Pedestrian Priority on Campus

Pedestrian Pathways

The University of Newcastle gives priority to pedestrian movement and active travel on campus through road design, traffic calming, infrastructure, and wayfinding systems. In 2024, this was exemplified by the below:

Road Design & Traffic Management

  • On Callaghan Campus, we operate a Ring Road system, and on the Ourimbah Campus, a Loop Road system. These roads are designed so that pedestrian movement between classes, recreational areas, and student amenities is separated from vehicle traffic wherever possible.
  • To further protect pedestrians, both Ring and Loop Roads carry a 10 km/h speed limit.
  • Crossing points are raised, well‑lit, and clearly highlighted, especially in parking and pedestrian zones, to ensure drivers slow down and pedestrians are visible and safe.

Encouraging Active Travel & Walking

  • We actively promote walking and other forms of active travel (cycling, scooting) as preferred modes for getting to and moving about on campus.
  • Our Walk to Campus web page provides guidance and active travel maps for surrounding suburbs, offers tips on safe routes, and highlights pedestrian entry points.
  • Once on campus, walking is the primary mode of movement between buildings and facilities — paths are laid out to provide direct, logical pedestrian routes.

Wayfinding, Maps & Digital Support

  • The University provides interactive campus maps and mobile apps where recommended pedestrian paths, footbridges, and patrolled walkways are clearly marked.
  • These digital tools also highlight lighting, safety, and shortest walking routes, helping users navigate effectively between classes, parking, and amenities.

Walk

We strongly encourage you to consider leaving your car at home and instead take advantage of the variety of ways to get to our campuses where you can, using the wide range of active travel options. Walking is great exercise and is one of the best exercises for your complete health (physical, mental, and social well-being).

Safe Walk Service

Our Campus Security team provide an after dark safe walk service, which is available to all members of our university community. The escorted service is provided from building to building, building to vehicle, and vice versa within the boundaries of our Callaghan Campus.

This service is 24/7, 365 days a year but is subject to operational capacity. Call the Campus Security number 4921 5888 to connect with a walking partner. It is recommended that you call at least 15 minutes prior to your required time.

The Safe Walk Service only operates on-campus and does not extend to the campus surrounds.

Smart Paths

Around campus you'll notice certain pathways are marked 'Smart Path'. These are high foot traffic areas with a combination of enhanced lighting, CCTV surveillance, wide paths and reduced vegetation.

Smart Paths are clearly marked and patrolled at night by our Campus Security team between 12:00pm – 12:00am seven days a week. This in addition to our normal campus patrols during the day. We encourage you choose these Smart Paths when walking around the campus.

You can find the Smart Paths map on the myUni app. The app also allows you to see your location in real time to help you find the right paths along with the Security Help Points in case you need to contact security along the way.

You can also download the Smart Paths map here.

Wayfinding

Big and beautiful - two words to describe our Callaghan Campus. Spread across campus you will find both physical and digital signage to help you find your way around.

MazeMap

MazeMap provides detailed maps of the University of Newcastle campuses including the location of lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, computer labs and toilets. It also shows you the nearest bus stops, university services, sporting venues, shops, food outlets, coffee, vending machines, water bubblers and free microwaves!

Using its inbuilt GPS technology, you can easily locate yourself on campus, then use MazeMap to show you both where your next class is and how best to get there.

MazeMap is available for staff and students via the myUni app, or anyone can access the maps via the University of Newcastle website.

Scenic Walking Trails

Nestled in bushland, Callaghan is home to some beautiful walking trails. Why not put on your walking shoes and explore?

Birabahn Cultural Trail

Commencing on the pathway between the Chancellery and the Shortland Union Building on the Callaghan Campus, you can take a leisurely 100 metre walk amongst the bushlands of the Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal Nation. The walking trail will lead you to the Birabahn Building which houses The Wollotuka Institute. With signage panels along the way, you will gain historical and cultural knowledge of the long association that Aboriginal people have with the University of Newcastle – Callaghan Campus site.

Don Morris Walk

Behind the Engineering Precinct, you'll find a walking trail through the wetlands and bushlands of Callaghan campus.

Don Morris was originally a lecturer at the University and was eventually appointed as University Planner in 1975. When Planner, he was able to preserve the character of the University's bushland campus through careful planning, which maximised retention of the existing native vegetation.

The Don Morris Walk was opened in his honour and commemorates Don's contribution to the campus grounds. It also provides an opportunity for environmental studies, as well as, offering a relaxing stroll through a section of beautiful Australian bushland and wetlands.

Help on campus

Security and emergencies

The University provides trained security officers to help ensure you and your property are safe on campus.

If you feel threatened, are concerned by something you have seen or experienced, or something just does not feel right, our Safety and Security Services team are here to help.

Security contacts

If your situation is life-threatening, always call emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) on 000 first, then contact security.

Other help options

Many issues you may need help with are addressed at ASKUON.

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you can access free, confidential counselling and support services.

First aid

We have over 100 qualified first aid officers across Newcastle, City precinct, Central Coast and Sydney locations, as well as at other University staffed sites.

First aid officers:

  • provide first aid assistance to staff, students and visitors
  • ensure First Aid Kits are stocked
  • report incidents and list first aid provided through the Online Incident Report Form
  • provide assistance in the event of an evacuation.

Lost property

Security Services manage lost property. If you are looking for a lost item, please submit a ServiceNow request.

  • the date and location the item was lost (if known)
  • a detailed description of the item (colour, brand, distinctive markings etc)
  • your contact details

Please also contact Security Services if you have found lost property. Please bring items to Security Services in the Services Building at Newcastle campus (Callaghan) or Facilities Management Building at Central Coast campus (Ourimbah) as soon as possible.

All lost property is kept for one month. After that time, if the owner cannot be identified we will dispose of the item appropriately.