Travel and Accommodation Information for Conference Attendees

Please note: All monetary amounts are given in Australian dollars

Getting to Newcastle

Getting to Newcastle from Major Australian International Airports

Whether you’re arriving from overseas or connecting domestically, travelling to Newcastle is easy. Here are the most common and convenient ways to make the journey from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne international airports.

From Sydney International Airport (SYD) to Newcastle
Getting to Newcastle from Sydney Airport is simple, with a range of transport options to suit different budgets and travel styles. 

Train: Airport Line → Central → Intercity train to Newcastle Interchange (approx. 3 hrs)

Airport Shuttle: Providers such as Newcastle Connections offer door-to-door or scheduled services between Sydney and Newcastle - ideal for groups or travellers with luggage.

Taxi/Private Transfer: ~2.5 hrs

Self‑drive: ~2.5 hrs via M1

From Brisbane Airport (BNE)

  • Direct flights to Newcastle Airport (NTL): Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas (approx. 1.5 hrs)

From Melbourne Airport (MEL)

  • Direct flights: Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas (approx. 1.5 hrs)

From Perth Airport (PER)

  • Direct flights: Qantas (approx. 4.5 hrs)

How to Get to Newcastle City Campus (NUspace) from Newcastle Airport (NTL)

You have several options for travelling from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to the University of Newcastle’s NUspace campus in the city centre.

NUspace is located on the corner of Auckland Street and Hunter Street and is directly served by the Civic Light Rail stop.

By Public Transport (Bus → Light Rail) 

Board the bus service heading toward Newcastle. Remain on your bus service until you reach Newcastle Interchange, the city’s main transport hub.

  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour

Inside Newcastle Interchange, follow the signs to the Newcastle Light Rail platforms.

Board any light rail service heading toward Newcastle Beach (all light rail services travel in that direction).

  • Frequency: Every 7.5 minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekdays, with regular service until 1am.

Ride the light rail for two stops before exiting at Civic Station, the stop directly in front of NUspace.

By Taxi or Rideshare 

Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Ola, DiDi) operate from Newcastle Airport (NTL).

  • Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
  • Fare: roughly $60 - $80 AUD

This option takes you directly to the NUspace entrance on Auckland Street.

By Rental Car / Self-drive 

Car hire is available at Newcastle Airport (NTL).

  • Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes

Parking in the Newcastle CBD is limited and metered, so factor this into your arrival plan.

Conference Accommodation Options

All prices listed are in Australian Dollars (AUD).

We have arranged discounted accommodation options for conference delegates in Newcastle’s city centre, each within close proximity to NUspace.

Rydges Newcastle (Honeysuckle)

Located on Newcastle’s harbour in the Honeysuckle precinct, approximately a five‑minute walk from NUspace. Around 30 minutes’ drive from Newcastle Airport (NTL).

Delegate rate:
15% off Rydges’ best available rate.

How to book: Use our private booking page for delegate rates and availability: 
Book Rydges Newcastle - 24th Biennial Conference on Balkan and South Slavic Linguistics, Literature and Folklore

Notes:  Rooms are limited and subject to availability and Rydges’ standard terms and conditions: Rydges Newcastle.

Crystalbrook Kingsley (Newcastle Civic)

Next to NUspace, the Crystalbrook Kingsley is a contemporary 5‑star hotel close to dining, arts, and light rail services.

Your rate:
15% off the flexible “stay” rate (subject to availability; blackout dates may apply).

How to book:

  1. Go to the http://www.crystalbrookcollection.com/kingsley/
  2. Click Book now, select your dates, and enter promo code UNINEW to see your discounted rate.
  3. Complete your booking (a credit card is required to secure the reservation).

Crystalbrook Kingsley key details & fine print:

  • Checkin from 3:00pm | Checkout before 11:00am.
  • Cancellation: Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours before arrival (by 3:00pm the day prior) without charge; cancellations after this or no-shows incur one night’s charge. Early departures with less than 24 hours’ notice incur one night’s charge.
  • Valid for individual bookings up to 9 rooms (for 10+ contact Kingsley.events@crystalbrookcollection.com).

Other Accommodation Options

While we have arranged discounted rates with Rydges and Crystalbrook, Newcastle also offers a variety of alternative accommodation options within walking distance or a short commute to NUspace, including:

  • Little National
    Boutique “affordable luxury” right on Honeysuckle Drive, placing you by Newcastle’s harbourside dining and foreshore.
    Address: 44 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW.
  • Quest Apartment Hotel
    Self-contained serviced apartments with full kitchens and laundry, plus an indoor pool and gym—ideal for longer stays.
    Address: 575 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW.
  • QT Newcastle
    Design led boutique hotel with Jana Restaurant & Bar and the Rooftop at QT for harbour view drinks.
    Address: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW.
  • Novotel
    Beachside hotel in the East End, a short walk to Newcastle Beach, with onsite restaurant and fitness facilities.
    Address: 5 King St, Newcastle NSW

Optional post-conference visit

We are currently gauging interest in an optional post-conference visit to Blackbutt Reserve on Sunday, 24 May 2026, following the close of the conference.

Blackbutt Reserve is a local nature reserve set on natural bushland, offering walking trails and native wildlife exhibits. The visit would provide an opportunity to experience Australian flora and fauna in a relaxed bushland setting, with insights from experienced wildlife keepers.

The excursion will proceed if at least 30 attendees register their interest.

If you would like to participate, please complete the expression of interest form available here.

We kindly ask that you submit your response by 31 March 2026.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle in May 2026. Should you have any questions regarding the conference, travel or accommodation arrangements, please contact CHSFEnquiries@newcastle.edu.au.