Sydney to Newcastle – Fulfilling a 31-Year Premier League Pilgrimage

[jase05]

Following this one as a long time EPL supporter and have actually visited SJP along with plenty of other grounds in England. Was born into a family of die hard Manchester United members so not much option to choose another side. One of my Uncles and his kids still live in Manchester and have had season tickets for as long as I can remember so i have been lucky enough to attend 20+ fixtures at Old Trafford plus a few away games including Newcastle.

 

[kamchatsky]

Following this one as a long time EPL supporter and have actually visited SJP along with plenty of other grounds in England. Was born into a family of die hard Manchester United members so not much option to choose another side. One of my Uncles and his kids still live in Manchester and have had season tickets for as long as I can remember so i have been lucky enough to attend 20+ fixtures at Old Trafford plus a few away games including Newcastle.

Nice! A lot of people in Australia would envy you having watched all these PL and (maybe) European games live.

 

[jase05]

Nice! A lot of people in Australia would envy you having watches all these PL and (maybe) European games live.

Very lucky. We are sports nuts though so try to get to a couple of games every time we are over there. We have been to several World Cups and even went to a Champions League final in Paris. I’m a mad Juventus fan too and have been lucky enough to go and watch them play live too

 

[masco131]

I am so jealous! Mad soccer fan and I’m literally awake right now watching the EPL. I got to watch PSG vs Paris at the start of the year when I was in Europe. I’m a Man United fan, and I’m definitely going to watch them next year. I got to see them play live when they came to Mel in 23/24

 

[kamchatsky]

1 January 2026

Doha, Qatar (Part 1)

By the time I landed, it was around 10pm. By the time I got past immigration, it was past 11pm NYE. I caught a taxi to Le Meridien City Center, Doha, for 59QAR.

When the taxi was on Al Corniche, there were a lot of people waiting for NY midnight celebrations, so the traffic was slow. Then I took a photo of the West Bay at night:



Le Meridien City Center, Doha

The taxi arrived at Le Meridien City Center, Doha and I checked in just after 12am. I knew this because upstairs there was NY celebration party full of NY music. I was given an upgrade to a 1-bedroom suite, even though I booked the lowest room category using Qatar Stopover program. I did put in my Marriott Bonvoy Gold number in the booking though. That might help:






Then I had a shower and sleep. Then I woke up and saw the Sunrise over Doha Bay on New Years Day 2026 from my bedroom:
I then proceed to have buffet breakfast at La Gourmandise, booked as part of the Qatar Stopover Package:


The breakfast is quite decent. This is my first time I went to an Arab country, I noticed that they do not have bacon, but beef bacon below. It makes sense that they do not serve pork at all. I didn't really like the beef bacon (I prefer the real deal!) but I like the rest of the breakfast.



After breakfast I decided to go out to Museum to Islamic Arts. This is just outside the hotel:


It took me about 7 mins walk to the DECC station:

I bought a 6QAR all day ticket here. To me it is a bargain:

Since it was around 9am on New Years Day, it was fairly quiet on the train carriage. It was very modern and clean:

I got off at Msheireb Station. I do like their station architecture:


Then I decided to walk to Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) from Msheireb station. I prefer a bit of walking for my health reason, took me about 35 minutes. I took some photos of the Doha Bay along Al Corniche:



Then I proceed to go inside MIA.

 

[kamchatsky]

1 January 2026

Doha, Qatar (Part 2)

Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA)

Originally I was going to take pictures outside the MIA, and not going inside the museum. Somehow, I changed my mind when I got to the entrance. So I paid 50QAR and went inside. Even though I am a Christian, I was interested in understanding a little bit more about Islam. So, I spent about 90 minutes there, and I actually learnt something about Islam.

