Newcastle/Sydney
 

Going to Newcastle in June. What is the weather like? What are the most interesting things to see? I'm from so. California so beaches are not my first concern but since I'm from so. California, the Australian has me slightly concerned. How cold is it in June? Will it be rainy? What kind of neat cultural things are there to see? Natural beauty? Any ideas for short trips to Sydney? Would appreciate any advice.

Hi Sea2sea,

The weather in Newcastle will be cool and when the wind blows in off the sea it can be pretty cold but the weather is doing strange things this year so it could be warmer than usual for winter.

As for things to do well there are plenty of natural beauty spots around the area. Try Port Stephens for some great bush walks and boat trips out to see the islands and whale watching. You can take in Barrington tops National Park, we like to go to Barrington House where you can go horse riding etc and have lunch in the old house.

You will have plenty to see and do in and around the Newcastle area.

Cheers

Paul_S

Not to mention the nearby Hunter Valley wine region.

Newcastle is shaking off its old "Steel City" image - check out the cafe/restaurant strip in Darby Street, Cooks Hill, walking distance from the Hunter Street mall in the city centre. Truth to tell, though, I'm not so sure about cultural attractions - but a web search may reveal some events worth checking out.

Rain is possible but more likely in spring, I would think - the odds are with you.

Thank you both for your quick responses. I'll take your advice and I'm sure I'll enjoy myself.

See www.newcastletourism.com for some ideas.
June is the first month of Winter , but as stated already, our winters can be lovely warm sunny days and cool nights or a howling gale - it's luck.

Our beaches are miles more attractive than Californian beaches I've seen, and easy to get to - Newcastle Beach can be used by city workers in their lunch hour. June is probably too cold for swimming unless you'd like to join the "Icebergs" in Merewether Pool, but a walk around the Foreshore on a sunny day is lovely.

We have several Art Galleries, including a free Council owned one, worth a look, and the Lake Macquarie Gallery is in a spectacular setting - I frequently ride my bike around the lake on the cycleway to it .
I love the two hour train trip to Sydney, some of it near and across the wide Hawkesbury River. The train goes to Central, and a day ticket enables you to catch a local train or bus to Circular Quay and a ferry to Manly or anywhere around the Harbour. An easy day trip.