Newcastle – what was originally a colony for Great Britain’s worst-behaved convicts is now one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities.

Once known as the “Hell Hole”, the region has been gentrified to host a multifaceted cosmopolitan lifestyle, and some of Australia’s most famous surfing breaks, finest vineyards, lively gig venues and innovative art spaces.

Visit popular beaches, take a dip in art-deco ocean baths, dine at first-rate restaurants, sample wines from the Hunter Valley and whale watch at Port Stephens.

Newcastle Information

Population: Approx 512,000
Area: 4,041 km² (Wider Newcastle area)
Time Zone: GMT +10
Languages: English (official)
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) Order your travelers cheques and cash through our partner AMEX.
Electricity: 220 – 240v 50Hz

Newcastle Climate

Newcastle has an oceanic/humid subtropical climate. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers, pleasant autumns and springs, and mild winters. Summer temperatures average between 20°C and 28°C, autumn and spring temperatures generally sit between 14°C and 26°C, while winter temperatures range between 10°C and 18°C. Rain is most common in late autumn and early winter.

• View local weather forecast for your holiday

Newcastle Airport

Name: Williamtown Airport
Address: Williamtown, located off Nelson Bay Road
Website www.newcastleairport.com.au
Distance to city: 27 Kms
Opening Hours: Virgin Australia counters are staffed Mon-Fri 0845-1445, Sat 0845-1445, Sun 0730-1315 and staff are available during these hours to process bookings and changes.

Newcastle Transport

Car hire:Great choice of hire cars at mates rates from our car suppliers
Taxi: Journey time approx 30 minutes – cost approx $40 Phone (02) 4979 3000
Bus: Regular scheduled public transport in the local area is available and schedules and fares can be obtained at www.visitnewcastle.com.au or call (02) 4974 2999.
Parking: Short and long term parking options available, call (02) 4928 9800 for costing and other information.

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

Oaks Lure

3 Star Property

Located 25 minutes drive from Newcastle Airport, Oaks Lure Apartments at Nelson Bay is located in the charming town centre and just a short walk from the unspoiled waters of Port Stephens, the marina, restaurants and shops.

Oaks Pacfic Blue Resort

4 Star Property

The Oaks Pacfic Blue Resort is reminiscent of a lush South Pacific Island, featuring pristine island beach pool with heated spa areas.The hotel features business center, meeting rooms, and swimming pool.

Travelodge Newcastle

4 Star Property

One of the New Generation of Travelodge Hotels. Located right in the heart of Newcastle, close to local nightlife, eat streets, sandy beaches and Newcastle's fabulous waterfront. A fully refurbished modern hotel, Travelodge Newcastle City offers everything you would expect from a full service hotel.

Shoal Bay Resort

4 Star Property

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa lies on the white sands of Shoal Bay, by the magnificent Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, spectacular bay and surrounding area. It is the only resort in Port Stephens area boasting a complete beachfront location.

Dining

A relaxed casual lifestyle, combined with thriving tourism and industrial trades has seen Newcastle grow one of Australia’s most promising dining scenes. Entertainment and eating precincts dot the waterfront and suburbs, highlighting a diverse array of cuisines and great choice of dining options.

Newcastle’s city centre is busy with businesses and first-class restaurants, while bordering suburb, Newcastle East also boasts a range of upmarket restaurants with sweeping views of the ocean. Bacchus on King Street has held a Chef’s Hat for the past three years, serving acclaimed French-inspired Australian cuisine. Bond Street’s Paymasters is a romantic and atmospheric, offering an impressive menu of modern Australian favourites overlooking Newcastle Harbour. While Scratchley's on the Wharf is a popular seafood restaurant that boasts some of the city’s best views.

As Newcastle has grown into an urban city, its infamous working wharves have been gentrified into foreshore promenades, which host waterfront cafes and restaurants galore. Honeysuckle Drive is Newcastle’s most sophisticated dining area, featuring a dazzling array restaurants and bars with spectacular water views. Sprout Dining celebrates Italian dishes with regional and seasonal produce. Laidback and relaxed, overlooking Newcastle Harbour, The Dockyard is the place to go for an after work drink or lazy Sunday lunch. While alfresco tables, a variety of tapas and weekly chef specials make Isobar one of Honeysuckle’s favourite restaurants.

Home to the area’s first Italian and Greek arrivals, Hamilton’s Beaumont Street is Newcastle’s premier Mediterranean eat-street, dotted with sidewalk cafes and a lively pub scene. La Donna Italian Restaurant at the Exchange Hotel serves traditional Italian food and mouth-watering seafood dishes. Dimitris Diner is the area’s most prominent Greek eatery, plating up traditional Greek favourites with Australian influences. While NoK Restaurant specialises in Mediterranean fare, in particular authentic Greek and Italian cuisine, made fresh on premise and served amid a relaxed atmosphere.

Darby Street in Cooks Hill is the city’s most bohemian precinct – an inner city cultural hub that seamlessly blends cafe culture with galleries and boutique shopping. Goldbergs’ relaxed café plates up everything from snacks to hearty feeds, complemented by great coffee and wine. Exuding international influences, The Depot offers a popular tapas-rich menu with a great vista of all the action of Darby Street. While the funky and quaint 3 Monkeys Cafe presents modern Australian and seafood dishes that impress. Afterhours check out one of the street’s live music venues or pubs, or pull a seat up at a late night coffee house.

To experiences the riches of the local wine scene, take a day trip to the nearby Hunter Valley vineyards, just over an hour away, where some of Australia’s finest drops are on show.

Shopping

As New South Wales’ second biggest city, outside Sydney, Newcastle offers a number of exciting retail opportunities. Several large shopping centres hosts well-known labels, inner-city neighbourhoods thrive with a unique mix of vintage and independent boutiques, while the city centre boasts a vibrant array of world-class shopping.

The city centre holds most of Newcastle’s retail trade, with four thriving precincts: the Heritage Precinct, the Mall Precinct, the West Precinct and the Tower Precinct. Located on Hunter Street, the Mall is the city’s most frequented precinct hosting hundreds of specialty, fashion, book and souvenir stores.

Situated five minutes from Newcastle Harbour and foreshore, Darby Street in Cooks Hill has a reputation as Newcastle’s best shopping destination. Hosting a bohemian blend of local designers, unique fashion boutiques, inspiring art spaces and trendy cafes, the inner-city precinct is a must-visit for all shoppers.

The Junction is Newcastle’s premier retail zone. Just southwest of the city centre, the cosmopolitan hub features an impressive selection of upmarket boutiques, which showcase designer labels, intricate jewellery and sought-after home wares.

Carrying the Westfield moniker, Westfield Kotara is the area’s largest shopping centre. Over 120 specialty stores populate the huge complex, complementing big names like David Jones, Kmart and Toys'R'Us.

As Australia’s second oldest city, antique stores abound. Discover the region’s and the country’s history at a number of antique dealers throughout Islington, Mayfield and Hamilton. Centenary Antique Centre is Newcastle’s largest antique centre, offering a wide range of antique collectables on Centenary Road in the city centre.

Adding to the region’s already flourishing retail scene, Newcastle also features an array of markets. Unique and retro items can be found at the Adamstown Markets; bargain hunters rejoice at the Islington flea markets; while farm fresh produce and gourmet foods are on display at the City Farmers and Craft Markets.