central Coast.
There’s also TreeTop Adventure Park and NetWorld which offers hours of active fun for kids to soar through trees and jump around? Still have energy? Go horseback riding, quad biking, kayaking and more at Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures.
- Distance from Newcastle: 64km to The Entrance
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 20–30 minutes via M1 or Pacific Highway
Best for: All ages, beach families, wildlife fans
Good to know: Terrigal and Avoca are great for older kids; Umina and Ettalong are calmer for toddlers and younger children - For more information, visit Central Coast Tourism website
Cooranbong
Just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, the historic town of Cooranbong is located in the beautiful southern area of Lake Macquarie and is perfect for a family day trip.
Kids will love the bouncy Cooranbong Swing Bridge, built in 1934, where they can try to spot fish in Dora Creek below. You can also take a stroll along the Sandy Creek Walk for views of the now-closed Sanitarium factory and the beautiful grounds of Avondale College. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots along Dora Creek. In 1840, it was the first town established in Lake Macquarie, making it a place rich with local history.
Kids can burn off some energy at Cooranbong Reserve, which features public art sculptures that tell the story of the area’s timber milling and Aboriginal history. Or, the inclusive Bernie Goodwin Park, has a skate park and fitness equipment to keep everyone busy.
If your family loves mountain biking, Awaba Mountain Bike Park in the State Forest has trails for all skill levels. With a ‘Development’ track for the kids and the stunning Junior Downhill trail (“Faulk Line”) for intermediate riders. The wider, more inclusive Adaptive and Development Trails are also great for families.
- Distance from Newcastle: 46 kilometres
- Drive time: Approximately 1 hour via B53
- Best for: Nature, history, mountain biking families
- For more information, visit the visitlakemac website.
Denman/Merriwa
Enjoy the contrasting scenery on a family day trip to Merriwa via Denman. From rolling hills and farmland to open-cut coal mines and immaculate horse studs. It’s a trip that allows for great conversations with the kids about our area’s industry and history.
There are plenty of wineries to visit, but Hollydene Estate at Jerrys Plains is a standout for families. Kids can run around on the huge grassy lawn and play under the large, shady trees, making it a beautiful and relaxing stop for everyone. There are some great lunch options in Denman as well, including the Denman Hotel, or the Royal Hotel (which has a big grassed area and outdoor seating). While in Denman, take the kids for a play at the enormous, farm-themed Denman Memorial Park Playground.
From Denman, it’s a 40-minute drive to Merriwa, where you’ll find amazing silo art. Part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, this mural features an image inspired by the running of the sheep in Merriwa’s annual Festival of the Fleeces.
- Distance from Newcastle: 185km to Merriwa
- Drive time: Approximately 2.5 hours via Hunter Expressway and Golden Highway
- Best for: Older kids and teenagers, history buffs, a proper road trip day
- For more information, read our article Explore Denman and Merriwa on a Day Trip.
Dungog
Step back into time by visiting Dungog, a beautiful village in the banks of Williams River. Wander through the main street on a self-guided walking tour. It contains architecture dating from the 19th and 20th centuries including the James Theatre and the Dungog Museum located in the heritage-listed former School of Arts. Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes in town or head to a local community market.
- Distance from Newcastle: 76.5 kilometres
- How to get there? By car, it will take you approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes to reach Dungog from Newcastle travelling via Clarence Town Road.
- For more information, read our guide to Dungog.
Hunter Valley
Escape to the scenic countryside of the Hunter Valley on a day trip. One of Australia’s major wine regions, you have your pick of cellar doors to visit to sample and stock up on wine. Some family-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley include Peter Drayton Wines, Whispering Brook and Tulloch Wines.
For a fun family excursion involving critters, visit Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. Enjoy hands-on, interactive animal experiences with Australian & exotic animals. Set across 10 acres, it’s a great size for younger children and offers hands-on animal encounters with kangaroos, koalas, giraffes, American alligators, Tasmanian Devils, meerkats and more.
Hunter Valley Gardens is another family favourite especially the Storybook Gardens, which bring classic children’s books to life in an immersive outdoor setting. Follow it up with aqua golf and putt-putt beside the lake, then head to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company or grab gelato from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop.
