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Newcastle, NSW

  • City Info
    City of Newcastle, NSW

    Second most populous city in New South Wales. Lt. John Shortland was the first settler in 1797 purely by accident.

    Location

    Newcastle is located 162 Kms North East of Sydney

    Newcastle, NSW CBD

    This coastal business centre has a government and business district in the CBD

    Seasons

    Winter
    Jun to Aug
    9°C - 22°C

    Spring
    Sep to Nov
    14°C - 22°C

    Summer
    Dec to Feb
    17°C - 24°C

    Autumn
    Mar to May
    15°C - 22°C

    Time

    Eastern Daylight Time: GMT +11hours. Daylight Saving Time ends April 1st, starts October 7th

    No Smoking

    Smoking is not permitted in NSW within 5 metres of non-residential entrances, and between 5 to 10 metres at beaches, sporting stadiums, near children's playgrounds, at restaurants, bars or clubs either indoor or outdoors $220 on-the-spot fines apply for breaches.

    Post Office

    Mon-Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    * Some Open Saturday: 9:00 am – 12 noon

    Population

    320,000 people

    Money

    Notes or Bills
    $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

    Coins
    5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 (odd cents rounded to the nearest 5¢)

    Education providers

    CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 2 Public Universities, 2 Private University, 2 University English Centres, 3 Vocational Colleges

    Electricity

    240/250volts/50Hz

    Weather

    Temperate Climate

    Shopping

    Mon-Wed: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD): 9:00 am- 9:00 pm
    Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

    Banks

    Mon-Thu: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
    Fridays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    Some bank branches open Saturday morning: 9:30 am – 12 noon

  • Explore

    EXPLORE NEWCASTLE

    Newcastle is a harbour city 160km south west of Sydney in the Australian state of New South Wales. Its plentiful beaches are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The walk provides access to Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath from the colonial period. Also on the path is the 1880s Fort Scratchley, a historic site and a viewpoint for spotting migrating whales.

    On the shore of the Hunter River, the city’s seafaring past is displayed at the Newcastle Maritime Centre. The eastern suburbs are filled with examples of early Victorian architecture. Beginning at Memorial Drive and linking to the Bathers Way in the east, Newcastle Memorial Walk is a clifftop footbridge honouring the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand army corps) landing at Gallipoli during WWI. The nearby Newcastle Ocean Baths features an art deco swimming pavilion. To the west is Hunter Stadium, home to rugby league team the Newcastle Knights.

    Main attractions include:

    • Fort Scratchley
    • Hunter Region
    • Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle
    • Stockton Beach
    • Glenrock Lagoon
    • Nelson Head Light
    • Weekly markets selling quality fashion, art, handcrafts, fresh produce, etc.

    (Courtesy of Google)

    EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE IN NEWCASTLE

    www.visitnewcastle.com.au

    www.kidsafensw.org/

    www.volunteeringaustralia.org

  • Transport

    Newcastle Airport

    https://www.newcastleairport.com.au
    https://www.newcastleairport.com.au/transport
    B 27 Kms approx. to CBD
    40 minutes by road only(allow more time for peak traffic hours)

    Getting around

    It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Newcastle including nearby Sydney. The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is to purchase an Opal Card. See https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/. Bus services are divided into three distance-based fare bands. The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.

    Useful tips

    • Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport.See https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/child-student-concessions/tertiary-students.
    • If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
    • If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
    • Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
    • Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis.
    • Always make sure that you have you Opal Card topped up.

    Forms of transport

    For the bus, and train the fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. Always keep a bus/train time table in yourwallet https://transportnsw.info/routes or download the Transport NSW app at https://transportnsw.info/apps. Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.

    WALKING

    is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.

    RIDE A BIKE

    To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.

    BUSES

    Make sure you hail the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! Always touch on at the beginning of the trip and then off at the end of trip before you leave the bus.

    TRAINS

    Each train line has a distinctive colour in the map and on the screens at the station to help you find your way easily.

    RIDING A MOTORCYCLE

    Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with Roads and Maritime Services at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/rider/index.html.

    DRIVING

    We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license. To learn the road rules in New South Wales, check this link http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.

    TAXIS

    A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.

  • Hospitals

    IMPORTANT NOTE:

    International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.

    Seeking Medical Assistance

    • Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
    • When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
    • Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
    • All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
    • If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.
    Belmont Hospital

    (02) 4923 2000
    16 Croudace Bay Road,Belmont, NSW 2280

    Calvary Mater Newcastle

    (02)4921 1211
    Edith St, Waratah NSW 2298

    John Hunter Hospital

    (02) 4921 3000
    Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights NSW 2305

  • Government Offices
    State Library

    N/A

    City Library

    Address
    15 Laman Street,
    Newcastle NSW

    Website
    https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Home

    Australian Taxation Office

    Address
    279 King Street
    New Castle

    Opening hours
    Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

    Residential Tenancy Authority

    Website
    https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

    Dept. of Immigration & Citizenship

    Address
    2/28 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

    Opening hours
    Mon-Fri: 08:30 am – 4:51 pm

    Fair Work Ombudsman

    Address
    Suite 2, Wharf Road, Newcastle

    Opening hours
    By appointment only

  • Emergency & Assistance

    How to make an International call:
    0011 + Country Code + City Code + Number
    If you don't know your country code, call 1225

    National Phone Codes

    (02) Sydney (NSW) & Canberra (ACT)

    (07) Brisbane & Gold Coast (QLD)

    (08) Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA) & Darwin (NT)

    (04) Mobile (Australia wide)

    (03) Melbourne (VIC) & Hobart (TAS)

    (13 or 1300) Local calls

  • Student Services Directory

    There are no Education providers yet in newcastle