Booking Your Reception

Please register your arrival details via the Survey form to notify us of your flight and intended travel arrangements.

Register my arrival here

Within the Arrivals Hall at Sydney International Airport there is a Travel Concierge Service which can assist with transport enquiries and directions. Please see below for details on transferring to the different campuses of the University of Newcastle.

TIP!
It is a good idea to exchange your currency for Australian dollars while you are in the Arrivals Hall at Sydney International Airport.

Travelling from Sydney to Newcastle

Students studying at the Callaghan campus in Newcastle

Most international students arrive in Australia at Sydney's International Airport and then travel to Newcastle by bus, train or plane. Regardless of the method of travel between Sydney and Newcastle, all passengers arriving at Sydney International Airport must collect their belongings from the luggage carousel and pass through Customs and Quarantine before proceeding to the Arrivals Hall.

By Bus

A direct pick-up and transfer service is available between Sydney Airport and Newcastle with Happy Cabby Airport Transfer Service. You can book this service online using Happy Cabby Booking form. University of Newcastle students are offered a special discount rate, simply provide your student number (found on the top of your Offer Letter or Confirmation of Enrolment Letter) when you book online.

On arrival at Sydney Airport, make your way to the Happy Cabby meeting point located at McDonald’s Restaurant in the International Arrivals Halls. You should remain in this vicinity while you wait for the bus driver to meet you. The journey between Sydney and Newcastle is approximately 3 hours and varies depending on the number of stops the bus makes en route.

By Train

There are regular trains from Sydney International Airport to Sydney Central Train Station where you can change trains to go to Newcastle. Please visit the CityRail Transport Info website for timetable, fare and trip planner information.  The journey to Newcastle can vary depending on the number of stations your train stops at. As a general rule, the journey from International Airport Station to Newcastle Station takes about 3.5 hours.

The University of Newcastle provides a free pick-up service for newly commencing international students who arrive at Newcastle Station or Broadmeadow Station. To book this service please email international-advisors@newcastle.edu.au with the following details of your arrival:

  • Student Name
  • Student ID Number
  • Contact Number
  • Date of Arrival
  • Time of Arrival at Newcastle or Broadmeadow Train Station
  • Address to be taken to in Newcastle

By Air

Students who choose to fly from Sydney to Newcastle (approximately 30 minutes) should book their domestic flight at the same time as they book their international flight. Flights leave from the Qantas Domestic Terminal at Sydney Airport and transfers between airport terminals are possible by train, taxi or bus. Newcastle airport at Williamtown is located approximately 35 minutes’ drive from Newcastle city centre and the University.

The University of Newcastle provides a free transport service for newly commencing international students who arrive at Newcastle Airport (Williamtown). You can book this complementary service by sending an email to international-advisors@newcastle.edu.au with the following details of your arrival:  

  • Student Name
  • Student ID Number
  • Country
  • Contact Number
  • Email
  • Date of Arrival
  • Time of Arrival at Newcastle Airport
  • Flight Number
  • Arriving from
  • Address to be taken to in Newcastle
  • Additional luggage details

On arrival at Newcastle Airport, make your way to the meeting point at the Information Desk located near the baggage claim carousel. You should remain in this vicinity while you wait for the bus driver to meet you. Happy Cabby will transport you directly to your temporary accommodation or to the University.

Travelling from Sydney to Ourimbah

Students studying at the Ourimbah campus on the Central Coast

A complementary pick-up and transfer service is available for newly commencing students travelling between Sydney Airport and Ourimbah campus. You can book this service online using the Central Coast Airport Shuttle Booking Form. Please complete the online form with your arrival information and be sure to include the following details in the comments field:

  • Student ID (located on your Offer Letter or Confirmation of Enrolment letter)
  • Please indicate that you are a new University of Newcastle OURIMBAH student (to receive transfer service free of charge)

On arrival at Sydney Airport, make your way to the Central Coast Airport Shuttle meeting point located at McDonald’s Restaurant in the International Arrivals Halls. You should remain in this vicinity while you wait for the bus driver to meet you. The journey between Sydney and the Central Coast is approximately 2 hours and varies depending on the number of stops the bus makes en route.