Leave the Car and Shop Local this Christmas

The festive season is here — and so is the parking chaos.

Luckily, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have some fantastic shopping destinations that are easy to reach by public transport. Whether you’re after big-name brands, local treasures or handmade gifts for that special someone, here are our top spots to shop this Christmas — no car required.

Westfield Kotara – Northcott Drive, Kotara

Shop it all in one place — fashion, beauty, tech, toys and more. Then relax at The Rooftop with a meal or movie.

Get there:

• Bus: Routes 14, 25, 26, 44

Insider tip: Go early, grab coffee at Praise Joe’s, and finish with a festive cocktail upstairs.

Charlestown Square – Pearson Street, Charlestown

The Hunter’s biggest shopping destination — more than 280 stores and a great food precinct for a post-shop recharge.

Get there:

• Bus: Routes D59 On Demand, 10X, 11, 14, 22, 25, 28, 41, 43, 48
• Lake Macquarie On Demand bus – book via the Newcastle Transport On Demand app for doorstep pickup.

Insider tip: After shopping, jump on a bus to Warners Bay Esplanade for lakeside lunch and fresh air.

Glendale Shopping Centre – Lake Road, Glendale

An easy stop for Lake Macquarie locals with Kmart, Woolworths and plenty of specialty stores.

Get there:

• Bus: Routes 13, 29, 44, 46

Insider tip: Stop by Pappa’s Coffee House for your mid-shop caffeine fix.

Lake Macquarie Square – Wilsons Road, Mount Hutton

A bright, modern centre, with boutique stores

Get there:

• Bus: Routes D59 On Demand, 28, 41, 43
• Lake Macquarie On Demand bus – book via the Newcastle Transport On Demand app for doorstep pickup.

Insider tip: Many local boutiques here stock artisan candles and handmade gifts.

Darby Street – Cooks Hill

The perfect spot for unique, special gifts. Pop into Abicus, Blackbird Corner or Monsoon Living for clothing, art and local homewares.

Get there:

• Light Rail: Civic Stop, then a 10-minute walk
• Bus: Route 21 (southern end), Routes 11, 13, 23 (northern end), Route 14 along Darby Street, Route 12 (5-minute walk to Darby Street)

Insider tip: Refuel at Three Monkeys Café or Core Espresso.

The Junction Fair & Parry Street Precinct

Boutique shopping meets beach vibes. Explore Cooks Hill Collective and Willow & Co for artisan décor and fashion.

Get there:

• Bus: Routes 12, 21, 14, 22 (approximately a 15-minute walk)

Insider tip: Take your shopping bags for a stroll to Bar Beach afterwards.

Broadmeadow Markets – Sundays – Broadmeadow Showground

Support local makers and find handmade soaps, jewellery, candles, honey and more — perfect for stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifts.

Get there:

• Bus: Routes 12, 21, 25, 27, 28
• Bus: Routes from Lambton Rd/Belford St:  13, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28

Insider tip: Bring a tote and a coffee — the atmosphere’s half the fun.

The Olive Tree Markets – Civic Park, 6 and 20 December

A Newcastle favourite, held monthly with special Christmas editions in December. Explore locally made art, ceramics, and festive treats.

Get there:

• Light Rail: Civic Stop
• Bus: Routes 11, 13, 14, 23
• Or a 12-minute walk from Marketown via Bus Routes 12, 22, 24, 26, 28, 47

Insider tip: Arrive early for the best finds before the crowds roll in.