For a classy yet exciting night out, Newcastle really has it all. With its proximity to the Hunter Valley region, it has a genuine and long-standing connection to wine, and its picturesque seaside location makes the perfect setting for sundowners and evenings spent drinking al fresco. The city’s recent revival is also reflected in several new nightspots, giving Newcastle an excellent late night atmosphere.
Coal and Cedar was named the best bar in regional Australia in 2016, and it has maintained its high standards ever since. Dedicated to its speakeasy vibe, it can be tricky to find, but its dimly lit exposed brick interior is worth the search. Its impressive whisky menu and extensive, inventive cocktail list are a sight for sore eyes and thirsty throats. A place that oozes class, elegance and decadence. Open Monday to Saturday from 4pm to midnight.
Occupying a beautiful spot on the waterfront offering spectacular views across the water to Nobbys Lighthouse, the Queen’s Wharf Hotel is a picturesque and refined place to relax and take in the scenery. The trendy industrial decor gives the place a hip, contemporary feel, and the Skiff Bar upstairs has what is probably the best view in town. Harbourside nights out don’t get much better than this. Open Sunday to Wednesday from 10:30am to 10pm, Thursday 10:30am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 10:30am to midnight.
For a cosy, intimate and seductive evening spent lounging on a sofa sipping cocktails, it doesn’t get much better than Bar Petite. Casting aside loud music and intrusive TV screens for a more elegant, understated vibe, Bar Petite offers a respite from the more rowdy elements of Newcastle’s nightlife, and the perfect place for a relaxing night out. Live acoustic music on the weekends just adds to the charm of this lovely little spot. Open from 4pm to 10:30pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 10pm Sunday.
Lizotte’s is a storied piece of Newcastle’s heritage, an Art Deco theatre with over a century of history, and the place to catch some of the finest live music and entertainment on offer in Newcastle. With a capacity of only 200, this intimate and exciting venue makes it feel like the best talent from Australia and across the world is playing just for you. Check out their upcoming gigs and shows, and prepare for a fantastic musical experience. Open Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 5pm, and Wednesday to Sunday until midnight.
Finnegan’s Hotel, prominently located on the corner of Darby St and King St, in the centre of Newcastle’s CBD, is the beating heart of the city’s party scene. On Friday and Saturday nights it hosts some of the areas best DJs, and keeps the party going long into the night. For a rowdy, wild night out, there’s nowhere finer in Newcastle. Open from 11am to 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, 11am to 2:30am Friday and 6pm to 2:30am Saturday.
If you like beer, you won’t get much closer to the action than at Grain Store. Originally built as the Tooheys Brewery grain and key storage facility, this massive space is now host to an informal, open plan drinking hall where patrons can sample 21 independently owned, Australian-brewed craft beers. If that choice sounds a little overwhelming for you, just ask one of the expert staff who’ll happily point you towards a pilsner, pale ale or saison that you’ll love! Open Tuesday to Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am until late, Sunday 11am to 9:30pm. Closed Mondays.