A Guide to Eating Your Way Through Japan's Regional Specialties
We can guarantee you’ve never heard of at least one of these dishes.
On this classic coastal route, the stops are just as important as the destination. With new reasons to pull over constantly emerging, we delve into the newest stays, restaurants and experiences redefining your next drive.
{"id":1094636,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"Retro Stays and Detour-Worthy Dining: The Best New Things to See and Do on the Great Ocean Road","description":"On this classic coastal route, the stops are just as important as the destination. With new reasons to pull over constantly emerging, we delve into the newest stays, restaurants and experiences redefining your next drive.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Torquay-Dusk-HudsonBrown-Supplied-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Torquay-Dusk-HudsonBrown-Supplied.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/feature\/whats-new-on-the-great-ocean-road","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Feature","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Torquay-Dusk-HudsonBrown-Supplied.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080,"alt":"","id":1095407}]}
Modern content creators need more than followers — this eight-module course offers the skills and pathways needed to go pro.
{"id":1100162,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"ALL Accor's New Creator Academy Is Teaching Next-Gen Storytellers the Skills Needed to Turn Content Into a Career","description":"Modern content creators need more than followers \u2014 this eight-module course offers the skills and pathways needed to go pro. ","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AllAccor-CreatorAcademy-Supplied-2-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AllAccor-CreatorAcademy-Supplied-2.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/travel-leisure\/all-accors-creator-academy","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"News","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AllAccor-CreatorAcademy-Supplied-2.jpg","alt":"ALL Accor's New Creator Academy Is Teaching Next-Gen Storytellers the Skills Needed to Turn Content Into a Career"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AllAccor-CreatorAcademy-Supplied-3.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AllAccor-CreatorAcademy-Supplied.jpg","alt":""}]}
Beyond blurry nights and bright lights, the Japanese countryside offers myriad ancient pilgrimages, including this 1200-kilometre soul-searching journey.
{"id":1097955,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"Leave the Noise Behind on Japan's 1200-Kilometre Pilgrimage, Offering a Spiritual Stroll to 88 Buddhist Temples","description":"Beyond blurry nights and bright lights, the Japanese countryside offers myriad ancient pilgrimages, including this 1200-kilometre soul-searching journey.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-5-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-5.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/travel-leisure\/japan-shikoku-ohenro-pilgrimage","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"News","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-5.jpg","alt":"Leave the Noise Behind on Japan's 1200-Kilometre Pilgrimage, Offering a Spiritual Stroll to 88 Buddhist Temples"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-6.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-3.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-2.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Japan-Ohenro-Supplied-4.jpg","alt":""}]}
Set across two tiny Cambodian islands, this secluded retreat invites you to unwind with ocean rituals, nature immersion and total disconnection.
{"id":1097839,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"Hidden in Cambodia's Koh Rong Archipelago, This Wellness-Led Private Island Is Pure, Off-Grid Bliss","description":"Set across two tiny Cambodian islands, this secluded retreat invites you to unwind with ocean rituals, nature immersion and total disconnection.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Drone2-Supplied-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Drone2-Supplied.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/travel-leisure\/cambodia-song-saa-private-island","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"News","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Drone2-Supplied.jpg","alt":"Hidden in Cambodia's Koh Rong Archipelago, This Wellness-Led Private Island Is Pure, Off-Grid Bliss"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-JungleVilla-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Treatment-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Dining-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Food-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Activities-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Massage-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Wellness-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-OverwaterVilla-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-VillaPool-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Scuba-Supplied.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SongSaa-Drone-Supplied.jpg","alt":""}]}
412 Pitt Street, Haymarket
The perfect inner-city getaway for couples looking for understated luxury and a gorgeous hotel bar.
{"id":906062,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E412 Pitt Street, Haymarket\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection","description":"The perfect inner-city getaway for couples looking for understated luxury and a gorgeous hotel bar.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hotel-morris-guest-room-supplied-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hotel-morris-guest-room-supplied.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/hotel\/hotel-morris-sydney","latitude":"-33.8787194","longitude":"151.2073744","address":"412 Pitt Street, Haymarket","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Hotel","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/hotels"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hotel-morris-guest-room-supplied.jpg","alt":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/hotel-morris-bar-morris-credit-Steven-Woodburn-9.jpg","alt":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/hotel-morris-bar-morris-credit-Steven-Woodburn-10.jpg","alt":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/hotel-morris-bar-morris-credit-Steven-Woodburn-11.jpg","alt":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hotel-Morris-Bar-Morris-supplied-2.jpg","alt":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hotel-Morris-Bar-Morris-supplied.jpg","alt":"Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/hotel-morris-bar-morris-credit-Steven-Woodburn-11.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/hotel-morris-bar-morris-credit-Steven-Woodburn-7.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Hotel-Morris-Bar-Morris-supplied-2.jpg","alt":""}]}
3 Third Street, Katherine
The perfect base to explore the Katherine region's natural beauty.
