Location and travel advice

THE is committed to ensuring that all delegates experience a safe, inclusive and enjoyable visit to our events. To help prepare for your visit to our upcoming event, we encourage you to review the travel advice and information below.

Prior to travel, we recommend that delegates refer to the travel advice and instructions provided by their home country's embassy.

The University of Newcastle
Shortland Building, Callaghan campus
Newcastle
NSW 2308
Australia

All delegates must have a valid visa to enter Australia, except for New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa (subclass 444) on arrival provided they meet health and character requirements as well as permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival.

Please note that it can take several weeks to process a visa application so early application is recommended.

 Check if you require a visa

We can provide visa invitation letters for ticket holders when requested. Please email a photo/scan of your passport to events@timeshighereducation.com once you have booked your ticket.

We cannot accept any responsibility for visa applications. Where a delegate is unable to attend because of failure to obtain a visa on time, the normal cancellation policy for the ticket fee will apply.

We recommend having travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Please contact your travel agent for further details.

From Newcastle

Newcastle Airport: This is the closest airport to the campus, approx 30 mins by car and 1 hour by bus. Taxis, buses and car rentals are available at the airport, as are rideshare services such as Uber and Didi.

By train: For those in the Newcastle area, Warabrook Station is the nearest to the campus. Visit Transport NSW for details.

By bus: Various services run to and from the campus connecting it with Newcastle and other local areas. The university provides a free shuttle bus between the city and the campus.

By car: Parking is available on campus. Check the university's parking guidelines for information on permits and fees.

From Sydney

Sydney International Airport: There are regular trains from here to Sydney Central train station where you can change trains for Newcastle.

By train: It takes around 3.5 hours to Newcastle depending on how many stops the train makes. Warabrook Station (Hunter line) is the closest to the campus, and Newcastle Interchange is the closest to the Newcastle City precinct. Visit Transport NSW for details.

By car: Drive via the M1 Pacific Motorway. The journey takes around 2 hours depending on traffic. Parking is available on campus. Check the university's parking guidelines for information on permits and fees.

By public transport

The following transport options are generally safe and reliable:

• Newcastle Transport operates buses, ferries and light rail services within Newcastle. The university provides a free shuttle bus between the city and campus.
• Internationally recognised ride-hailing apps where bookings are confirmed through the app, such as Uber and Didi.

Delegates are responsible for reserving and covering the cost of accommodation for the duration of their stay.

Below you will find information about four recommended hotels, as well as a map through which you can easily browse for other hotels and private accommodations. Hover over an accommodation to view travel times and distances to the campus.

Crystalbrook Kingsley

282 King Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300

This hotel is located just a 20-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from the campus. Enjoy a rooftop bar and restaurant, outdoor terrace and free bike rental.

We have secured the 15% discount. To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below and apply the promo code TIMESEDU.

Rydges Newcastle

Wharf Road and Merewether Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300

Located just a 15-minute drive from the campus, this hotel is ideally placed for delegates. Enjoy a swimming pool, buffet breakfast, restaurant and business centre.

To book, click on the black pin on the map below.

Little National Hotel

44 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

This hotel is only a 17-minute drive or an 18-minute train ride from the campus. It is also 2.5 km from Bar Beach and 2.8 km from Newcastle Beach. During your stay, you can relax in the luxurious rooms, unwind in the serene library, and socialize at the vibrant bar.

To book, click on the relevant black pin on the map below and apply the promo code EVENT2 for a special event discount.

Holiday Inn Express Newcastle Australia

514 King Street, Newcastle, NSW 2302

Located just a 15-minute drive from the campus, this hotel is ideally placed for delegates. Enjoy a fitness centre, buffet breakfast, secure undercover parking and sustainable bamboo room keys.

To book, click on the black pin on the map below.

Whether it's heading out for an early morning run before the event or checking out a local bar in the evening, there are so many activity options in Newcastle that you'll be planning your next trip to the city before the event is over. Head to visitnewcastle.com.au to discover insider guides and itineraries and start planning.

Our top tip for an absolute must-see? You can't go past the incredible ANZAC Memorial Walk. Built in 2015 to commemorate WWI soldiers and a nod to the industrial past of Newcastle, this 450m steel structure will impress with 360-degree views of the city, ocean and, on a clear day, out to Worimi Conservation Lands and the Hunter Valley.

Things to see:

• Mitch Revs Art Gallery
• Nesca House – a university building with an interesting history
• Civic Park
• Newcastle Library and War Memorial
• Darby Street – great for café breakfasts
• Street art
• Newcastle Museum
• Visitor Information Centre – discover more things to do and pick up a gift to take home

To protect your personal safety we recommend that delegates:

• Avoid having valuables on show
• Take safe and reliable transport
• Travel with colleagues or other delegates, especially at night
• Be alert in crowded and tourist areas, airports, restaurants and on public transport
• When using ATMs and paying by card, keep your card in sight and conceal your PIN

Australia's main emergency service number is 000. Call this number if you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services.

What is the main language?
English is the primary language used in dealings and public transactions.

Which currency can I use?
The national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, $), which is subdivided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100, and coins in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. While most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, it is still a good idea to have some cash on you (especially small change). ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations and supermarkets.

Which plug socket is used?
Australia uses type I plug sockets with three flat pins in a triangular pattern. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. We would recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Will wi-fi be available?
Free wi-fi is available throughout the university's buildings. Connection details will be displayed at the check-in desk.

Are there data roaming charges?
You will need to check the exact charges with your network provider but most international delegates will incur high data roaming charges. We recommend buying an eSIM via Airalo which gives you 1GB of data for 7 days for US$4.50. Use our referral code TIMESH7718 for US$3 off. We recommend checking that your phone supports eSIMs before making your purchase.

Is tap water safe to drink?
Tap water in Newcastle is generally safe to drink.

Do you have any guidance for LGBTQ+ delegates?
Homosexuality is legal and it is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. For more information and advice for LGBTQ+ travellers, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association's website.