If you like a scenic drive, travel down the Tourist Drive 33 along the Convict Trail. This road was built by convicts between 1826 and 1836 as an overland route from Sydney to Newcastle. At the time, Newcastle was only accessible by sea. As you drive along, notice the stone retaining walls and bridges crafted by convicts. For families who like to swim, sail, water ski and fish, head up to Lake St Clair, 30 minutes north of Singleton.
- Distance from Newcastle: 65km to Pokolbin
Drive time: Approximately 58 minutes via M15
Best for: All ages, especially younger children at the wildlife park
Good to know: If you plan to stay longer, book accommodation in advance, particularly during school holidays — it does get busy - For more information, visit our Hunter Valley guide.
Lake Macquarie
Located 30 minutes south of Newcastle, the Lake Mac region is centred around Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia. With this natural backdrop, there are lots of fun outdoor (and a few indoor) activities to enjoy with your family. Start with visiting some of the beaches in the area like Redhead Beach, Caves Beach and Blacksmiths Beach. Time your visit right to Blacksmiths Beach and you can enjoy the tidal Grannies Pool, a popular spot for those with babies and younger kids.
If you feel like walking, there’s a range of walks to choose from including the Eleebana to Speers Point Walk which encompasses a sculpture walk. You’ll end up at Speers Point Park, a massive all-abilities playground for kids of all ages. Further south is Caves Beach, a series of caves which can be explored during low tide. Even further is the historic mining village of Catherine Hill Bay. This heritage-listed village features a former coal-loading jetty and appears in a lot of iconic photos of the area. For a hit of culture, visit the Museum of Art and Culture in Booragul.
- Distance from Newcastle: 15km to Warners Bay
Drive time: Approximately 21 minutes via Pacific Highway
Best for: All ages; great for a half-day or full day
More info: Check out our guide on things to do in Lake Macquarie
Maitland
Head inland to Maitland for a family day out. The mighty Hunter River divides Maitland and East Maitland. It’s also a great location for a family walk or bike ride. Be sure to notice the signs that show how high the river peaked during the famous 1955 Maitland floods. On the Maitland side is the area called The Levee. Here you’ll find shopping, cafes and restaurants and beautiful historic building.
For an art fix, visit the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Often there are interesting exhibitions that target kids and families. If the kids need to burn off some energy, head to Magic Garden, Maitland Park’s fenced, all-abilities playground with equipment suited to a range of ages.
Kids will love the 6-metre high play tower at Harold Gregson Park. The recreation area also includes a playground, full-sized basketball court and a skate park. The play area consists of a wooden play structure with a slide, rope net and ladder. Near to this is a baby swing and group nest swing as well as a roundabout and balancing area.
Go back in history and visit the historic village of Morpeth. It was once one of the busiest river ports in New South Wales with boats carrying goods up and down the Hunter River. Today it’s a quaint village with lots of beautiful heritage-listed buildings.
You can walk by the original Arnotts Bakehouse at 148 Swan Street, where the famous Arnotts brothers sold their biscuits back in the 1860s. While you’re there, visit Morpeth Common. Adults and kids alike will enjoy watching the ducks. There’s also a nature-based play area, gas barbecues and plenty of undercover picnic tables.
- Distance from Newcastle: 31 kilometres
- Drive time: Approximately 34 minutes via A43
- Best for: History lovers, playground fans, mixed-age groups
- For more information, read our Maitland guide
Medowie & Raymond Terrace
Venture a little outside your regular play zone and take a drive to Raymond Terrace via Medowie. On the way, you can visit Fighter World, an aviation history museum or, if you time it right, watch fighter jets take off and land at Williamtown RAAF Base.
Medowie Macadamias is a popular spot with locals and a great place to enjoy breakfast, morning tea, or lunch. With a fantastic play area located near the outdoor seating, it’s particularly suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers. If you have older kids, you can even call ahead and book a farm tour!
Afterward, head to Bower Reserve Playground in the Bower Estate or, for a unique photo opportunity, check out The Little Tin Shed’s sunflower field. Located at 54 Lisadell Road, Medowie, the field is open to the public on certain days for picking and photos.
On your drive from Medowie to Raymond Terrace, stop at Finnan Park for a picnic lunch and a play in the playground. Enjoy the views over Grahamstown Dam, the Hunter’s largest drinking water supply dam. Perfect for a rainy day, Raymond Terrace offers a variety of indoor options for kids.