{"id":893392,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E3 Third Street, Katherine\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Pine Tree Motel","description":"The perfect base to explore the Katherine region's natural beauty.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PineTreeMotelKatherine_PulledFromSiteWithPermission23-1-488x300.jpeg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PineTreeMotelKatherine_PulledFromSiteWithPermission23-1.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/hotel\/pine-tree-motel","latitude":"-14.4629027","longitude":"132.2677952","address":"3 Third Street, Katherine","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Hotel","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/hotels"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/PineTreeMotelKatherine_PulledFromSiteWithPermission23-1.jpeg","alt":"Pine Tree Motel"}]}
The Great Gatsby-esque estate will bring a new dose of luxury to The Dandenongs.
{"id":877621,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"The Dandenong Ranges is Poised to Get a New Luxury Resort Set Within a Heritage-Listed Mansion","description":"The Great Gatsby-esque estate will bring a new dose of luxury to The Dandenongs.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/130884_Burnham-Beeches_AERIALhres-488x300.jpeg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/130884_Burnham-Beeches_AERIALhres.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/travel-leisure\/travel\/dandenong-ranges-six-senses-resort","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"News","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/130884_Burnham-Beeches_AERIALhres.jpeg","alt":"The Dandenong Ranges is Poised to Get a New Luxury Resort Set Within a Heritage-Listed Mansion"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/130884_Burnham-Beeches_VIEW01_FIREPLACE_ID-STCA.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/keppel-lookout-dandenong-visit-victoria.jpg","alt":""}]}
69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston
A buzzy, warm contemporary boutique hotel in one of Canberra's best locations where go-to landmarks are just a leisurely stroll away.
{"id":881375,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003E69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"East Hotel","description":"A buzzy, warm contemporary boutique hotel in one of Canberra's best locations where go-to landmarks are just a leisurely stroll away.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Canberra_EastHotel_agostinis_-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Canberra_EastHotel_agostinis_.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/hotel\/east-hotel","latitude":"-35.3192584","longitude":"149.137296","address":"69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Hotel","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/hotels"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Canberra_EastHotel_agostinis_.jpg","alt":"East Hotel"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/EastHotel_Canberra_East-Apartment-1.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/EastHotel_Canberra_joesbar_013.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/EastHotel_Canberra_Joes-bar-fooddrinks.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Canberra_EastHotel_agostinis_.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/EastHotel-Canberra-Luxe-Studio-.jpg","alt":""}]}
Kids can be cute — but sometimes we need a holiday without the little ones running around.
{"id":874898,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"The Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays","description":"Kids can be cute \u2014 but sometimes we need a holiday without the little ones running around.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-2-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-2.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/travel-leisure\/best-adults-only-resorts-whitsundays","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"News","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-2.jpg","alt":"The Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-6.jpg","alt":"The Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-0343.jpg","alt":"The Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-0315.jpg","alt":"The Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-.jpg","alt":"The Best Adults-Only Hotels and Resorts in The Whitsundays"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/qualia-Windward-Pavilion-views-supplied-Sharyn-Cairns.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/beach-club1-copy.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/InterContinental-Hayman-Island-Resort-Beachfront-Pavilion.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TA_NECI_QLD_WSY_ElysianRetreat-4-1.jpg","alt":""},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Unit-5-Living.jpg","alt":""}]}
These huge villas are set right on their own private beach, and are perfect for the whole family, a group of friends or a next-level solo retreat.
