Newcastle’s the kind of place that packs a lot into a day — and somehow still feels easy. Wedged between the Hunter River and the Pacific, it does surf beaches, street art, heritage pubs and bush trails without breaking a sweat. You might kick things off with a dip at Merewether, swing by a cellar door in the nearby Hunter valley, and be sipping a spritz in a repurposed warehouse by sundown.
Just two hours north of Sydney, it’s a favourite for beachy weekends, uni drop-offs, or a detour en route to the Hunter wineries. Whatever your plans, there’s a stay to match — from oceanfront pads to boutique digs near the buzz.
Where to stay in Newcastle
- Newcastle East: Where the city meets the sea. Stay here for surfy mornings at Nobbys, golden hour on the breakwall, and heritage pubs pouring local brews.
- Cooks Hill: Leafy streets, heritage terraces and brunch that stretches into wine o’clock. Darby Street’s the heart — a local go-to for boutiques, bookshops and late-night pasta.
- Honeysuckle & Newcastle West: Waterside and well-connected. Think foreshore strolls, apartment hotels, and harbourside bars made for sunset spritzes. Great for first-timers and car-free travellers.
- Merewether: A beachside classic. Home to the famous ocean baths, the Bathers Way walk, and rolling surf. Best for salty mornings, arvo swims, and family holidays.
How much is Newcastle accommodation?
Newcastle stays are surprisingly kind on the wallet — especially for a city with surf, skyline, and solid espresso. Prices climb for school holidays, Surfest, or uni drop-off weekends, but there’s good value if you’re a little flexible (and we’ve got filters to help with that).
- Backpackers & budget stays: From $40 per night. Breezy basics near the beach or station. Best for solo surfers, short stops, or anyone who’d rather spend on seafood than a suite.
- Apartments: From $150 per night. These self-contained pads are great for families or longer stays — think kitchens, space to spread out, and room for the surfboards.
- Mid-range hotels: From $180 per night. Close to the action without the premium price tag. Good for work trips, weekenders, or just a comfy bed with harbour views.
- Luxury & boutique: From $300 per night. We’re talking rooftop bars, repurposed heritage digs, and oceanfront suites that’ll tempt you to extend your stay.
Top-rated hotels in Newcastle
- Crystalbrook Kingsley: Sustainable luxury in the heart of town. You’ve got designer rooms, rooftop cocktails, and Civic Park just downstairs. Slick and stylish, but never try-hard. A top pick for special stays or smart city breaks.
- QT Newcastle: Bold, playful, and full of personality — from the moody rooftop bar to the art-splashed rooms. Stay here if you’re into statement lighting, creative cocktails, and beds you’ll want to miss check-out for.
- Rydges Newcastle: Harbour views? Tick. Big, comfy rooms? Tick. You’re right on the Honeysuckle foreshore, with easy strolls to bars, cafés and the light rail. Good for families, work trips, or anyone craving water and walkability.
- NOAH’s on the Beach: An old-school favourite with front-row views of Newcastle Beach. Wake up to salty breezes, wander the foreshore, then hit the restaurant downstairs for dinner-with-a-view. Wedding guests and wave-chasers love it here.
- Quest Newcastle: Apartment-style comfort with all the extras — full kitchens, laundry, and space to actually breathe. Great for longer stays, families, or anyone who wants to settle in and feel like a local.
Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in {geoName}
- Match your stay to your style: Beachy weekend? Try Merewether or Newcastle East. Here for the food and galleries? Cooks Hill’s your best bet. Uni drop-off or work trip? Go central or waterside in Honeysuckle.
- Use Traveloka’s filters to cut through the scroll: Want a kitchen, ocean view or kid-free zone? Our filters help you lock in what matters — fast. Less time searching, more time packing.
- Pick your season wisely: Summer’s buzzing (especially during Surfest), and uni weeks fill out fast. But if you’re after easy beach parking and better deals, without compromising too much on the weather, aim for late autumn or spring.
- Check the little extras: Free brekkie, parking, surfboard storage or even beach towels — extras can sweeten the deal. Click on hotel pages to see what’s bundled in.
- Consider how you’re getting around: Newcastle’s light rail and walkable waterfront make car-free trips easy. Staying near a stop can save you time — and a few parking headaches.