Looking for an easy, fun and low-cost day out with the kids? Honeysuckle is a top pick for families wanting to explore Newcastle’s harbourside.
This itinerary is part of our Winter Family Day Out series around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, designed to help you spend quality time together without spending a fortune. All activities are free, with the only cost being lunch (or bring your own picnic!)
Honeysuckle is one of those rare spots that ticks all the boxes: pram-friendly pathways, fun playgrounds, interesting museums, great cafés and some of the best waterfront views in Newcastle. It’s perfect for a full day of exploring – or take it at your own pace and split it over two visits.
Start your adventure at Museum Park, located on the site of the old Civic Station. This open space is ideal for kids to run around and let off some steam while parents grab a takeaway coffee from nearby cafés.
Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the vibrant murals – they’re a hit on Instagram and make a colourful memory of your day.
Next, head into Newcastle Museum, located just across the park. It’s completely free and packed with interactive displays that engage kids and adults alike.
The museum explores the fascinating history of Newcastle, from coal mining and steelworks to its vibrant Aboriginal heritage. A definite highlight is the BHP Steel Show – a dramatic sound-and-light experience that brings Newcastle’s industrial story to life.
The interactive Supernova science exhibits will keep kids entertained as well as educate them on science. There are all kinds of interesting subjects to learn about including magnets, velocity, vacuums and much more. Plus, kids can discover the power of pulleys to lift a car.
If the kids feel like a play, head to Honeysuckle Park to explore a pirate ship! Completed in July 2021, the former industrial maritime land at Honeysuckle is now a harbourfront park with a maritime-themed play area developed by the Hunter & Central Coast Development Corporation. Some families have dubbed this playground as Pirate Ship Park.
When tummies start to rumble, Honeysuckle’s dining strip has plenty of family-friendly cafés and restaurants to choose from. Alternatively, bring your own food and have a picnic along the promenade – the views across the harbour make for a stunning picnic backdrop.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the harbourfront promenade. It’s a wide, flat pathway perfect for scooters or prams.
Keep an eye out for the Stockton Ferry, huge coal ships making their way to port, and maybe even a pelican or two! If it’s a sunny winter day, a hot chocolate or ice cream pit stop is highly recommended.
Next stop: Foreshore Park – a massive green space with room to kick a ball and run around. Please note, that the playground at Foreshore Park has been removed pending park revitalisation. However, the former Frog Pond at Foreshore Park is a popular spot for a scooter circuit for little ones!
If you’ve got some curious little historians in the family, wander over to the Convict Lumber Yard, one of Australia’s oldest industrial sites. It’s free to explore and adds an educational twist to your outing.
To wrap up your day, jump on the light rail at Pacific Park and enjoy a smooth ride back along Hunter Street. It’s a novelty for younger kids and gives tired legs a break.