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Newcastle is the second-largest city of NSW. Located 160 kilometres north of Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter is regional NSW’s largest economy. Its strengths lie in health, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, tourism and mining, alongside a dynamic startup sector in Newcastle. Australia’s oldest wine region the Hunter Valley is also a popular attraction.
The Hunter brings together the best parts of the Australian lifestyle — stunning coastlines, quaint rural communities, incredible food and tourism — with easy access to Sydney and beyond.
Coastal living with vibrant culture
Just a 2-hour drive north of Sydney is Newcastle. It’s home to one of Australia’s leading universities, the University of Newcastle (UoN)External Link , with globally in-demand STEM subjects including science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Newcastle has also been named a National Geographic Smart CityExternal Link after undergoing a significant transformation to evolve from its industrial past and embrace a knowledge-based services economy. Industry has shaped the history of Newcastle and their future development as a smart city continues that legacy.
Significant investment in infrastructure and residential development, including a light rail network and major transport hub interchange, airport expansion and international cruise ship terminal, make it a magnet for industry leaders.
Want to learn more? Visit Imagine NewcastleExternal Link .
#2
University of Newcastle is ranked number 2 in Australia for Climate Action (Times Higher Education Impact Ratings 2025)
2nd
biggest city in NSW with 611,000 residents (Census 2021)
Quality
university, vocational education and schools
2024
Newcastle International Airport recently opened, making Newcastle more connected to Australia
Growing
Employment in healthcare and construction sectors
Top 200
University of Newcastle ranked in the world's top 200 (QS World University Rankings 2026)
Studying
The University of Newcastle is ranked in the world’s top 200 Universities, with 95% of its research regarded as ‘at or above’ world standards. The University specialises in subjects including health and medicine, science and engineering, and energy and the environment.
Its proximity to innovative and emerging technologies means students can benefit from training and work opportunities in high-value careers including aerospace, medical technology and advanced manufacturing.
The University of Newcastle has two campuses in the city, with a cutting-edge new innovation centre, the I2N Hub Honeysuckle. Additionally, they also have a Central Coast campus called Ourimbah, a Sydney campus and even a Singapore campus.
Working
Many students here work in retail, hospitality and aged care. The University of Newcastle also organises jobs fairs to help international students find work, and many graduates find roles with high-profile Newcastle-based engineering, asset management and construction firms.
With more and more organisations attracted here, there are more career opportunities for graduates.
Living
Newcastle is buzzing with bars, cafes, restaurants and events. This gives it all the benefits of big city living with less crowds and lower costs of living. If you want to escape, pristine beaches are walking distance from the city centre.
Find out about living on-campus and off-campus on the University of Newcastle’s Student Living pageExternal Link . To see prices of independent apartments or houses in Newcastle, visit local real estate sites.
Newcastle AirportExternal Link operates flights to 12 destinations across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The City of NewcastleExternal Link offers information on living, working and studying in the city including community and support.
Getting around Newcastle is easy – all you need is an Opal card from Transport NSWExternal Link . Opal cards are valid to travel on train, trams and buses and you can purchase them at most convenience stores and newsagencies.
Playing
Newcastle is Sydney’s laidback younger sibling. NSW’s second largest city offers a distinct lifestyle based around beaches, the arts and easy access to Australia’s original wine region. But Newcastle also takes after its older sibling, with a bustling food, drink and party scene.
From the epic sand dunes of Port Stephens, to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley, and the beaches of the North Coast, there is so much more to the lifestyle than just the city.
A guide to nightlife for any moodExternal Link
Different ways to play at Newcastle's best beachesExternal Link
Free & affordable things to do in the Hunter ValleyExternal Link
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