Destination Newcastle
Join a welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative community
Newcastle is a multicultural, interconnected study destination, and a growing regional economy. As the second largest city in NSW, it's the perfect mix of coastal living and vibrant culture.
With plenty to see and do, both on and off campus, the University of Newcastle provides the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity.
Life in Newcastle
Our community of over 36,000 students from 100+ countries offers diverse sports, recreation, and entertainment opportunities. With affordable living and job prospects during and after your degree, it's a welcoming place to study.
Students at Newcastle Beach
Aerial view of Newcastle's beaches and cliffs
Students at our Ourimbah Campus
A native koala in a tree
Entertainment
There are many low-cost and free activities for you and your friends around the city.
Here are some ideas to start with:
- Rent a bike, ride along the coast and watch for whales in winter
- Go hiking or spot wildlife and meet the local koalas at Blackbutt Nature Reserve
- Explore arts and history at Newcastle Museum, Art Gallery or Civic Theatre
- Go for a dip at one of Newcastle’s world-famous beaches or the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere
- Enjoy a boutique shopping experience on Darby Street or visit our major shopping malls
- Join one of our 80+ clubs, societies and sports teams to meet people who share your passions and interests and make lifelong friendships
Food
There is a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes suited to your taste buds here in Newcastle. Here are some of our local favourites to try:
- Darby Street, Cooks Hill - Goldbergs, Three Monkeys or Autumn Rooms (cafés), Kai Fan Chinese Restaurant or Darby Raj (Indian)
- Beaumont Street, Hamilton - Mockingbird (café), In Forno (Italian), Kings XI (Indian), Bangkok Nights (Thai) or Eight Buns (Chinese)
- Elsewhere in Newcastle - Ginger Meg's (Asian fusion), MEET (Brazilian), Sapphire Indian or Glebe Takeaway (fish and chips)
- Cooking a dish from home? - There are many multicultural grocers to find all your favourite ingredients. Try Young Asian Grocery, Kwon Mart, Raj Spices, House of Asia, Kairali or Bibina
Getting around
- Public transport - Trains, trams and buses safely connect our campuses to the city and beach
- Free shuttles - The University offers free shuttle buses between its Newcastle campuses. As well as shuttles from Newcastle Callaghan to nearby local shops
- Newcastle Airport - Located 25km north of the city centre is the Newcastle Airport. It offers frequent direct flights to major Australian cities. Plus, upgrades to the international terminal due to be completed by the end of 2024
Ready to explore Newcastle?
Job opportunities
Newcastle is a city of innovation and technology. Supporting over 80,000 jobs, there are many part-time and full-time employment opportunities within Newcastle and in a range of industries.
Some of the biggest growth industries in Newcastle include:
Work while you study
As the only university in Newcastle and the Hunter region, we have strong industry partnerships. These partnerships ensure you can collaborate with leading industries during your studies. Our careers service also helps students find part-time work while they study.
Our campuses
Our friendly, secure campuses provide innovative facilities to enhance your study experience in Australia. Learn from world-class educators and connect with local and international students, immersing yourself in Australian culture and lifestyle.
Newcastle (City)
Situated in the city's bustling CBD, this campus provides integral links with industry for creativity, business, and law.
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Newcastle (Callaghan)
The original and main campus, Newcastle (Callaghan) is a beautiful mix of award-winning architectural works sitting across 140 hectares in a lush, natural setting.
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Central Coast (Ourimbah)
Halfway between Newcastle and Sydney sits the Central Coast region, with beautiful waterways, national parks, and coastal towns.
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Central Coast (Gosford)
Situated at Gosford Hospital, our Central Coast Clinical School is a nation-leading health, medicine and wellbeing teaching and education facility, operating alongside the Central Coast Research Institute.
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Sydney (City)
Located in the heart of Sydney's vibrant CBD, our campus offers world-class facilities and cutting-edge postgraduate programs in IT, Business, and Accounting.
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Ready to explore Newcastle?
Learn more about Newcastle living
Accommodation
Feel at home with our support and regular events, whether you are living on campus, off campus, or in a nearby homestay.
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Find your community
Join a welcoming, inspiring community with diverse opportunities on and off campus.
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International Student support
Enhance your experience with academic, language, financial, and health services.
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Living in Australia
In every corner of Australia you’ll find unique experiences and landscapes bursting with colour, culture and natural beauty.
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Looking for more information?
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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.