GETTING TO NEWCASTLE
Newcastle and transport Information
Newcastle, capital city of the Hunter Valley, is Australia ’s sixth largest city and one of its oldest. Located 165 kilometres north of Sydney, it is a city graced with some of the most spectacular beaches and waterways in the world.
Newcastle is the gateway to the Hunter Valley and is a very different place to the time when the steel and coal industries were the major source of employment. Today, while industry continues, the city features elegant restored buildings, picturesque parks and gardens - some with panoramic ocean views. It also attracts surfers worldwide to this unique part of Australia 's coastline. With its bustling harbour, maritime heritage, pristine beaches and burgeoning cultural assets, Newcastle is a city of surprises.
Accessible within a 40-minute drive of Newcastle are the surrounding areas of Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley wine country and breathtaking holiday destination of Port Stephens.
Arriving by Air
The region's major airport is Newcastle (Williamtown), a 30-minute flight from Sydney and just over 1 hour from Melbourne and Brisbane. Newcastle Airport offers passenger services direct from the airport to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Coolangatta, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Tamworth via Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for all other domestic and international arrivals.
International Delegates
Please visit www.immi.gov.au for visa and travel information to Australia.
Transfer options from the airport
Taxis
can be pre-booked on 131 008 or may be available at the airport for transfers to Newcastle CBD. The one-way fare from Newcastle Airport is approximately $50.00 to the Newcastle CBD. Cabcharge is accepted.
Newcastle Airport - Newcastle Bus Transfers
There is a regular scheduled coach service run by Port Stephens Coaches (4982 2940) from Newcastle (Williamtown) airport into the Newcastle CBD, operating between 7 am and 7 pm (Monday to Friday) and 9 am and 4.30 pm (Saturday and Sunday). The fare is approximately $5.80 each way.
HappyCabby
Airport Transport from Sydney and Newcastle Airports. Ph +2 4971 3991 Website: www.happycabby.com
Email: happycabby@novastar.com.au
Cost from Newcastle Airport: 1 person $60.00, 2 persons $80.00, every passenger over 2 people is $10.00 extra.
Cost from Sydney Airport: 1 person is $79.00, 2 persons $74.00 each, 2 persons $64.00 each
Travelling by Car
National Highway 1 (the F3 Freeway) is the main access route from Sydney to the Hunter, while the Pacific and New England highways are the main routes from Queensland.
Travelling by Rail
Newcastle is part of the New South Wales City Rail network. There are frequent return services daily from Sydney to Newcastle. For timetables and fares visit www.131500.info or call 131 500. The nearest station to Newcastle Civic Precinct is Civic Station.
CountryLink trains and coach network connect Newcastle via Broadmeadow station to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and other NSW country centres. For timetables, fares and online bookings visit www.countrylink.info or call 132 232.
/bar_on_the_hill_callaghan.jpg "As the main dining area for FAC-hosted conferences, the Bar on the Hill at the University is a great place for delegates to relax between presentations and get to know one another.")
As the main dining area for FAC-hosted conferences, the Bar on the Hill at the University is a great place for delegates to relax between presentations and get to know one another.