There used to be a fantastic overnight free camp at Nobby’s Beach in Newcastle, sadly it is now closed:

Newcastle looks fabulous and we quickly find the free camp at Nobby’s Beach. The van is actually rocking in the stiff breeze, but we are in the company of a number of other RV’s and the view of the harbour and city lights is stunning. The harbour activity and the work of the tugs make for a great nights entertainment. The next best spot in the Newcastle area is the town of Stockton on the opposite side of the Hunter River. This suburb was once home to families employed by the heavy industry of Newcastle. Today it is becoming quite gentrified. The views of the city across the river are priceless and it is only a five minute ferry ride away. We now find that we can’t go past the Stockton Beach Tourist Park for its proximity to the city and it is right on the beach.