How long do you want to hire a vehicle in Newcastle?
Located on the east coast of NSW, Newcastle is surrounded by golden sand beaches, a stunning coastline and a beautiful working harbour. The cafes, restaurants, bars, impressive architecture, and rich history expand from the city to the suburbs.
The City of Newcastle recognises the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which they live, work and play. They pay their respects to the Awabakal and Worimi People who have cared for and cultivated the Country and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past and present.
Hire a Car in Newcastle, Australia’s Second-Oldest City
Newcastle is Australia’s second-oldest city and is located right on the coast, just two hours from Sydney, making it effortlessly accessible with a rental car. Newcastle is a place renowned for its history and architecture. Some people write it off as a destination for visiting – but don’t fall into that trap yourself. This energetic city is a world-famous surfing destination known for its spectacular scenery, vibrant nightlife and world-class café culture.
As well as being home to many significant historical sites and must-see museums, Newcastle also boasts a booming creative and hospitality scene, with bars, boutiques and dining options crammed into every corner of the city. Hiring a rental car will enable you to explore the city and its surrounding areas easily.
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Enjoy Some of Australia’s Best Surfing
Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be located on Newcastle’s coastline, as well as Australia’s first man-made ocean pool, the Bogey Hole. This heritage-listed stop was hewn by hand from the rock in 1820 by convicts at the order of the Commandant of Newcastle at the time, who wanted it built for his own personal use. Today it delivers swimmers a safe and sheltered place to bathe, with astonishing views of the rugged Newcastle coastline.
However, if you’d choose to be in the waves than next to them, Bar Beach might be more your pace as a must-visit destination for surfers from around the globe.
Or, if you’d rather spend a peaceful day on the sand with the family, Merewether Beach has a wonderful ocean bath and a separate children’s pool. It’s a wonderful place to soak up some rays (with SPF protection in place, of course) and kick up your feet.
Jump in your rental car and take a trip about 10 kilometres southwest of the city, where you’ll discover a large nature reserve known as Blackbutt Reserve. Blackbutt possesses four valleys where rainforests, creeks, lakes, ponds and walking trails can all be encountered, along with native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats and emus.
Take a Morning Walk of Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial Walk
Why not start your morning in Newcastle by grabbing a coffee and taking a walk on the ANZAC memorial walk? The walkway was created to remember the Australian and New Zealand forces who fought in the First World War and takes in some stunning scenery along Newcastle’s spectacular coastline, connecting Strzelecki Lookout to Bar Beach.
The walk highlights a 160-metre cliff-top bridge adorned with steel silhouettes of soldiers and engraved with the names of almost 11,000 men and women from the area who enlisted during the war. It’s a must-do when visiting the site, offering incredible views and plenty of opportunity for moments of quiet reflection.
Suppose you are at ANZAC day (April 25th). In that case, the experience is even more heartwarming, with the walk serving as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices produced during the first world war following the dawn service at Nobbys Beach.
The Fun Only Begins at Sundown
Although Newcastle never used to be noted for its nightlife, things have altered recently as more people move out from Sydney and look to soak up the laidback ‘Newie’ lifestyle. Those recent arrivals have created bars and restaurants envious of any city worldwide.
While there are limitless options, if you’re a millennial with a taste for unique atmospheres and top-shelf gin, then The Gin Bar does exactly what it says on the tin. There’s every type of gin-based cocktail you can fantasise about on the menu (and some you would never have imagined), employing craft gins from around Australia. The accompanying food to soak it all up is just as fine as the place itself.
Newcastle Airport Collection
Newcastle Airport (NTL) is a regional hub operated by several domestic airlines, including Virgin Australia and Jetstar, with links to major cities on the eastern seaboard, such as Canberra, Gold Coast, and Melbourne. Regional carrier Pelican Airlines also operates in Newcastle, serving non-stop flights to local destinations, including Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, and Ballina.
This small airport contains only one terminal, so finding your way around is easy. You can find the Newcastle Airport car hire desks directly opposite the baggage carousels in the arrivals hall. Newcastle car hires are available for pick-up in the assigned parking lot to your left as you exit the terminal.
There are two notable arterials accessible from the airport that will bring you straight into the city: the A43 and B63. The drive could take 30-40 minutes, as the airport is a suitable distance from Newcastle. Fortunately, the traffic flow here is nothing compared to Sydney. It takes just two hours down south or Brisbane to the north.
We collaborate with top car hire suppliers at Newcastle Airport for a selection of fantastic rates and a convenient collection and drop-off arrangement. Pick up your car from Newcastle Airport and begin your adventure now. The car rental office is situated outside, at the arrival end of the terminal.
Please check with your rental car provider directly for booking availability. There is currently an increased demand for bookings with limited availability.
Rent A Car And Drive Beyond Newcastle
After witnessing what Newcastle offers, jump in your hired car and head out to the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley region, where the landscape shifts into rolling hills, walking tracks and wineries.
In the summer, visitors flock to the rolling surf beaches, parks and other outdoor spaces. February presents Surfest, one of the country’s biggest surfing festivals. The city converts into a foodie’s utopia in the cooler months with the annual Food and Wine Festival from May to June.
Hunter Valley Winery Tours
A short bus, train, or car ride away from Newcastle is the Hunter Valley. It’s famous for its world-class wines and an incredible number of cellar doors — the most out of all of Australia’s wine regions.
With over 500 wineries, it may pamper you for choice. A few local favourites comprise Brokenwood, a 5-star winery popular for its Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz and ILR Semillon; Audrey Wilkinson, with a colonial-style cellar door cradled in the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges; and Gartelmann Wines, a boutique winery famous for their selection of award-winning wines.