{"id":869178,"type":"travel","icon":"newspaper-clipping","info":"","name":"Stay of the Week: Gili Beach Resort","description":"These huge villas are set right on their own private beach, and are perfect for the whole family, a group of friends or a next-level solo retreat.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_3016-crop-1-488x300.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_3016-crop-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/travel-leisure\/stay-of-the-week-gili-beach-resort","latitude":"","longitude":"","address":"","booking":"","archive":{"title":"News","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/darwin\/latest"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_3016-crop-1.jpg","alt":"gili beach resort indonesia island accommodation"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_7561.jpg","alt":"gili beach resort indonesia island accommodation"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_7702.jpg","alt":"gili beach resort indonesia island accommodation"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_7848.jpg","alt":"gili beach resort indonesia island accommodation"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_7485.jpg","alt":"gili beach resort indonesia island accommodation"}]}
We can guarantee you’ve never heard of at least one of these dishes.
"Part of my heart now lies in the Lone Star State."
The Lone Star State has been developing a standout wine scene in secret for far too long.
The international airport hub of Dallas–Fort Worth makes this the ideal starting point for any Texas adventure.
The Texas state capital boasts standout sights, legendary flavours and a world-class live music scene.
The Alamo City is home to significant historical sites and one of the most photogenic rivers you'll ever see.
Go from glittering waters to lush rainforests on this idyllic Queensland island, which boasts an array of adventures for the whole family.
The perfect inner-city getaway for couples looking for understated luxury and a gorgeous hotel bar.
As well as stunning vistas, Arizona offers world-class Mexican-inspired cuisine, top-notch glasses of wine, and more.
Clear your mind, recharge your batteries and discover the freedom of a world without borders - with a lick of luxury, of course.
I was sent to Arizona on a simple mission: to tour around the state while steering clear of its most famous attraction.
Nature-lovers, thrill-seekers, eco-tourists and explorers: Arizona is calling.
We know, we know — you want to tick the Grand Canyon off your bucket list. But if you're road tripping around the great state of Arizona, there is so much more to be discovered.
Get a taste of the Top End with great value fares from Jetstar.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Aṉangu people, and marvel at the stunning vistas of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.
Uncover the best of Darwin's sun, sea and sand with this destination guide to the Top End’s capital city and tropical surrounds.
Experience stunning vistas, epic wonders and the unique flora and fauna in the tropics of the Top End at Kakadu National Park.
Explore where the outback meets the tropics by relaxing on river cruises, trekking through gorges and chilling in hot springs.
Have you been curious about what it's like to travel by cruise? We sent a writer to experience it first hand.
The perfect base to explore the Katherine region's natural beauty.
A plane full of San Francisco locals boarded the first ever Pride Flight to Sydney — and we went along for the journey.
Spend less time travelling and more time holidaying at one of these stunning and centrally located Airbnbs around Australia.
The Great Gatsby-esque estate will bring a new dose of luxury to The Dandenongs.
A buzzy, warm contemporary boutique hotel in one of Canberra's best locations where go-to landmarks are just a leisurely stroll away.
Kids can be cute — but sometimes we need a holiday without the little ones running around.
From private islands turned into luxury resorts to hidden archipelagos surrounded by coral reefs teeming with turtles and tropical fish.
Fly around this alpine region on a helicopter gin tasting tour and spoil yourself rotten at a spa retreat up in the mountains
These huge villas are set right on their own private beach, and are perfect for the whole family, a group of friends or a next-level solo retreat.
This gorgeous throwback in the heart of Berry will transport you to the swinging Sixties with plenty of space.
This glam 60s and 70’s inspired motel is fit for any queen visiting Palm Springs, USA
Pack your bags and put the out-of-office email on — it's holiday time.
A premium Tassie getaway packed full of art, wine and awe-inspiring adventure is now yours with all the bells and whistles.
Luxury accommodation with a strong sustainable ethos, located in the heart of Auckland’s waterside precinct
Give us a home among the gumtrees…
This mega-luxurious resort lies in Oman's remote Musandam Peninsula, sandwiched between rocky mountains and clear blue waters
There are a highly limited number of spaces available for this exclusive, ultra luxurious New Zealand trip.
Book unique, unforgettable getaways in the world's best locations — curated by our editorial team of passionate travellers.
You've got until Monday, September 26 to nab one of the cheap tickets to Alice Springs and Uluru.
Veuve Clicquot's latest pop-up hotel is so extra — with exclusive dining experiences, sunrise surfing lessons, boat rides along the Noosa River and all the most extravagant ammenities.
It's time you made a beeline for the laid-back coastal haven of Newcastle.