Life in Australia

In every corner of Australia you’ll find unique experiences and landscapes bursting with colour, culture and natural beauty. With a top quality of life and unrivalled natural settings, Australia is the ideal destination.

Newcastle is a vibrant coastal city and the second largest city in the state of New South Wales, two and a half hours north of Sydney. With much to see and do, you will be warmly welcomed to explore a variety of authentic experiences, Australian lifestyle and culture.

For international students living in Newcastle, the city:

  • offers a more affordable cost of living
  • is friendly and safe
  • has good work opportunities available

Welcome to Australia

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Locations & lifestyles

Locations & lifestyles

The University of Newcastle has several campus locations, each with their own lifestyle and attractions:

Newcastle - Once a working-class, no-nonsense destination, Newcastle is now a culinary and artistic hot-spot that’s also home to some of the best beaches in the whole country.

Central Coast - Unleash your adventurous side, discover pristine beaches, explore nature trails or just relax and unwind.

Port Macquarie - Located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, boasting 17 gorgeous beaches, a lush hinterland, a diverse variety of attractions.

Sydney - A wonderland of beautiful beaches, historical sites, fabulous shows, delicious restaurants and much more.

Nearby Newcastle

Nearby Newcastle

Surrounding Newcastle are regional attractions including:

  • Lake Macquarie - Australia's largest coastal saltwater lagoon
  • Port Stephens - A collection of seaside villages with beautiful sand dunes
  • Hunter Valley - stunning vineyards, valleys and gourmet eateries
  • Barrington Tops - a world-heritage listed rainforest popular for bushwalking, kayaking, abseiling and mountain biking.
Entertainment

Entertainment

There are many low-cost and free activities for you and your friends to do together around the city. here are some ideas to start with:

Food

Food

With a range of mouth-watering restaurants, bars and cafes, Newcastle has cuisines to suit all tastes. The two main destinations for food lovers are Darby Street in Cooks Hill and Beaumont Street in Hamilton. Here are some local favourites to try:

  • Darby Street - Goldbergs, Three Monkeys or Autumn Rooms (Cafes), Le Dynasty (Chinese) or Darby Raj (Indian)
  • Beaumont Street - Mockingbird (Cafe), El Nonno (Italian), Kings XI (Indian) or Eight Buns (Chinese)
  • Elsewhere in Newcastle - Ginger Meg's (Asian Fusion). MEET (Brazilian), Grand Pavilion (Indian) or Glebe Takeaway (Fish and Chips)
  • Best beach views - try cafes including Estabar, Newcastle Beach Kiosk or Merewether Surfhouse
Sport

Sport

The people of Newcastle, known as Novocastrians, love a range of sports. You can get involved and:

  • Watch the Newcastle Knights (rugby league) or the Newcastle Jets (football) at McDonald Jones Stadium
  • Play cricket, tennis, netball, basketball, baseball, hockey, badmington, football/soccer and more around the city
  • Swim indoors or outdoors, at swimming pools, coastal baths or patrolled beaches
  • Work out with students discounts at The Forum gyms based at Callaghan campus and in the city

Explore our campuses

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Connectivity and getting around

An award-winning smart city, Newcastle has embraced innovation and technology throughout its inner-city infrastructure.

Smart technology

Smart parking app, next-gen streetlight technology and interactive help screens.

Connected

Free high-speed public WiFi in the CBD and apps with real-time information

Newcastle airport

Frequent direct flights to major Australian cities; and many one or two stop flights to major international cities. Awarded Australia's best airport in 2018.

Public transport

Trains, trams and buses safely connect our campuses to the city and beach.

Free shuttles

The University offers free shuttles between it's Newcastle campuses, and shuttles from Newcastle Callaghan to nearby local shops.