Arrival
Welcome to Australia! This page contains information on what to bring to Australia, what to do when you arrive, how to find our campuses and advice on securing permanent accommodation.
If you’d like to secure permanent accommodation before you start studying, arrive at least 2 weeks before your study begins. At a minimum, you should arrive at least 5-7 days before orientation week so you can settle into life in Australia and enjoy our welcome program.
Airport pickup service
A complimentary airport pickup service is available to all commencing University of Newcastle international students and College (CIE) students, arriving onshore for the first time on a student visa. This is a one-off, free service available to everyone who has accepted an offer to study at our Newcastle, Central Coast or Sydney campuses and is part of our international student onboarding process. If you are an international student continuing in your studies, travelling as part of a study tour or arriving on an alternate visa, you can pay the company directly for use of their airport transfer service or find alternative means of transport. Please see here for public transport options.
This table indicates the nearest airport to fly into and claim your free pickup service:
Campus | Best Airport |
|---|---|
Sydney | Sydney (SYD) |
Central Coast Campuses (Ourimbah & Gosford) | Sydney (SYD) |
Newcastle (Callaghan) | Newcastle (NTL) |
Newcastle (City) | Newcastle (NTL) |
Newcastle (Callaghan or City) students — you can fly to Newcastle as a connecting flight from either Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney International airports. You can also fly directly to Sydney, however, please note that Newcastle is 170km north of Sydney.
Sydney and Central Coast (Ourimbah or Gosford) students — fly into Sydney International Airport.
Book your airport pickup service
Sydney Airport (SYD)
Sydney Airport pickup service
On your arrival to Australia our preferred provider 2Airport Transfers will pick you up from Sydney Airport (SYD) and transport you to your first accommodation in either Sydney, Central Coast or Newcastle.
Use the booking button below to book your Airport Pickup and transfer service. Please note the following before proceeding to make your booking:
- Ensure your flights and accommodation have been booked and confirmed. You will need to provide these details at time of booking.
- The service is complimentary (free) for newly commencing University of Newcastle students arriving onshore for the first time on a student visa. Your student ID number is required to verify your eligibility and complete the online booking. You will receive a service fee estimate if you do not qualify for the free service.
- Please complete your booking request at least 5 business days (Monday – Friday) before your arrival date.
Book 2Airport pickup and transfer service
What happens after I submit my booking?
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provide in the request form. This approval email is important as it will provide you with instructions on where to meet the driver. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact 2Airport company.
Contact 2Airport Transfers
- WhatsApp: +61 455 800 800
- Email: info@2airport.com.au
Terms, conditions and eligibility for complimentary service
1. You must request the service no later than five (5) business days (Monday-Friday) before you depart for Australia.
2. To request a service, you must include your Student ID number (3xxxxxx) or CIE (1xxxxxxx) on your booking form.
3. The complimentary (free) service is only available to University of Newcastle students on a student visa arriving onshore to Australia for the first time. The International Student Support Office will confirm your student status and eligibility before the airport pickup service confirms your booking.
4. The service must be agreed to by the University and our Preferred Providers.
5. Additional charges may apply for:
- Additional travellers such as family members
- If your transfer service is not within the designated radius or booked less than five business days before your flight (as per 1).
- If you are deemed ineligible for the complimentary service, you will receive a service fee estimate and can continue to book as a fee paying passenger.
- Additional luggage items (see FAQs below)
This will be confirmed to you at the time of your request.
6. Should you need to cancel or modify your service, please contact our Preferred Providers directly. Fees may apply for failure to notify 2Airport of changes or cancelations.
Can I book the service if I'm going outside Newcastle district?
Yes, you can. Discounted shuttle or private services available for all other locations.
Can I book the service if I am travelling with additional passengers?
If you are travelling with additional people who are not University of Newcastle students, a fee will be payable during the booking process. If the additional passenger is a University of Newcastle student, they must complete a separate booking.
Where will I meet the driver?
The driver will meet you at McDonald’s restaurant located inside the International Airport arrivals.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each student can bring 2 check in bags free of charge. Any additional bags will be $5 each and must be informed to 2Airport via the booking form before arriving in Sydney Airport.