Main Hall of MIA:


Ancient artefacts, including manuscripts of Quran, art works, jewelries, knights etc:





You can see the West Bay area over Doha Bay from the Cafe area of MIA, and just outside MIA:


Souq Waqif

Then I exit MIA and walked to Souq Waqif. It was roughly 11am. By that time there were more people at Souq then when I walked past it earlier on the day on the way to MIA:


Lot of World Cup stuff for sale here, I still think Australia should have hosted it instead (lol):





City Center Doha Mall
Then I caught the Metro back to DECC station, and had visit to the City Centre Doha Mall next to DECC and also Le Meridien. It is all western shops so it is good for tourists. I walked around before going back to the hotel:

After checking out of the hotel at 12:30pm, I walked back to DECC station and caught the Metro to Hamad International Airport (DOH):



It was good to spend half a day at Doha because it is middle of winter, so the weather is roughly 20 degrees, so it was a good time for quick sightseeing. MIA and Souq Waqif was good to see for a half a day. West Bay area is modern and good place to stay. Catching the Metro is easy and cheap (6QAR for whole day, including going to/from airport).

It is time for me to leave Doha.

 

[jase05]

Glad you ended up going inside the MIA.
I’m not religious at all but it’s a really nice place and I’m always interested learning and I do appreciate art and history.

 

[kamchatsky]

1 January 2026

QR141 J DOH-BCN
After arriving DOH via metro at around 1:30pm, I proceeded to go past immigration (as I already checked-in all the way to BCN at HKG). It was a very quick affair before I get to the concourse where the famous Doha bear is located:



Then I went to the Al Mourjan Lounge (South) to have a look. Once inside, it was very quiet, and quite empty:





Then I went up to the restaurant area for lunch:



I grabbed some food from the buffet area, and then ordered from waiter on their menu. Given that the place is almost empty, the waiters were all very responsive.

The food and drinks were all very delicious:


After that I left Al Mourjan South and went north to the Al Mourjan Garden. I only stayed for 5 minutes because it was almost 3pm and I have a plane to catch. The North/Garden was almost empty as well. I had a quick look at the food offering, and I think the South lounge has slightly more range of food than the North/Garden:



It was time to catch the plane to Barcelona:



I selected 1A for the 787-9 flight, and it is their Business Suite. Sure it is not QSuite but I very much enjoyed it. The door is almost fully closed:


I asked the cabin crew to swap to a female Diptyque amenity kit and they obliged. I ended up giving this to my missus later:

The service onboard and the food was outstanding. It was easily the best flight of all 4 QR flights. I had Hamour Machboo as main and found that it tasted similar to the Chicken Kabsa. I loved the dessert Black Forest Log. See the post below for all the food and drinks:

Post in thread 'Qatar Airways Business & First Class meals'

Jan 16, 2026

1 January 2026: QR141 J DOH-BCN

This is probably the best flight of my 4 QR flights, as I departed from DOH with full access of Al Mourjan lounge earlier, the seating is the new Business Class Suite (not Q-Suite). The food is excellent, even though the Hamour Machboo tastes similar to Chicken Kabsa earlier.

Menu:







Starter: Dates and Arabic Coffee, Snacks and Chocolates







Smoked Duck with Ginger Butternut Puree



Main Course: Hamour...

• kamchatsky

• 

I had a nap after the meal, and after waking up, it was almost time to get off at Barcelona:

After landing and pass immigration at Barcelona, I caught the Aerobus to Placa Catalunya to stay at Chic&Basic Hotel Reding for 1 night:

 

[kamchatsky]

I am so jealous! Mad soccer fan and I’m literally awake right now watching the EPL. I got to watch PSG vs Paris at the start of the year when I was in Europe. I’m a Man United fan, and I’m definitely going to watch them next year. I got to see them play live when they came to Mel in 23/24

ManU are actually doing well now under Carrick, and may be in Europe next season. Start planning and start booking J/F flights!

 

[kamchatsky]

2 January 2026

Barcelona, Spain

I woke up surprisingly early, checked out but left the luggage at the hotel at 8:30am. I only have half a day at Barcelona before going to the airport again. The maximum temperature at Barcelona was 14 degrees. It is chilly but the city was crowded with tourists by noon.

I went to Placa Catalunya to look for breakfast. I found this place to eat called Txapela. I ended up spending 4.75 Euro for coffee and Panini of the Day. Not sure if this is best value but it tasted OK.




