A WEEKEND IN NEWCASTLE, NSW
Newcastle - we consider it another of New South Wales's undiscovered cultural gems. And with its food scene, awesome accommodation, and gorgeous retail, it's not hard to see why.
Harbourside location, golden sand beaches and coastal walks make Newcastle the perfect year-round destination. Though Newcastle holds status as the second most populated metropolitan area in NSW, this city has managed to retain its honour for crafters, makers and culture, which still sit at the core of day-to-day life for the locals.
We've trawled through Newcastle's many popular spots and curated a list of our favourites. Weekend road trip? Hell yes!
Luxury, sustainable, a self-proclaimed 'old soul with a fresh twist', Crystalbrook Kingsley is Newcastle's answer to five-star accommodation. Each room exudes culture and sophistication, and the restaurant up top giving you every opportunity to soak up the city's views (complete with cocktails of course).
Taking pride in 'doing things properly', everything this much-loved local enterprise produces is made from scratch with pride - right down to the sodas, stocks, sauces, and pickles. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, these guys are here to satisfy at every turn.
Studio Melt combines a jewellery making studio with a retail space - and the result is magical. Working closely with and celebrating Newcastle's local creators and the art of jewellery making, owners Ange Hailey and Suzy Manning have a good thing going here.
Where fashion meets music and art, Abicus has evolved from a simple crate of records and rack of clothing set up to a fully fledged destination on Newcastle's now bustling main drag. Between Abicus and sister store Scout, these local lovers are here to honour prolific links between music and fashion - Bowie, Hendrix, Stevie Nicks - with simple, essential and timeless styles.
Lovers of neutral palettes, linens, art and homewares unite - Monsoon Living in Newcastle's main hub is the answer to your prayers. Hosting brands like CULTIVER, Maison Balzac and Henry and Tunks, this gorgeous store honours classic design, the handmade and sentimentality in their curated range.
Mindful sourcing from Australian designers and creators and sustainability are what drive this gorgeous retail store on Newcastle's Hunter Street. Home to brands like Cisco and the Sun, Oat Studio, McMullin & Co and Le Weekend, you'll want to set aside a bit of time to wander through this homewares and textile paradise.
Named after a term that describes a rare state where you keep seeing an object long after you've stopped looking at it, homewares and ceramics store Palinopsia is all about 'unique pieces made for keeping'. Anti-disposability and slow living are at the core of this gorgeous store that favours the handmade and imperfect. Ceramics are the canvas - you write the rest!
Jess Porter Photography
Anisa Sabet
WORDS | Lucy Francis
IMAGES | Supplied
