17 Top Newcastle Accommodation Options

A slew of great new places to stay in Newcastle should inspire a visit to NSW’s steel city.

You would have come up short if you searched for ‘hotels in Newcastle’ or ‘Newcastle accommodation’ a few years ago. But the steel city has undergone somewhat of a renaissance with a roster of new and notable hotels and retreats designed to accommodate a diverse mix of travellers.

Road trippers are now flocking to the city, which is equal parts gritty and glam, for a getaway. Whether you’re in Newcastle for a short or long stint, we’ve got a place to stay that will suit.

Hotels and resorts in Newcastle

Here are our picks for the best resorts and hotels in Newcastle.

1. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Newcastle’s Crystalbrook Kingsley is another glittering jewel in the crown of the innovative Crystalbrook Collection brand, which promotes sustainable and responsible luxury. Newcastle’s first five-star hotel is steeped in history, housed as it is in an iconic former council administration building known as The Roundhouse. The design successfully retains the beauty of the original Brutalist-style building, while also nodding to Newcastle’s history as a coal port with a colour palette that complements the earthy-hued edifice of the original building.

a stylish and luxe bedroom at Crystalbrook Kingsley — Crystalbrook Kingsley champions contemporary and luxe design. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

Inside, the structure is softened by warm muted greens and pops of yellow and by the undulating forms of the revitalised building, one of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2021. Conscious travellers will be pleased to hear the brand continues its sustainable stance, with its 100 per cent waste-free bathrooms with biodegradable or recyclable amenities. The rooms inside the 130-room hotel are super stylish and pay tribute to the building’s bones. Circle back to The Roundhouse for dinner; the rooftop venue is one of the best places to wine and dine in Newcastle.

the rooftop bar at Romberg's, Crystalbrook Kingsley — Head upstairs to Romberg’s for a nightcap. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

2. QT Newcastle

Looking for a quirky Newcastle accommodation? The QT Newcastle is the obvious place to start. The brand’s maximalist approach makes this luxury hotel feel more New York than Newcastle. The atmosphere is elevated from the outset thanks to the Director of Chaos, who greets guests wearing a jaunty pill box hat.

the bedroom at QT Balcony King — The QT Balcony King is cosy and stylish.

The director orchestrates the chaos by leading guests into the foyer, which features terracotta tiles, a gibbous moon glowing down from the ceiling and a pop of colour from a stunning circular sculpture by Sydney artist Ryan Hoffmann. Quintessential QT quirk.

the QT King Room with a balcony — Pull back the blinds for breathtaking views out to Newcastle Harbour and beyond.

This is not the kind of hotel aimed at minimalists. The rooms here are a carefully curated jumble of textures and colours and places and spaces where you can kick off your shoes and relax. The hotel is housed in the iconic heritage-listed David Jones building, which is central to the newly reimagined East End and features nods to the city’s past and present.

the clock suite bathroom in QT Newcastle with a bathtub — Check into the clock suite to enjoy a dip in your tub.

3. Novotel Newcastle Beach

If you’re the type of traveller who prefers the amenities of a hotel, Novotel owns that niche . This premier 4.5-star property is in the East End precinct, right on the doorstep of one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks. The Newcastle hotel commands the corner of its beachside city block location, providing guests plenty of opportunity to explore picturesque walks, galleries, cafes and restaurants.

food on the table by the balcony with beach views — Dine on your balcony to enjoy uninterrupted beach views.

The rooms feature spacious, contemporary design. For those with a water-facing room, large floor-to-ceiling windows grant panoramic views of the famous East Coast. Book a table at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bistro Dalby. The contemporary Australian menu showcases local, seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s one of the perfect places to fuel up on coffee in Newcastle or unwind after a long day exploring the city’s main attractions.

on-site restaurant, Bistro Dalby at Novotel Newcastle Beach — Reserve a table at the onsite restaurant, Bistro Dalby.

