My Hometown Escape: Dream Dates in Newcastle

This year has taken me all over the place — new cities, new adventures, and some really good stories along the way. I’ve spent a lot of time travelling. Now I’m back in Newcastle for summer and ready to stay put for a while.

I’ve been craving slower days. Local favourites. Time to enjoy where I live and share some of it with good company. There’s so much in the Newcastle and Greater Hunter region that I love, and even more I want to try.

So I thought I’d put together a little list of Newcastle based dream date ideas, things I’ve been wanting to try while I’m back. These are the kinds of dates I’d genuinely enjoy. They’re personal, they’re local, and they’re the way I like to spend time when I’m not rushing.

Hunter Valley Date Idea: A wine-soaked weekend

I’ve been craving a long lunch in wine country. Somewhere in Pokolbin or Mount View, surrounded by green hills and the smell of warm wood and shiraz. I want to spend the afternoon sampling the tasty goodies, chilling out, enjoying some food I don’t have to cook; a sweet little staycation.

Spicers Vineyards Estate in particular has been calling to me. It’s private and romantic, with soft robes, beautiful suites, and the kind of space where everything slows down. It’s the perfect place to share as we get to know each other and do some more intimate exploring.

I’ll let you in on a little secret… I’ve never even been on a wine tour. Crazy I know. But I’m so keen to getaway for a couple of days and really immerse myself in the experience. I want it to feel exciting, I want to have someone who knows what they’re doing take control - to choose my meal, to select the wines, to hold my hand through the newness of the adventure. Then at the end of the day we can swap roles and I can show you through an adventure of a different kind. 

I want time to stretch out and soften with someone I enjoy.

Port Stephens day trip: Dates at the Beach

I’ve been curious about Port Stephens again lately. I’ve spent time in Soldiers Point before, and I’ve seen people swimming at Sunset Beach. Ocean swimming is so invigorating. Connecting my body with the energy of the water, the saltiness, the movement of it. I’m not a beach babe really but I do love the feeling of being in the ocean.

Fresh seafood is such an indulgent treat, straight off the boat, portions designed for sharing. I’ve had my eye on a couple of places I want to try, Little Beach Boathouse in Nelson Bay or Rick Stein at Bannisters in Soldiers Point. Getting our fingers greasy, sharing bites dipped in creamy sauces. Yes please. 

Food, flirting and salty water is the perfect aphrodisiac so we won’t want to go home. Maybe we could stay at Anchorage with its marina views, space to unwind … and enormous beds. 

Adventure Dates: Playful, physical, and a little sweet

I’ve been working on my fitness this year and looking for more ways to push myself outside my comfort zone so I’d love to try something active together. The Treetop Adventure Park at Minmi has been on my to-do list for a while. It looks like one of those things that’s fun, a bit challenging, and probably full of laughs.

I visited Pulse Climbing in Adamstown earlier this year and I loved it. I’m still learning, so I definitely need you to spot me — if you can stop yourself from getting distracted.

Afterwards, I’d want a cold drink and a sweet treat to refuel. I personally love the muffins at Cupcake Espresso, it’s just around the corner and will give us time to chat and get a little sugar high after our workout. Then we can head back to my place where we can relax and massage each other’s sore muscles. 

French Dates in Carrington

Frenchies in Carrington is one of my favourite places for a warm, relaxed dinner. The food is generous, the service is lovely, and the kind of dishes they serve are perfect for sharing. I like to pick a few things off the menu and take my time with them. It’s the kind of place where I feel comfortable settling in for a while.

I want to share that kind of evening with someone. A table for two, good conversation, and enjoying some treats together. 

We’d need to plan ahead and have somewhere nice in town booked for the night.  I like the idea of letting the night unfold without needing to rush home, stealing kisses in the back of a DiDi on our way to somewhere that has room service for breakfast.

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I’ve spent a lot of this year travelling and chasing big moments across Australia. Now that I’m home in Newcastle for a while, I want to be grounded here — sharing time that feels intentional. These are the kinds of dates I’ve been daydreaming about. Slow afternoons. Weekend escapes. A few extra hours that let us relax into each other. 

At the same time, I know connection looks different for everyone. Whether we spend a full day together or share something shorter and sweet, what matters most to me is how it feels. If something here sparks your curiosity, reach out. I’m home for now, and I’d love to enjoy that with someone who’s genuinely interested in sharing space, whatever shape that takes.

Book in your next date with me by sending me a text to 0413 664372

Looking forward to our time together!

xx Ashley