About the Cities
Life in Newcastle
Newcastle is home to some of Australia's most beautiful beaches. It is also one of the only cities that combines inner city life, beaches and a working harbour, all within walking distance of each other. With popular café and restaurant strips, a thriving local music and art scene, affordable accommodation, and good transport links, Newcastle is great for students.
Newcastle offers many unique precincts with great street scapes and waterfronts providing their own feel and character, offering something for everyone. For a diverse, friendly, relaxed bohemian atmosphere with shopping, cafes and restaurants, head to Darby Street in Cooks Hill. Or visit the harbour, home to the Honeysuckle Precinct with foreshore promenades and open squares offering waterfront cafes and restaurants - all with glorious views. For a bit of culture, enjoy a live performance at the Civic Theatre or take in an exhibition at the Hunter Regional Art Gallery.
With a population of 350,000, the city supports a thriving business and commercial sector and an excellent network of leading health and education facilities. Newcastle offers something for everyone. Whether you want to dance the night away, enjoy your favourite food or drink, or find a place where you can simply relax with friends, you will find it in Newcastle.
Life in Armidale
Armidale lies in the beautiful heart of the NSW Northern Tablelands, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, and just two and a half hours from the coast.
As a regional university city with all the benefits and services of a larger city, Armidale pulses with a unique blend of cosmopolitan vitality, cultural diversity and easy-going hospitality, which sets it apart from other regional centres. There is a wide range of cultural and other groups in Armidale for you to get involved in. There are always lots of shows and events on for you to enjoy from small gigs in pubs or art shows through to major events like the Sustainable Living Expo (SLEX) and the Autumn Festival.
Sport is a big part of UNE and the wider Armidale community. The area boasts 34 hectares of sporting ovals and playing fields, and a vast array of indoor/outdoor sporting and recreation facilities. All four football codes, basketball, netball, volleyball, cricket, archery, rowing, kayaking, bowling, squash, tennis, gymnastics, martial arts, equestrian events and many other sports are available here.
Anywhere on campus, you're only 5-10 minutes bus/bike ride from Armidale's city centre. Being the best of the city and country combined makes Armidale a great place to live.