4. Quest Newcastle West

The Newcastle West arm of the Quest portfolio goes far beyond the duties of a traditional serviced apartment hotel, opting to showcase a bit of town history along the way. Originally built as a brewery, then subsequently turned into a museum, these one- two- and three-bedroom self-serviced apartments now serve as a premium upmarket venue.

the lobby at Quest Newcastle West — Find more than your traditional serviced apartment hotel.

The building retains much of its original charm, housing beautifully restored old beams, window placements and other original fixtures of the 1876 Woods Castlemaine Brewery. The addition of a cosy kitchenette makes the Quest Newcastle West the perfect alternative to a hotel room. Guests can opt to cook inside or at one of the al fresco barbecue areas.

the kitchen in the one bed suite at Quest Newcastle West — The one-bed suite comes with a kitchen.

There is also the opportunity to take advantage of Quest’s pantry shopping service and have groceries delivered to your apartment. Want a night off the pans? The lively West Newcastle precinct is home to some of the best restaurants in Newcastle and is just a few minutes’ stroll away. Room service powered by Deliveroo is also available during business hours.

the studio room at Quest Newcastle West — Check into Quest Newcastle West before kicking off your itinerary.

5. Holiday Inn Express

Sometimes it’s hard for city hotels to nail the balance between functional and refined. The Holiday Inn Express is an example of Newcastle accommodation that makes this look effortless. Simple and smart is the motto here, which is tastefully reflected throughout the rooms. No matter which you are assigned, all have the trimmings of a luxe, new build, featuring an abundance of natural light and boutique furnishings.

the in-house restaurant at Holiday Inn Express — Head to the in-house restaurant for breakfast.

The robes are plush, and the minibar is well stocked. The geometric façade is beautifully modern, integrating well with Newcastle’s surrounding industrial landscape. You’ll find the property a mere block from the Interchange and Marketown, and only a couple more from one of the city’s favourite Mexican haunts, Antojitos .

the lobby at Holiday Inn Express, Newcastle — The interior at Holiday Inn Express is simple but inviting.

6. Rydges Newcastle

Wait till Rydges Newcastle is having a flash sale and then pounce on a booking at this prominent Newcastle hotel located on the iconic Honeysuckle promenade. In terms of Newcastle accommodation, it is well placed to take advantage of the city’s major attractions and beaches where you will be crunching sand beneath your free after a quick bike ride to Stockton Beach. The harbourside rooms are sparse and minimal, which allows the eyes to linger on those waterfront views.

The hotel has free wi-fi, family rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar and bikes for hire. There’s also a waterslide, which underscores the family-friendly nature of this hotel. Carve some time out of your itinerary to visit The Wharf 350 Restaurant and Bar, both simple spaces that frame those waterfront views. Plan your strategy before hitting the hot breakfast buffet the next day.

7. Mercure Newcastle Airport Hotel

Are you flying in or out of Newcastle on business? This airport hotel is just 300 metres from Newcastle Airport. Best of all: it is centrally located between Newcastle and Port Stephens. The hotel’s location adjacent to the runway is what appeals most with the Mercure Newcastle Airport Hotel . It’s for business travellers who want to cut down on their commute.

The spacious rooms here are modern and spacious. And the soundproof windows absorb the noise from the planes roaring down the tarmac. This is not for those looking for a beachside hang. But it’s a perfect hotel for business travellers to Newcastle.

Newcastle holiday homes and Airbnbs

There is no shortage of incredible Airbnb properties and holiday homes near Newcastle, from our favourite inner-urban cottages to waterfront retreats.

8. The Beach House at Merewether, Merewether

The Beach House at Mereweather is mere metres from the ocean. You’ll awake to the sights and sounds of waves crashing and birds chirping. Once you’re up, head to the front deck to enjoy panoramic views of the sunrise and surrounds.

the beachfront bedroom at The Beach House at Merewether — Wake up next to the ocean at The Beach House Merewether.

