About the Newcastle, NSW, Australia (click on the blue links)
General
Newcastle is New South Wales' second-most populous city (behind Sydney). With a population of about 540,000 residents, Newcastle maintains a small-town character while offering a variety of big-city amenities. The town's growing arts scene, blue-collar roots and laid-back attitude make it a charming alternative to Sydney if you're travelling to NSW.
Newcastle accommodation gives you a base point for exploring the region. The city is surrounded by water, making it a great summertime destination for wannabe beach-goers. Walk along Darby Street, Cooks Hill or Newcastle East to enjoy funky cafes, browse local boutiques and whet your appetite for window shopping. Whatever you choose to do, it will become apparent that Newcastle offers just as many exciting things to see and do as its bigger-city counterparts.
Things to do in Newcastle
Much of Newcastle's claim to fame lies in its beautiful coastline. The city is home to eight beaches, with Newcastle, Nobbys, Merewether and Bar beaches being the most popular. Fishing and surfing, in particular, are great activities to enjoy on the beaches of Newcastle. Whether you're looking to cast a line or catch a wave, you'll find plenty of companies offering equipment for hire.
Pull up a seat along the harbour to enjoy views of the fishing boats, ships, ferries, yachts and kayaks that grace its waters. Newcastle is a hub of activity, and you won't want to miss the exciting sight of large freight ships pulling into the harbour.
Newcastle also offers a variety of cultural attractions you should definitely check out. Fort Scratchley was built during the Crimean War to offer protection, and saw action in World War II in fights against Japanese war ships.
Christ Church Cathedral is another must-see. Towering above the city, the iconic place of worship is slightly minimal in design, but its position atop Newcastle and its gorgeous stained-glass windows make it worth a visit.
If you're a nature lover, head to the Hunter Wetlands Centre. Home to more than 200 different species of birds and animals, the area is a unique opportunity to explore the region's wilder side. Hire a canoe for an up-close look at the wetlands.
Weather in Newcastle
Newcastle enjoys good weather on a year-round basis. Its location is conducive to warm winters and hot summers, with temperatures peaking at around 30°C/86°F at the height of the warm season (January). In the winter months, the temps dip to a mild daytime high of about 17°C/62°F.
(above is an extract from http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations...area/Newcastle)
Links
Newcastle Wikipedia
Visit Newcastle
Newcastle, Australia's seventh largest city, is only 160kms north of Sydney. It is located in the heart of the Hunter Region and is bordered by a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches.
All within an hour's drive, Newcastle is ideally located to access amazing beaches in Newcastle and Port Stephens; world-class wineries in the Hunter Valley; a world-heritage listed rainforest, Barrington Tops; Australia's largest salt water lake, Lake Macquarie; and some of the world's most famous horse studs in the Upper Hunter.
Easily accessible by air with several flights departing daily, rail, boat, interstate and local coach services. The City offers a range of local public transport services, as well as world class cycle ways and walking tracks.
Newcastle's proximity to Sydney and surrounds makes it an easy getaway for a weekend or longer stay.
Visit Newcastle maps & guides
Visit NSW Newcastle
Newcastle LonelyPlanet
Local Newcastle attractions
Fighterworld
Fighter World is dedicated to preserving the proud history of fighter aircraft operations in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Located just 20 mins drive north of Newcastle, adjacent to the entrance to RAAF Base Williamtown at Newcastle Airport, Fighter World is a totally ‘hands on’ experience. Exhibited in two hangars, visitors can walk-around, touch and look into the cockpits of such famous aircraft as the Mirage III, the Avon Sabre, the Gloster Meteor, the first Vampire jet built in Australia and new in 2013 the mighty F-111. There is a Russian designed MiG-21 jet fighter, Hawker Hunter, WWII Spitfire replica, a Messerschmitt replica and much more. Fighter World also offers the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a Mirage interceptor and Macchi jet trainer and experience first-hand what it’s like to be one of Australia’s ‘Top Gun’ pilots in today’s hi-tech world.