Are there change or cancelation fees?
Please cancel or modify your booking through 2Airport by contacting the email, WhatsApp, or 24/7 live chat on the 2Airport website. Fees may apply if you do not notify the company of changes or cancellations.
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Newcastle Airport pickup service
On your arrival our preferred provider Waratah Hire Cars will pick you up from Newcastle Airport (NTL) and transport you to your first accommodation in greater Newcastle or Lake Macquarie.
Use the booking button below to book your Airport Pickup and transfer service. Please note the following before proceeding to make your booking:
- Ensure your flights and accommodation have been booked and confirmed. You will need to provide these details at time of booking.
- The service is complimentary (free) for newly commencing University of Newcastle students arriving onshore for the first time on a student visa. Please enter your student ID number in the Booking Comments Field to verify your eligibility and complete the online booking. You will receive a service fee estimate if you do not qualify for the free service.
- Please complete your booking request at least 5 business days (Monday – Friday) before your arrival date.
What happens after I submit my booking?
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provide in the request form. This approval email is important as it will provide you with instructions on where to meet the driver. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Waratah Hire Cars directly.
Contact Waratah Hire Cars
- Phone: + 2 49622262
- Mobile: +61 0429420209
- Email: info@waratahhirecars.com.au
Terms, conditions and eligibility for complimentary service
1. You must request the service no later than five (5) business days (Monday-Friday) before you depart to Australia.
2. To request a service you must include your Student ID number (3xxxxxx) or CIE (1xxxxxxx) on your booking form
3. The complimentary (free) service is only available to University of Newcastle students on a student visa arriving onshore to Australia for the first time. The International Student Support Office will confirm your student status and eligibility before the airport shuttle service confirms your booking.
4. The service is agreed to by the University and our Preferred Providers.
5. Additional charges may apply for:
- Additional travellers such as family members
- If your transfer service is not within the designated radius or booked less than five business days before your flight (as per 1)
- If you are deemed ineligible for the complimentary service, you will receive a service fee estimate and can continue to book as a fee paying passenger
- Additional luggage items (see FAQs below)
Any additional fees will be confirmed to you at the time of your request.
6. Should you need to cancel or modify your service, please contact our Preferred Providers directly. Fees may apply for failure to notify Waratah Hire Cars of changes or cancelations.
Can I book the service if I'm going outside Newcastle district?
Yes you can but fees may apply depending on the distance travelled. Waratah Hire Cars can confirm this at time of booking
Can I book the service if I am travelling with additional passengers?
Yes you can. If you are travelling with additional people who are not University of Newcastle students, a fee will be payable during the booking process. If the additional passenger is a University of Newcastle student, they must complete a separate booking.
Where will I meet the driver?
The driver will meet you in the Arrival Hall of Newcastle Airport, near the exit doors. The driver will hold signage to indicate the booking details.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each student can bring 2 check in bags free of charge. Please note and discuss any additional baggage with Waratah Hire Car to ensure the vehicle has sufficient luggage capacity.
Australian Border Force Customs
All arriving international passengers into Australia must pass an Australian Border Force Customs check. This is where they check that you are following the Australian rules on truthfully declaring why you are in Australia and what you are bringing with you. This involves completing forms and having your bags checked. There are severe fines and penalties if you do not follow the rules.
Check this list by the Australian government on what you can bring into Australia, and what you must declare on your incoming passenger card. You must declare all prescription medicine. For more information visit the Australian Border force website.
This video of arrival tips for International students at Sydney airport demonstrates the arrival process, which is the same at all International Australian airports.
Campuses and Locations
Our main University campuses are in three of the most beautiful cities on the East Coast:
Visit Campuses and Locations to view information on all campuses of the University of Newcastle. Click on any location to see a map, campus tour videos, and information on the facilities of the campus and the surrounding areas.
Here are links on how to reach each campus in Australia:
Getting to Newcastle Campus (Callaghan)
Getting to Newcastle Campus (City)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.