If you would like your day designed from start to finish, there are several Hunter Valley tours from Newcastle. Package tours provide Hunter Valley Newcastle pick-up and drop-off tastings at the finest Hunter Valley wineries and a pitstop for lunch.
But the Hunter Valley is not only dedicated to wine tasting. There is a wide range of activities to please foodies, culture lovers and adrenaline junkies alike. Take a spectacular hot air balloon ride as the sun rises over the wines of the magnificent valley, feel the grapes between your toes with grape stomping at Hermitage Road Cellars, or jump on a Segway to explore the 1880s Stock Route that crosses Vanessa Vale Vineyard.
For something unique, why not set in for the afternoon with a gourmet vineyard picnic at Calais Estate, high tea at Voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, or drive your car hire to the Hunter Valley Zoo with the kids?
Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie is found 30 minutes south of Newcastle, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest saltwater lake. Nature reserves encircle this coastal city, with untouched mountains and immaculate beaches, and it is an adventurer’s paradise, excellent for friend or family getaways.
If you are wondering what to do in Lake Macquarie, you won’t be short on choices. Visitors can rent kayaks, SUPs, and paddle boats, go whale watching between June and November or enjoy an aerial adventure with picturesque helicopter flights, airborne flight training or skydiving.
Lake Macquarie is a gem trove of pristine beaches and sun-kissed swimming spots. Grab some waves at Catherine Hill Bay, scour the sea caves of Caves Beach with the kids or enjoy a little solitude at Pinny Beach, a small beach accessed along the coastal walk.
Port Stephens
To the north of Newcastle is scenic Port Stephens, home to astonishing sand dunes, Tomaree National Park, and beach-lined Great Lake Marine Park. This NSW favourite is the perfect day trip from Newcastle, with numerous things to do from the sand to the sea.
The Stockton sand dunes are the highlight of Port Stephens, with opportunities to go sandboarding, four-wheel driving, quad biking, or camel riding across the dunes. With 26 lovely beaches, Port Stephens is a sanctuary for sun worshippers. Explore Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay and enjoy a day of swimming, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, or dolphin watching.
Other Newcastle Day Trips
Whether taking a day trip or looking for a delightful pit stop on the way back to Sydney from Newcastle, there are many spots along the way.
Blackbutt Nature Reserve and its 182 hectares of untouched bushland are less than 20 minutes from Newcastle. The expansive reserve is loaded with scenic nature trails to explore, with wildlife exhibits and playgrounds to keep the kids amused.
Kid-friendly Wyong Milk Factory is an ideal spot to break your journey with a family tavern, outdoor playground and delectable cheese and chocolate treats. A bit further down the Pacific Highway is the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby. It is a haven for Hugo the Galapagos tortoise, Elvis the crocodile, alligators, pythons, tarantulas, and Tasmanian devils. Kids can spend the afternoon scouring the park or go behind the scenes with a private tour or a zookeeper program.
Hire Car Tips in Newcastle
Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, Newcastle is a harbour city located at the mouth of the Hunter River. Here are our top tips for a road trip in Newcastle:
- Due to the condensed nature of Newcastle’s layout, driving from place to place is relatively manageable, and heavy traffic won’t be a worry except during morning and evening peak hours.
- For a smooth, quick drive to the Hunter Valley and surrounding towns, drive via Wallsend and follow Newcastle Link Road onto the newly completed Hunter Expressway.
- The speed limit in most spots of Newcastle generally sits between 60km/h and 70 km/h, though be aware of the several 40km/h school zones across the city. Always drive to the displayed speed limit and conditions of the road.
- Check the parking signs for time limits along famous strips like Darby Street, Beaumont Street, and Newcastle Foreshore to avoid getting a parking ticket.
- Newcastle and NSW abide by the same rules as the bulk of Australia. You drive on the left, must wear a seatbelt by law and must carry a valid driver’s licence at all times. If your licence is in a language other than English, ensure it is translated before you arrive so you have no trouble picking up the vehicle.
- If you’re taking your Newcastle hire car on journeys out of town, watch out for extra road users; that’s not just cars! As you embark away from built-up areas, you are more likely to encounter creatures like kangaroos and pigs, so drive carefully to avoid unwanted crashes.
Why Choose Car Hire and Rental?
Car Hire and Rental furnishes you with the freedom and flexibility to discover the delights of Newcastle and the North Coast on your own terms. We compare prices from Australia’s most relied car rental brands to provide you with the cheapest deals on car hire in Newcastle, with rates from top suppliers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Firefly, and Thrifty. Moreover, a rented car from Car Hire and Rental signifies you won’t have to wait for a bus or a taxi. Your holiday officially begins as soon as you pick up your Newcastle car hire!
Newcastle Car Hire Frequently Asked Questions
Know what other customers ask when hiring a car in Newcastle.
How much does it usually cost to rent a car in Newcastle?
The cost to rent a car in Newcastle generally depends on the type of car and the location. Enter your details in the search form today to see an accurate price!
What is the most used hire car in Newcastle?
Thanks to its compactness, the Toyota Corolla or similar is one of Newcastle’s most used hire cars. For something a bit roomier, try the medium-sized SUV, Toyota Rav 4 or similar or the Kia Carnival 8-seater or similar if you’re driving with more than five passengers.
What is the age limit when renting a car from Newcastle?
To be able to rent a car from Newcastle, you must be at least 21 years of age with a full driver’s licence.
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