Then I started wandering around Barcelona, starting at Gothic Quarter:



Then I walked along La Rambla and visited the Boqueria market:




I ended up buying a baguette as it looked very delicious:


Then I continued walking and arrived at the famous Casa Batllo, I could only take pictures outside as a there is a massive queue to line up to enter. I did not have the time for it, even though it was very beautiful:



I walked further down and arrived at Casa Mila. Again, lots of people lined up so I only took photos outside:


Then I walked all the way to Bracilica Sagrada Familia. It is undergoing renovation so you can see cranes here and there. Again, there were tourists everywhere, and I did not go in:

​

After that I walked back to Plaza Catalunya. I ended up eating at a cafe there, sandwich with coffee and orange juice for 6.20 Euros:

After that, I went back to the hotel to get my luggage, caught the Aerobus back to BCN airport, for my flight to London and Newcastle UK.

 

[kamchatsky]

2 January 2026

BA485 Y BCN-LHR

I arrived at BCN just after 2pm. I went to check in, and then walked around the, as I don't have Elite Status. The Christmas decorations are still there:


I went to Barcelona FC store to have a look at their merchandise:


It was time for me to get onboard to BA Y flight to London:

After boarding, that's when I realised that I was assigned to Exit Row (13C)! I must have hit the jackpot given that I did not pre-select seat (I don't want to pay) and I had no Elite Status. It was just computer say Yes! Of course, the mandatory leg shot. Happy with the clearance.


The on-board catering is very average, similar to VA Y actually, a biscuit and a bottle of water. That was enough for me for a 2 hour flight:


I landed at LHR on time, and the flight was uneventful.

BA1340 Y LHR-NCL

After arrival, I had to then connect to BA1340. I just followed the sign below, for immigration and then security check again for departure.

Unfortunately, my flight was delayed by 45 minutes, then another 45 minutes. So total delay was 1.5 hours. Apparently, it is due to snowstorm at western Europe. So now instead of planned arrival at NCL at 10:30pm, I would be arriving at NCL at midnight. I was quite tired by then, I got a sandwich and water and waiting at airport. Maybe this is the real BA hospitality! BA just wanted me to wait a little longer to go to Newcastle!



The plane finally took off, but at almost 11pm. We were the last flight to leave LHR Terminal 5. The pilot tried to make up time by flying as quickly as it can. Below is the leg shot. No exit row for me at 8A.

We finally arrived at Newcastle at midnight. We were the last flight to arrive and the airport was dead. It was cold, wet and freezing at NCL. There were no taxis around. It took me about 15 mins before I could hire an Uber. It costed me 28GBP to take me to Innside Melia Newcastle.

I checked in at Innside Melia Newcastle, and I was so happy when I got to my room, as it was very nice indeed. My friend went to Newcastle a couple of month ago to watch NUFC as well, and recommended me to this place.

Then I unpacked, had a shower, and went to sleep at 2am.

 

[kamchatsky]

3 January 2026 (Morning)

Newcastle, UK (Morning)

Woke up at around 8am, and outside was still pretty dark, it snowed overnight. The temperature was around -2 degrees. It was only after 9am when the sky starts to become brighter.

My plan is to look around Newcastle in the morning and early afternoon, before going to St James' Park (SJP) for their Stadium Tour.

So I went outside of the hotel. Innside Melia is along River Tyne. So below was my first photo of Newcastle.


Newcastle has its own Coathanger on River Tyne as well. It is a much smaller version of Sydney's one. Their Coathanger is called the Tyne Bridge. It was undergoing a renovation:


Then I walked up and saw the Newcastle Castle


Snowed carpark with sunrise and Tyne Bridge on background:


Now I start to walk towards the city centre:


I got to Greggs, it is UK major food-on-the-go store that started at Newcastle. So I went in and ordered my breakfast: Sandwich + Yoghurt + Coffee for 5GBPs. The sandwich tasted good, but the coffee was so so. Much better coffee here in Australia lol.


