Lord Mayor's top 10 picks for Newcastle stay

If you're heading to Newcastle for any of three action-packed, Council-backed events over the next two weeks, check out Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes' top 10 things to do while here.

"Newcastle is a great place to be any time of the year," the Lord Mayor said, "but in February the weather is perfect for a weekend getaway to enjoy the Australian Boardriders Battle final, Surfest or the Australian Bowl Riding Championships, all supported by Newcastle City Council.

"Here are my tips for some other things to do while you're here - many proudly bought to you by the City of Newcastle."

Beautiful beaches and pathways
Enjoy our stunning beaches on the sand and in the surf - all have good waves -- or rent a bike and soak them up from Council's landmark Bathers Way coastal pathway. Fernleigh Track, a former rail corridor, is a tarred off-road bush track definitely worth exploring, too.

Ocean Baths x 2
Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Ocean Baths boast large still-water swimming pools patrolled by lifeguards and cleaned weekly by council crews. Cool off in the shallows or roll the arms over for some laps.

Newcastle Art Gallery
GRISAILLE: Shades of grey from the collection is an exhibition at the gallery exploring the discordant qualities of the colour grey, associated with tedium and absence but also elegance, neutrality and calm.

Newcastle Memorial Walk
Memorial Walk offers access to one of the most scenic sections of Newcastle's coastal walk, with panoramic views stretching over the ocean and Hunter Valley.

Fort Scratchley
Take a tunnel tour of historic Fort Scratchley - the only coastal fort in Australia to return enemy fire during World War Two.

Blackbutt Reserve
Get up close and personal with native Australian animals at Blackbutt, including koalas, wombats, kangaroos and emus, and enjoy a picnic or BBQ in the bushland reserve known as the city's "green lung".

Newcastle Museum
Aracnofans can catch the Spiders exhibition at Newcastle Museum from 24 Feb, learn about Newcastle's past and present through the museum's permanent exhibitions or take in an interactive science exhibition perfect for kids.

Picnic in Brickworks Park, Hunter Wetlands or King Edward Park
Newcastle boasts a range of beautiful parks. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy spectacular views of the sea and picturesque green hills of King Edward Park, unwind in Wallsend's Brickworks Park or breakfast with the birds at Hunter Wetlands.

Hunter St and Darby St
Shop for amazing, quirky items at a range of independent retailers and creatives along Darby and Hunter streets, where there's also a bevy of small bars to enjoy and delicious dining options.

Darby St

Light Up Newcastle Lantern Walk
Council is proudly supporting this eye-catching lantern festival (by the harbour) to celebrate Chinese New Year on the evening of Saturday 24 February.