Find modern house facilities accompanied by some fun technologically savvy additions: the key-less entry, sound system, soda water taps and an outdoor shower with hot water. You’ll also find a Jacuzzi out back which you can enjoy during the cooler months. The Beach House is also a short stroll from Mereweather Ocean Baths, the famous Bathers Way walk and a number of seaside coffee shops.

a Jacuzzi at The Beach House at Merewether — Enjoy a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi.

9. Brunswick Mews, Cooks Hill

Brunswick Mews sets an exciting new standard for luxury accommodation in Newcastle. Spend the night in a beautifully renovated 130-year-old classic Victorian terrace, set among the heart of trendy Cooks Hill. By day you can explore the surrounding Darby Street precinct, and all the natural beauty Newcastle has to offer.

the bedroom at Brunswick Mews, Cooks Hill — Bed down at Brunswick Mews.

Retreat “home" each evening and indulge in this delightful fusion of classic and quirky, yet with a modern and sophisticated design. There’s a barbecue and al fresco deck onsite, which provides the perfect setting for a sunset dinner. The historic terrace has some of Newcastle’s best restaurants on its doorstep.

modern and sophisticated interior at Brunswick Mews, Cooks Hill — Brunswick Mews is much-loved for its classic-yet-quirky style.

10. The River Haus, Morpeth

There are lot of things to love about this dinky little weatherboard cottage located in Morpeth, just a 40-minute drive from Newcastle. The pretty little two-bedroom cottage is in the historic inland river port town of Morpeth just a stone’s throw from the Hunter River. It’s also just a short mooch away from the award-winning Boydell’s Cellar Door and Restaurant and a great place to base yourself while exploring all the best wineries of the Hunter Valley.

the exterior of The River Haus, Morpeth — The River Haus evokes countryside charm.

The River Haus is filled with a lot of fab flotsam and jetsam, such as an old ship’s rope, vintage kitchen scales, a Bentwood chair and weathered oars. It’s also fitted out with a Smart TV, sound bar, wi-fi, ducted heating, wood fire, blackout blinds and Bosch appliances. A rich palette of dark caramel and warm woods invites absolute relaxation. There is no better place for regenerating the soul. Just surrender already.

an al fresco seating area on the balcony at The River Haus, Morpeth — Dine al fresco on the balcony.

11. Pappa Sven Apartments

When Libby Helinski took her gap year in Sweden, she knew she wanted to capture some of the magic from her travels and channel it into a space back home in Newcastle. That was in 2014. Since then, Pappa Sven has served as Cook Hill’s authentic Nordic lifestyle store. It’s a place where product craftsmanship reigns supreme, and so does the community-centric in-store experience.

Now you can soak up the design magic in Libby’s upstairs apartment accommodation. Swedish and Scandinavian design principles are beautifully showcased throughout Pappa Sven Apartments . Find high ceilings, exposed brick walls, linen bedding and minimalist furnishing choices. Wake to the comfort of a fully equipped kitchen, and complete the experience with a heavenly walk-in rainfall shower.

The boutique accommodation offering aims to transport you to an apartment in Helsinki, equipped with all the quality products and functional style that you’ll find in the shop downstairs.

12. Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows

You’ll find Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows a little further afield from the hustle and bustle of the Newcastle CBD. It’s located approximately 40 minutes south for the perfect city escape filled with privacy and coastal charm. Choose your beachside staycation from the vast selection of properties; there’s the Hamptons style beach bungalows, charming timber villas, spacious townhouses or the brand new four-bedroom beach house.

a bedroom with balcony at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows — Check into one of the airy rooms at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows.

The properties come with beach access via a tapestry of timber boardwalks. Or perhaps a poolside beverage is more to your liking? Top this off with a quick trip to the nearby dunes, and a delicious meal at the Caves Coastal restaurant.

an indoor soaking tub at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows, Newcastle — Relax in your indoor soaking tub.

Newcastle pubs with accommodation

It’s all log fires, local craft beers and warm Novocastrian hospitality at these pubs with accommodation.