Public Transport in and around Newcastle
Newcastle Buses & Ferries
more information later
Airport to the City (Crown Plaza)
Bus
From
http://www.newcastleairport.com.au/transport/bus
Port Stephens Coaches
Port Stephens Coaches operates a public bus service from Newcastle Airport to Newcastle train station up to 11 times a day, as well as a service to the Nelson Bay area.
For further information and timetables contact Port Stephens Coaches:
Tel: (02) 4982 2940
Go to Port Stephens Coaches Website
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Opal cards
Opal cards are not sold at Newcastle Airport, passengers do not require an Opal card to get to/from the airport.
- Port Stephens buses accept cash payment or Opal cards for all routes.
http://www.pscoaches.com.au/Timetables
http://www.pscoaches.com.au/SiteFile.../Route_Map.pdf Download bus route map
Bus route 130 131 Goes from Airport down Hunter St (about 40 minutes). Make sure you are going to the city:not the other way away from the city/airport
Merewether cross's Hunter. Crown Plaza is on Merewether & Wharf (a few minutes walk)
Taxi
From
https://www.taxifare.com.au/
From Newcastle Airport, Williamtown, New South Wales to Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Wharf Road, Newcastle, NSW
$60 - $85 26km - 28 minutes
Down load this. Has a map of the city (zoom in)
http://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/ima...lemapguide.pdf
Getting to Newcastle NTL
a) By Air
Newcastle NTL airport web site
Airlines to/from NTL Flights to/from SYD, BNE, OOL, MEL and some regional NSW airports
JQ from MEL OOL
VA from BNE MEL
QF from BNE
ZL from SYD Taree
FP from Canberra, Sydney, Ballina/Byron Bay, Dubbo & Coffs Harbour
Edit. NTL SYD by air as this TR
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-...l#post28209661
b) By Rail
From Sydney Central to Broadmeadows, then by connecting bus
Sydney trains tickets
Sydney Opal public transport tickets (Would like more info from a SYD or NTL local)
NSW rail select fare Add Central Station & Newcastle Station, Scott St, Newcastle. About 2:50hr with Opal fare $9.80 (fare can vary)
Central Coast & Newcastle Line timetable
Download Central Coast & Newcastle Line timetable
Download intercity map
Transport NSW info & planning
From Sydney Airport to Broadmeadows, Newcastle then by connecting bus
Directions to Broadmeadow from Sydney Airport $23.40
From
post 128 courtesy of
Bundy Bear
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You can pick up the Opal card at the airport train station, tell them where you are going and they will suggest an amount to add to the card.
Double that if you will use the train to train back to Sydney and then some more $ for local Newcastle & Sydney public transport if needed.
Please note you can only buy an Opal card using Mastercard or visa unless you visit a 7 Eleven or Woolworths grocery shop where American Express is accepted.
$19.61 from Airport International to Newcastle.
Train from airport into Central and then change to the long distance trains.
Usually the suburban trains come into the higher number platforms and the intercity (Newcastle depart from the lower number platforms.
http://www.sydneytrains.info/ For timetable information, Central Coast and Newcastle Line.
Trains to Newcastle from Central run every 30 minutes; example 12:15 and 12:45pm.
Journey for the 12:15pm arrives at 2:51pm so almost 2:45 hours.
Please note the train only goes to Hamilton. The 3 stations Wickham, Civic and Newcastle were closed in December 2014. Wickham will be reopened at the end of 2017 where it will become a major interchange for buses and light rail.
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c) By Road
Sydney to Newcastle google map 168 km/104 miles taking about 2:15hr, depending on traffic. As some Sydney locals will be driving to Newcastle, they may be able to give a lift to some.
Other
The correct map of the world, with Australia where it really is (at the top)
Australia compared to the USA
Australia vs USA map
Australia vs Europe map