After breakfast, the snow started again but I still decided to walk around the city:



Below is Grey's Monment in centre of town. Now the snow is coming thick and fast:


By now Grainger Street is fully covered in snow:


Cafe staff all came out and watched the snow:


Then I went to Eldon Square which is the major shopping centre at Newcastle:
The Back Page at Eldon Square. They sell football souvenirs and most are for Newcastle United team:


Then I went to Grainger Market. It is old style local market selling food and everyday stuff: Some of the shops did not open, I suspect that they were closed during the holiday season:

 

[kamchatsky]

3 January 2026 (Afternoon)

Newcastle UK

It was lunch time so I went to The Mile Castle Weatherspoon for lunch. Later today I have a St James' Park Stadium Tour.

I ended up having their fish and chips and Newcastle Brown Ale for 13GBP. The fish was way too battered. Everything else is OK with the drink:


Then I continued walking and arrived at the main Back Page store at Newcastle, very close to St James Park. It has very comprehensive official and unofficial souvenirs for Newcastle United but it also sells other teams' souvenirs and memorabilia:



After that I headed to St James' Park. It is next to Chinatown, so naturally there is a Chinatown sign across the road from SJP:


I headed to The Stack at SJP. It is the official social hub for NUFC supporters. A lot of supporters who did not get tickets, would go there during the match. It was nearly empty during that time as it was mid-afternoon and no matches were on:



I went to the official NUFC Sports Store at SJP. It has 2 levels, selling all offical NUFC football kits, clothing, assessories:


They even sells autographed souvenirs.


Then I went out of the sport store before heading towards the entrance for the St James' Park Stadium Tour.

 

[kamchatsky]

3 January 2026

St James' Park Stadium Tour

As I walked to the Stadium Tour entrance, I FINALLY saw Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer Statue at the front with my own eyes. That's when I knew I have actually arrived at Newcastle, something I wanted to do for 31 years.

St James' Park


Sir Bobby Robson


Alan Shearer



Then I went to the do the stadium tour, which lasts 90 minutes. It is definitely very worthwhile thing to do when visiting.

Players Entrance


The trophy cabinets, not that many trophies recently, but last year they did win the Carabao Cup below:


This is the Away Team dressing room. It was purposefully very bland. It was originally the home team room but that got moved to the new location.


Then we went into the Home dressing room. You know you are playing at home! Each main squad player has its own seat based on the photo and the shirt hung:


Then we went to the hallway where the players walked to go the main pitch area:


We made it to the main pitch! Heat lamps are required to keep the grass grow during wet and cold winter.


Then went to the official conference room for pre and post-match conferences.


Then we toured the main director dining room, where the owners and high profile people dine at SJP on match day:

 

[luckypierre]

I ended up having their fish and chips and Newcastle Brown Ale for 13GBP. The fish was way too battered. Everything else is OK with the drink

Wetherspoons is a great pub chain for cheap drinks in interesting, generally historical buildings, but the meals are very average,

 

[kamchatsky]

3 January 2026

St James' Park Stadium Tour continued

Then the tour guide took us on one of the director boxes which anyone can rent for a year if you have $$$$$. It can host families and friends with their own dining and drinks, and directly access to their own seatings at SJP from the glass door. This one is booked by Anthony Gordon who an English International, and plays Left Wing for Newcastle United. He hired it for his families and friends to watch him during matches:




Then we went up to the top level for final view of SJP before the tour was concluded.


The tour concluded here just before 4pm, the sun is almost set. It was certainly a worthwhile experience for any NUFC Supporters. I was very happy with the tour.

Then I went back to the city. It was already dark at 4:30pm. So I went for dinner. I had butter chicken with rice at My Delhi Newcastle for 19GBP. It actually tasted pretty good:



I walked back to hotel afterwards for rest. All the jet lag start to get to me, but I was very happy.

I was looking forward to the next day to watch my team play Crystal Palace live.

 

[VPS]

Wetherspoons is a great pub chain for cheap drinks in interesting, generally historical buildings, but the meals are very average,

I avoid spoons unless there is no alternative and there always is. YMMV

 

[Solid]

Feel a bit sorry for that guitarist at Stack!