Make the most of your visit to Newcastle by allowing some extra time to explore the city and the wider Hunter Region.
Newcastle is a vibrant coastal city with a rich maritime and industrial heritage, spectacular beaches, historic sites, excellent restaurants and a thriving food, arts and cultural scene. Many of the city's highlights can be explored on foot, from the harbour and Nobbys Head to the Bathers Way coastal walk, Newcastle Ocean Baths and the city's historic precincts.
For those interested in Newcastle's maritime history, the harbour and coastline provide a particularly fitting backdrop to an escort towage conference. Visitors can explore Nobbys Lighthouse and Breakwall, Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Museum and the historic waterfront, or experience the harbour and coastline from the water.
Local operators offer a range of cruises and marine experiences. CoastXP offers sightseeing and wildlife experiences along the Newcastle coastline and Hunter coast, while Nova Cruises offers cruises and events on Newcastle Harbour.
CoastXP: https://www.coastxp.com
Nova Cruises: https://novacruises.com.au
Just over an hour inland is the Hunter Valley, one of Australia's best-known wine regions. The region offers renowned wines, acclaimed restaurants, local produce and cellar doors, together with a range of experiences including guided tours, cycling, horse riding and hot-air ballooning.
The wider Hunter Region also offers beaches, national parks, wildlife, food and wine experiences, historic towns and a wide range of outdoor activities.
Whether you arrive early, stay on after the conference or have a spare day during your visit, Newcastle and the Hunter Region offer plenty to see and do.
Visit Newcastle: https://visitnewcastle.com.au
Hunter Region Tourism: https://www.hunterregion.org.au
Visit NSW – Hunter Valley: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/hunter/hunter-valley
Getting to Newcastle
Newcastle is easily accessible by air, rail and road, making it a convenient destination for delegates travelling from across Australia and overseas.
By Air
Newcastle Airport (NTL) is approximately 25–30 minutes by road from Newcastle city centre. The airport provides direct domestic connections to major Australian destinations including Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney, as well as international services to Bali.
From Newcastle Airport, delegates can reach the city by taxi, rideshare, hire car or public transport.
Newcastle Airport – Destinations & Flights:
https://www.newcastleairport.com.au/flights/our-destinations/
By Rail
Regular NSW TrainLink intercity services operate directly between Sydney Central and Newcastle Interchange, with services connecting Newcastle with the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie. The journey from Sydney takes approximately 2½ hours.
Newcastle Interchange provides connections to the city's light rail, buses and regional transport network.
By Road
Newcastle is approximately two hours north of Sydney by road via the M1 Pacific Motorway. The M1 provides direct motorway access from Sydney and continues north towards the Hunter, Central Coast and Queensland. Newcastle is also readily accessible from the north via the Pacific Highway/A1.