Relax in the grass with the most peaceful parks in Newcastle
Credit to: Tyson Mayr
There is no shortage of green spaces in Newcastle, with over a hundred parks, reserves and playgrounds dotted around this seaside city. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to park up for the afternoon, a hiking trail through a National Park, or the perfect picnic spot, here is our list of some of the best parks in Newcastle.
Civic Park Newcastle
Credit to: Destination NSW
Newcastle’s Civic Park sits in the heart of the city, nestled between cultural landmarks, including Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle City Hall and Newcastle Regional Library. The park is a popular meeting place, hosting many social and cultural events and bustling weekend markets.
Civic Park is perfect for a leisurely wander with large shady trees and landscaped lawns and gardens. It is also home to the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain, designed by the late modernist sculptor Margel Ina Hinder, featuring beautiful arcs of water.Nesca Park
Nesca Park, nestled between Cooks Hill and Bar Beach in Newcastle, is the ultimate suburban park with a modern playground, wooden fort, BBQs and picnic tables, perfect for a family day out. This Newcastle park is also popular for four-legged friends, with plenty of green space for dogs to run around and play.
Centennial Park Newcastle
Centennial Park is another slice of inner-city heaven, centrally located in Cooks Hill. The 2.2-hectare park, gifted to the city in 1888, is home to a Victorian rotunda, modern playground, beautiful flower beds, manicured lawns and picnic tables. The park is an ideal location for a day of fun, with public lawn tennis courts and nearby Lowland Bowling Club.
King Edward Park
King Edward Park dates back to 1863 and is one of the most popular parks in Newcastle, with sweeping ocean views, a picturesque Victorian rotunda, and sunken garden with bright flowers in bloom. This Newcastle park, located just two minutes from the Obelisk, is excellent for family picnics and barbeques, with a playground for the kids and festive movie nights overlooking the water in summer.
Hunter Wetlands National Park
Known as one of the best national parks in Newcastle, Hunter Wetlands is a wildlife sanctuary located on 45 hectares of lush wetlands. Located just a short drive from Newcastle, Hunter Wetlands National Park is a family-friendly spot with plenty of walking trails, cycling, fishing and bird watching with more than 200 species of birds.
Foreshore Park Newcastle
Newcastle’s Foreshore Park, located beside the harbour and beach, sits on reclaimed land once used for mining, shipping and harbour activities. The now sprawling 11-hectare Newcastle park is a favourite amongst local families with its playground, BBQ facilities, shady shelters, and abundance of picnic spots with stunning views to watch ships pulling in and out of the harbour. The park also features an empty pond, now a popular skating and riding spot for families.
Dixon Park Newcastle
If you are hitting the Bather’s Way track along Newcastle’s scenic coast, Dixon Park is the perfect pit stop. The small park sits directly behind Dixon Park Beach and offers a charming spot to relax while kids can enjoy the playground. The park also has BBQ facilities and shaded picnic tables, perfect for beachside birthday parties.
Glenrock State Conservation Area
Credit to: Tyson Mayr
Located just 5km from Newcastle, Glenrock State Conservation Area is a popular park amongst trail runners, mountain bikers and nature lovers, with an abundance of bush trails perfect for families and athletes. The conservation area is home to various animals, from bats to bandicoots, with an array of beaches, ancient Aboriginal sites, rainforests and waterfalls to explore.