Check out episode one, with comedian Jacques Barrett:

Newy Rides is a proud member of the Fat Tire Tours, Bike Tour Network.

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Why The Hunter (NSW) shouldn’t be left off your Aussie itinerary

Australia’s borders are open to international travelers. Truly, if you are double vaxxed, have a passport and have a spirit for adventure then Down Under is now yours to explore.

Here’s some sound advice. You should absolutely visit Sydney, but once you’re done – get out of there! 

New South Wales is jam packed with some epic short trips for touring travelers all within just two hours north of Sydney.

Welcome to the Hunter region. The Hunter needs no introduction to those that live in Sydney as it’s been a must-do for many long weekends. The region is known for its epic coastline, viticulture (that’s wine folks…and lots of it!) and truly everything an adventure calls for i.e. great food, outstanding drinks, breathtaking views and scenery, Aussie animal encounters and quality accommodation.

Located a short 2 hour drive from Sydney’s CBD (central business district) you can be quaffing Shiraz in the Hunter Valley (that’s Syrah for you Euros), swimming with dolphins in Port Stephens or living it up in Newcastle, tying together the best of everything.

Let’s dive in.

Newcastle, Australia

‘Newy’ as the locals call it is the second biggest city in NSW (New South Wales) – but don’t let that scare you off. A buzzing regional hub, Newcastle is one of Australia’s most progressive regional centres boasting a burgeoning dining scene, small bars, art galleries and some amazing history to wrap your head around (also NSW’s second oldest city).

We recommend you base yourself in Newcastle in order to discover the Hunter region as the wine region is just 45 minutes away and you can be in Port Stephens within 30 minutes.

Newcastle truly has it all, besides the aforementioned nightlife the coastline and it’s beaches are something to behold. It’s a city with a CBD on the beach! That’s almost unheard of in Australia. Surrounded by national parks with hiking trails galore, there is so much to do and see here.

Our top recommendation is to get on a bike (Newcastle is a very bike friendly city) and sample the best of it all. Ben from Newy Rides runs all-inclusive bike tours that tie in a little bit of history with the changing face of Newcastle with its lively art scene and producers galore. Think natural wine, views of the coastline, street art, G&T’s and locally loved food stops, a Newy Rides tour is the perfect intro to Newy to paint a wholesome picture of what it’s all about.

Learn More about Newy Rides

Port Stephens

Starting just 30 minutes from Newcastle is Port Stephens. Stunning beaches aplenty, the region is known for its dolphins and whale watching encounters, luxury and family friendly accommodation, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the Aussie summer.

We recommend a visit to Shoal Bay to hike the famous Mt Tomaree followed by a swim in the clear waters of the beach below. Stick around for a drink at Shoal Bay Country Club (or a meal at Atmos next door). 

Don’t miss a visit to Port Stephens famous sand dunes if you’re looking for an activity. Of huge cultural significance to the Worimi people, the Indigenous custodians of the lands, the sand dunes are huge, stretching on for miles and often serve as a backdrop to many film shoots and tour experiences.

Hunter Valley

If food and wine is more your thing then the Hunter Valley has it in spades. With 150 wineries and cellar doors dotted around the green hills a visit to the Hunter isn’t complete without a tasting at one, two, three or 10!

There are food experiences to be had too, with chocolatiers, cheese makers, hatted restaurants (Australia’s version of Michelin stars) and casual eateries there is something for everyone, and every budget.

Getting There:

Drive: Newcastle is a short two hour drive from Sydney. A further 30 mins will get you to Port Stephens and 45 mins will bring you to the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Rail: Board a train at Sydney Central Station and arrive in Newcastle 2.5 hours later with connections to other towns in the Hunter region. There is a bus connection to Port Stephens towns. We recommend you hire a car, drive to the Hunter Valley vineyards or join a tour.

Fly: Newcastle Airport is aptly located in between all 3 locations with direct flights available from Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and other Australian cities. Newcastle Airport is expanding its international flight capabilities by building new runway infrastructure.

The Hunter region is not to be missed! We hope that you can experience this beautifully diverse corner of the world soon, and we would love to welcome you on a bike tour while you’re here!

Newy Rides is a proud member of the Fat Tire Tours, Bike Tour Network.

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Uncover the Backstreets and Neighborhood Eats on a Tokyo Bike Tour

There’s no city that I’ve enjoyed cycling more than Tokyo. With its knotted backstreets and candid moments around each corner, it’s always genuinely refreshing to jump on the bike and explore a new patch of this sprawling city.

As the small business operator and tour leader of DIG Tokyo Tours, my passion is curating local bike jaunts through my vibrant Tokyo neighborhoods of Koenji, Asagaya and Nakano.  Each of DIG’s immersive ‘no fuss’ rides have been uniquely crafted to give guests an honest local insight into life here in Tokyo away from the tourist crowds.

No staged demonstrations, kickbacks from local vendors or special treatment; you’ll be queuing for food and navigating the neighborhoods as a member of the community on the Tokyo West-Side Cycling & Food Tour.

So, come delve into the eclectic local neighborhoods on the inner west-side of town as we pedal to the rhythm of everyday life on an all-season, all-weather Tokyo cycling tour.

With the insider knowledge of a local, nothing’s off limits as we discover the urban landscapes, offbeat attractions and mouth watering cuisine that gives these culturally rich enclaves their distinctive character.

Test your cycling skills as we ride the twisting backstreets, learn about the ins-and-outs of typical neighborhood life, enjoy a tailored selection of Japanese street food eats, experience first-hand Tokyo’s unique cycling culture and fight for counter space with hungry ‘salarymen’ as we refuel for lunch.

The possibilities are endless as we set off to ride the following neighborhoods of Tokyo on our sometimes creaky, sometimes squeaky but always immaculately maintained Japanese ‘mamachari’ bikes.

Koenji, Tokyo – cheap eats and great biking  

Cycle the sprawling ‘shotengai’ and back-streets of Koenji. An infectious melting pot of subcultures, alternative music, vintage clothing stores and a thriving drinking scene. Labelled as the ‘birthplace of Japanese punk music’ and referenced in author Murakami’s 1Q84, a ride through the character-filled streets of Koenji should be high on the list of any traveller.

Asagaya, Tokyo – living culture 

Soak in the nostalgia as we pedal Asagaya’s quaint streets dotted with live music bars, retro coffee shops and mom-and-pop ‘izakayas’. Celebrated as an artistic enclave for literature, jazz music and independent cinema, there’s no shortage of neighborhood treasures to propel you through the streets.

Nakano, Tokyo – a hidden gem

Park your bike and venture into the bustling alleyways of Nakano, one of Tokyo’s ‘most underrated neighborhoods’. Nakano Broadway with its jumble of ‘otaku’ centric stores is the primary drawcard for many but the real heart of Nakano lies in its cozy back streets lined with boisterous ‘izakaya’ and micro-sized bars. Come nightfall, the stained glass street-lamps and storefront lanterns transform Nakano’s paved alleys into a stunning adult play-land.

So jump on board a salvaged ‘mamachari’ cruiser style bicycle, or for the more adventurous a beautifully handcrafted vintage Japanese road bike, and join a like minded group of guests on a Tokyo bike tour like no other through the backstreets of the inner west.

Hope to see you over this side of town soon!

Andy (Owner and cycling tour operator of DIG Tokyo Tours, Japan.)

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