As you fly into Newcastle airport, golden sands and clear blue waters stretch languidly beneath you. On this occasion the smoke haze from the many fires burning left a low fog, cloud impression as smoke drifted across the sea.

Only a very brief flight from Brisbane, it sure beats a 10 hour drive each way when time is limited.

Newcastle is morphing into its own true destination. Like a shy child who has found their identity, this seaside jewel is stretching its wings proudly for the world to see. And I believe we should be looking. There’s a light rail system being installed at the moment throughout the city, which, when finished, will be an added bonus to the area. Add that to all the construction and you can see this place is really growing. Its been a couple of years since we last stopped by here. This time, unfortunately was a very brief, less than 24 hour trip. Taking advantage of my Accor Plus membership, a booking at the fairly new Novotel Newcastle beach was organised. Take a look at this view! Shame in many ways we just didn’t have the time to sit and enjoy. Maybe next time.

And what a nice touch! On check in, Accor Plus members are given a little gift bag, containing drink vouchers, wifi and water. Very cool, just unfortunate we could not utilise those drinks vouchers on this occasion.

But, should you be looking to fill in some time, or enjoy a leisurely meal, highly recommend the superb Bar Petite. Right next to the Novotel, with charge back to your room, this bar was a fantastic place to catch up wth friends. The day we flew in cold winds left you searching for inside warmth, and we found it at Bar Petite.Their large share board was not only superb, but also filling. Delicious, garlic baguette, mince in lettuce cups, duck pieces, bratwurst sausage, and even sauerkraut, we enjoyed this intensely appetising foodie experience. Chef did well to produce this delectable delight.

With a lovely smiling, helpful and knowledgeable staff member, tending to our every need, this really was a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.We would definitely return to this bar next time we visit Newcastle. It certainly filled the spot for us with the hotel restaurant not opening for lunch.

There’s plenty of comfortable seating choices too, with couches or rustic wooden tables to choose from. Too cold on that particular day for the inviting little outside area, otherwise would have been a lovely spot to sit.

Our day ended with a function at Paymasters, an easy downhill walk from Novotel. We were upstairs in the awesome little function room on offer, sporting a long balcony and views across the harbour.

Staff were really helpful and I’m sure they would have been worn out, by the end of the evening going up and down the stairs. Not a bad way to get your steps up for the day!

Should you be considering a function in Newcastle, be sure to drop by and have a look. They have the restaurant downstairs as well, where you too could try some of these delectable dishes if you would prefer.

Our meal started with interesting little platters, full of focaccia, olives, dips and among other things, the most deliciously tasty popcorn ever!

Main meals followed with many tempting dishes on offer.Given we eat wth our eyes first, the presentation left you simply salivating. This steak meal was an absolute joy to eat. Every morsel was quite a treat.

Should you be visiting Newcastle, drop by these venues for a meal, drink or comfortable stay. Lasting memories are formed from places like these, dont be shy, drop on by!

More photos from this trip are on facebook/dinelivetravel and instagram @dinelivetravel. Enjoy!