Promote Sustainable Commuting

The University of Newcastle actively implements a variety of measures to encourage sustainable commuting, supported by targets and infrastructure.

Promoting Sustainable Commuting at the University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle recognises that shifting travel modes away from single-occupant vehicles is essential for reducing emissions, improving health, and fostering more sustainable communities. We therefore take concrete steps to enable, incentivise, and support sustainable commuting among staff, students, and visitors.

Strategic Framework & Targets

• Our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019–2025 includes a Transport component with priority actions, targets, and measures of success to promote sustainable commuting.
• Within our Sustainability Goals — Transport section, we commit to actions such as advocating to local/State government for active travel, implementing our Strategic Transport Management Plan, and shifting the modal mix for staff and students.
• Key measures of success include no net increase in car space provision (relative to a 2018 baseline) and completing an emissions inventory for staff travel and fleet vehicles, with offsetting by 2025.

On‑the‑Ground Initiatives & Infrastructure

1. Shuttle & Intercampus Transport
   • We run a free shuttle bus service between our main Newcastle campuses (Callaghan ↔ City), helping reduce private vehicle trips.
   • Hybrid buses and shuttles are used to connect campuses and support sustainable campus mobility.
2. Bicycle Parking & End‑of‑Trip Facilities
   • At Callaghan campus, we have two fully enclosed Bike Hubs (East & West) offering secure bike storage, lockers, showers, and tyre pumps. Access is via staff/student card, and hubs operate 24/7.
   • On the Newcastle City Campus, bike hubs and end-of-trip facilities (lockers, showers, repair stands) are located at University House (adjacent to NUspace) and in the ground floor of the Q Building. Access is 24/7 via staff/student ID.
   • These facilities assist commuters to cycle safely and assure them of amenities once on campus.
3. Cycle Routes & Active Travel Promotion
   • We encourage walking, cycling, and public transport in our “Getting to campus” communications.
   • At our City campus, limited parking makes cycling particularly attractive, and cycle route maps are provided (in partnership with Newcastle City Council).
   • As part of new building projects (for example, the Q Building), we integrate sustainable transport elements including bike hubs and hybrid shuttle‑bus connectivity.
4. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
   • The University has installed dual EV charging stations in central parking bays at Callaghan campus.
   • All on-campus charging stations are powered by 100 % renewable electricity via our supplier.
   • Charging is free (for up to 4 hours while actively charging), with fines applicable if a vehicle remains parked after charging is complete.
   • We are progressively converting our vehicle fleet to EVs.
5. Ride‑Sharing, Carpool & Preferred Parking
   • The University partners with Liftango to facilitate carpooling for students and staff. Participants in Liftango get access to exclusive parking spaces on campus.
   • Drop-off and pick-up zones for rideshare vehicles and taxis are designated at Callaghan and NUspace.
6. Public Transport & Travel Concessions
   • The University advocates the use of public transport in its “Getting to campus” resources.
   • Students may be eligible for travel concessions (e.g. discounted fares).
   • We map and promote options combining public transport with walking or cycling legs.
7. Policy & Advocacy Efforts
   • We formally advocate to local and State governments for sustainable transport infrastructure, and integrate transport strategies into campus planning.
   • In the development of new precincts (e.g. Honeysuckle City Campus), a Green Travel Plan is embedded, including e‑bike schemes, car-sharing, and active modes.

Rideshare

Ridesharing, or carpooling, is the sharing of cars between drivers and passengers to reduce the number of cars on the road and an excellent option for travelling to campus.

The University of Newcastle has partnered with Liftango*, an exclusive ridesharing app, to make your trip to and from City Campus as hassle-free as possible. Users benefit from free parking in 20 exclusive spaces located behind The Conservatorium at Newcastle City Campus. Plus, Liftango has partnered with Pachama to offset the emissions of every trip made by drivers and passengers using their carpool technology.

When arranging a trip, your notification that you have a bay allocated to you is your permission to park in that area. As this is a high demand area, please ensure you cancel any matched trips that will not proceed so others can be allocated a bay.

Rideshare (Liftango)

_{* The Liftango app is available for University of Newcastle staff and students only.}

Electric Vehicle Charging

The University has invested in sustainable transport by installing electric vehicle charging stations across Callaghan campus and we are committed to expanding our charge station capacity at our other campus locations where we are able to do so. For Newcastle City charging locations, check out Plugshare.

Our charging infrastructure strategy is aimed at helping our community meet the challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles. As an electric vehicle-friendly University, our community can be confident the infrastructure is in place to support electric vehicles’ growing popularity and availability.

Aligned to our sustainability commitment, the electricity used to charge vehicles on campus is provided by 100% renewable sources thanks to our sector leading electricity supply agreement with Red Energy.

Electric vehicle charge station operating instructions More info on EVs

Bike

With limited parking at Newcastle City Campus, cycling is a convenient transport choice - plus it's great for your health and one of the most sustainable travel options. With such a beautiful coastline and so much to see and do in our city, cycling is perfect for Novocastrians.

Bike hubs

Bike hubs and end-of-trip facilities, including showers and lockers, are available at University House (next to NUspace) and on the ground floor of Q Building. Lockers are available on a first-come basis and operated with a personally chosen pin that will reset automatically at midnight - there is no secure overnight storage. There is also a bike repair stand and bike pump to assist with urgent repairs at both hubs. These secure facilities are available 24/7 using staff or student ID cards - as soon as your card is activated access to bike hubs is automatically available to you.

Cycle routes

Newcastle City Council has some amazing cycling resources, including cycleway maps so you can make your way around town safely and easily. For information on cycle routes in Newcastle, please refer to the City of Newcastle Cycleway maps.

Newcastle Cycleways Movement are Newcastles' bicycle user group, working to promote the safe responsible use of bicycles for transport, leisure and fitness. The group meet regularly and have created some cycleway videos on travelling to campus. Join their Facebook or Instagram pages for regular social rides and connect with Suburb Matter Experts.

Hire an e-bike

Did you know you can hire a bikes and e-bikes in Newcastle? Both Drift and Flash Bikes offer single or multi-day bike hire, including e-bikes. You can make a booking on their websites and both locations are close to the city centre. As both locations are close to cafes, you can fuel up before heading off on your ride.

Motorbikes

There is a small number of free motorbike parks located behind The Conservatorium on Charles St, amongst the rideshare bays. For more motorcycle parking information, please refer to the City of Newcastle website.

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.

Shuttles