Honeysuckle is the ultimate spot for a relaxed, city-meets-sea family day out. This itinerary combines play, discovery and waterfront fun, all within walking distance along Newcastle’s iconic harbour.
This outing is part of our Newy with Kids Family Day Out series, filled with free or low-cost ideas for exploring Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter with kids.
Start the day with a coffee while the kids run around Museum Park, located at the old Civic Train Station. The space is open and pram-friendly, with plenty of room for kids to run around. Don’t miss the colourful murals by Trevor Dickinson – they make a great photo backdrop.
If you have time, pop into Newcastle Museum, just across from the park. It’s free to enter and has hands-on exhibits for curious kids in Supernova. Make sure to catch the BHP Steel Show, a sound-and-light experience that gives insight into Newcastle’s industrial past.
Once you’ve finished at the Museum, head towards the harbour and wander east along the Honeysuckle promenade towards Queens Wharf.
Watch coal ships pass by, spot the Stockton Ferry, and grab an ice cream near Queens Wharf. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, and the walk is scenic, flat and perfect for scooters or strollers.
You can grab some takeaway from Lynch’s Hub or Scratchleys or pop into Woolworths Metro and grab some snacks for a harbourside picnic. There’s usually a breeze off the water and lots of people-watching to enjoy.
If the kids feel like a play, head to The Station Newcastle (the old Newcastle Train Station) for some fun. Families can explore the site and enjoy all that it has to offer including the Steam Flyer, kids play area and handball courts. The kids play area is perfect for little ones.
It features a huge snake, a frog, balancing obstacles and sensory flowers.
The misting jets are a great feature when it’s hot, and you and your kids won’t be able to resist going through them.
If the weather’s warm enough, head down to Nobbys Beach for a swim.
This beach is patrolled year round and is considered one of the safest swimming beaches in Newcastle. It does get busy in summer though but there’s plenty of room for everyone.
It’s always an experience swimming at Nobbys while massive coal ships glide in and out of Newcastle Harbour.
Wrap up your day with a ride on the light rail from Pacific Park. It’s a novelty for kids and makes getting back to your car or the train station easy and fun.