13. The Lucky Hotel

Classic country pubs continue to be transformed into upscale venues and The Lucky Hotel is one of them. Constructed in 2014, each of The Lucky’s 30 boutique rooms are unique. There are modern and tasteful furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, luxury bedding and premium L’Occitane amenities. But the best part? Each suite reveals a unique quote about luck, which has been beautifully hand-painted by local artist Brett Piva.

Visit the pub and restaurant downstairs for live music a few nights of the week, as well as daily food specials from their Mexi-Cali share-style menu. Each dish is packed with Mexican spices, while the meats are cooked low and slow on their imported American Smoker. There’s also a full vegan menu on offer.

14. The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel delivers plenty of nostalgic charm thanks to its status as Newcastle’s only heritage-listed hotel (dating back to 1891). Escaping to a warm, friendly pub that serves food is a great way to get to know a city. Saddle up to the bar and meet the locals enjoying meals that make the most of the local produce.

Downstairs, two great bars serve as the perfect hideaway for a quiet drink. Or if you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat from the bustling bistro and take note of the kitsch memorabilia that dons the walls as you enjoy your meal. The Underground is considered one of the best bars in Newcastle and it’s found tucked away under The Grand Hotel. Head upstairs after the call for last drinks to find large modern rooms with plenty of natural light and space.

Caravan parks and camping in Newcastle

Whether you are the kind of camper or caravanner who has their own composting loo or one that is partial to a bouncing pillow, here are a few places to pull up the caravan or pitch a tent near Newcastle.

15. NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

Peg out your campsite, unpack your Thermos, pour yourself a cuppa and kick back watching the haze of the horizon and the endless big blue. This popular holiday park is metres from Stockton Beach, and it’s where you will find a constant stream of families with children who have become firm friends after booking holidays here each year. Explore the nearby Stockton Bite Sand Dunes.

The caravan and camping village is spread out in a triangle and has a range of accommodation, from villas to ensuite caravan sites, powered and unpowered tent sites and slabs to pull up a van. If you’re looking for immersion into the outdoors, this holiday park near Newcastle is in a prime location. Fish, surf, swim, build sandcastles or go sandboarding in the dunes.

16. Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park

Park your tiny van near to your powered site at the Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park and give The Wilderness Chef a call to come and cook up the flathead you caught line-fishing in the waters of Lake Macquarie. Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park is located on a finger of land that juts out into Lake Macquarie. It’s because of this that staying at the park feels a bit like an island idyll.

the accommodation exterior of Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park — Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park is set in an idyllic location.

Check the weather report and watch the wrinkles in the water undulate away from you as pelicans and shorebirds cause it to ripple. The park’s central location, just a half-hour drive from Newcastle, makes it a convenient proposition as a place to unwind. Hire a dinghy and launch off the park’s boat ramp or challenge yourself by learning a new skill such as windsurfing or kiteboarding. There are dog-friendly areas in the park for you to take your four-legged friend.

the terrace facing the lake at Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park, Newcastle — Step outside for a breath of fresh air.

17. Arcadia Family Campsite

HipCamp is another great disruptor. And we welcome it to the fold. The Arcadia Family Campsite backs onto both Watagan and NSW State Forests. The emphasis here is on getting back to nature as the private property is home to a resident mob of wallabies, deer, numerous amphibians, native birds, flora and fauna. It’s perfect for an extended family gathering with space for up to 15 vehicles and 15 tents and a maximum of 25 guests (including children).

people gathering around the bonfire at Monkey Face Retreat in Arcadia Family Campsite — Gather around the bonfire at dusk.

There’s also a billabong and a flat sheltered camp kitchen and shelter with a BBQ and storage facility. Note: this is not a place for partying. BYO acoustic guitar and marshmallows. It’s old-school camping at its very finest. It’s only an hour from Newcastle in the rural township of Martinsville.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

17 Newcastle accommodation options to bed down at now