Take them for a swim at the Lakeside Leisure Centre, a game of bowling at Terrace Strike Zone, or to a movie at Scottie’s Cinema. For a super kid-friendly lunch, head to the Terrace Diner and Play, which features a fenced foam play area for little ones. There’s also four parks/playgrounds you can visit in the Raymond Terrace area.
- Distance from Newcastle: Approximately 57km to Raymond Terrace, via Medowie.
- How to get there? Approximately 1 hour
- Best for: All ages
- For more information, read our article Enjoy a Family Day Out in the Medowie/Raymond Terrace area.
Myall Lakes
Enjoy the tranquillity of Myall Lakes, a series of freshwater lakes north of Newcastle. Here you’ll find walking tracks, swimming, fishing and kayaking spots. Head to Myall Lakes National Park and walk the 2-kilometre Treachery Headland walking track for views of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. Bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas to choose from.
Nearby, you’ll find the villages of Smiths Lakes, Blueys Beach and Pacific Palms. These picturesque towns are great to stop for a bite to eat. Go for a swim or surf at Blueys Beach, Boomerang Beach or Seal Rocks. Drive up to the historic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse near Seal Rocks. Even though you can’t climb up the lighthouse, there is a great lookout point. From here you might be able to spot dolphins or whales (during whale migration season).
- Distance from Newcastle: 125 kilometres
- Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 37 minutes via Pacific Highway
Best for: Nature-focused families, beach lovers, school holiday escapes - For more information, visit Barrington Coast Tourism website
Port Stephens
Just up the road from Newcastle is the beautiful holiday destination of Port Stephens. There’s no shortage of things to do in Port Stephens. Spend a lazy day at one of the many ocean and bay beaches.
There are 26 beaches in Port Stephens to choose from, including the family-friendly Little Beach. Feeling more active? Take your bikes and cycle from Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay, or from Shoal Bay to Nelson Bay and back, or head out for a hike up one of the headlands. The walk to the summit of Mount Tomaree Headland gives you a spectacular 360-degree view of Port Stephens. Or, if you want to do more walking, head out and do small sections of the multi-day, 27-kilometre Tomaree Coastal Walk. Two that we like with kids is the walk from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon and the walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach.
For a different kind of adventure, you can explore the area on a boat cruise. Dolphin cruises leave from the bustling Nelson Bay Marina and operate year-round. However, if you visit between May and November, you can join a special whale watching cruise. During this time, you can witness the incredible annual migration of more than 35,000 majestic whales, mostly Humpbacks, as they pass by Port Stephens on their journey to and from Antarctica.
They travel north to warmer waters for breeding and calving, and then return south with their new calves. The peak season for sightings is generally from June to October. It’s an extraordinary chance to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat! If you prefer to watch for whales on land, read our article on the best spots on land for whale watching in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens.
For an adrenaline rush, go sandboarding or four-wheel driving across the Stockton sand dunes or take it slower with a camel ride. If you feel like visiting attractions, there’s plenty to choose from including Toboggan Hill Park, Oakvale Wildlife Park, Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and Fighter World.
If you want a unique day trip with the family, then head to Tilligerry Habitat in Port Stephens. It’s one of the best places to spot koalas in the wild. Although it’s not guaranteed you’ll spot one, it’s lots of fun to try. Best tip to spot a koala? Look for their scats (poos) on the ground and then search the trees above that area.
- Distance from Newcastle: 60km to Nelson Bay
- Drive time: Approximately 57 minutes
- Best for: All ages; one of the most versatile day trips from Newcastle
- Good to know: Book dune tours and dolphin cruises in advance during school holidays
- For more information, read our Port Stephens guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Macquarie is the closest — it’s just 15km from Newcastle and offers beaches, playgrounds, walks, and family attractions. It’s ideal for a spontaneous half-day out.
Nelson Bay is approximately 60km from Newcastle and takes about 57 minutes to drive. It’s one of the most popular and versatile day trips for families.
Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Dungog are all reachable in under an hour (or close to it). Each offers a completely different experience.
Yes — Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Speers Point Park, Grannies Pool at Blacksmiths Beach, Medowie Macadamias, and the Denman Memorial Park playground are all excellent for younger children.
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