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Travel and Accommodation

City of Newcastle/Venue

This page has been put together in collaboration with the City of Newcastle to help you plan a mini-break or a full getaway. If we can help with anything you want to know about the city or surrounds, please contact us or the Newcastle visitor information center. 

The conference will be hosted at the University of Newcastle's most recently appointed venue, Q building, which is located within the city's bustling Honeysuckle district. Just a short walk from here is the City Campus's 'Nu space', and 'Conservatorium of music'; both of which are within proximity to the CBD and a wide range of accommodation options.

image credit City of Newcastle

About Newcastle (Muloobinba - Place of the Sea Fern)


Image credit: Worldeasyguides		  

Newcastle is a sun-drenched city nestled on the eastern coastline of NSW, just 2hrs North of Sydney.

The city is situated on unceded Awabakal land and is the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, whose beliefs and continued relationship with the land must be respected.

A Harbour city, Newcastle's beautiful beaches are linked by the coastal walk 'Bather's Way', which stretches between Nobby's and Merewether Beaches. Along the walk you will find access to some of Newcastle's colonial historical sites such as the Bogey Hole and Fort Scratchley, while potentially spotting a migrating humpback whale as they make their seasonal voyage from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the North.

Getting Here 

Some things you should know are:

  • Travelling around Newcastle CBD has never been easier with the addition of the city's state of the art light rail system. Let's not forget the many other options at your fingertips, such as train, bus, ferry, walk, ride, and on demand services. All can be explored via the Visit Newcastle Getting here and around blog.
  • You can fly directly to Newcastle airport from most of Australia's capital cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and the Gold Coast, as well as regional cities such as Ballina, Dubbo and Taree. 
  • If you are flying to Sydney airport (Domestic or International), airport transfers to Sydney's Central Station via T8 - Airport and South Line, operate 5am - midnight, seven days a week. Just be mindful that you will be charged an additional Sydney airport station access fee when catching the train to or from the airport, in excess of the regular regional travel fee from Sydney - Newcastle. Information regarding fares for Sydney metro trains can be found here. A useful tool for planning your train travel from Sydney airport to Newcastle is the NSW Transport Trip planner. 
  • For drivers, Newcastle is only 1.5hrs North of Sydney on the M1, and 8hrs south of Brisbane on the Pacific Highway.
  • Note - Parking options in the City of Newcastle can be limited, and we strongly recommend you prepare if you plan to drive to the event each day. For more information on parking rates and apps in Newcastle, also have a look here. 
  • Travel from Newcastle Airport to Newcastle CBD is a 25 minute drive.
    • There are a number of independent airport shuttle , bus, and transfer services which operate from Newcastle CBD to Sydney airport, and Newcastle airport, for those who would prefer a more direct and or personalised travel plan. Group discounts also apply.
  • For Visa and Covid information please see the bottom of this page.

           Image credits: (left to right) Newcastle airport, destination.net.au, transport NSW

Conference Venue/Locations

Q-Building - 16B Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle: majority of conference workshops and sessions 

Conservatorium of Music - Cnr of Aukland Street and Gibson Streets, Newcastle: conference registration and plenary's

Newcastle City Hall - 290 King Street, Newcastle: conference dinner

Q Building - City Image credit: The Fifth Estate 

  

 

Image credit - University of Newcastle, Campus map_City Campus

  

Newcastle City Hall - Image credit: Newcastle City Council

 

 

 

Conference Hotels and Accommodation

We have partnered with some of Newcastle's most prestigious providers of accommodation to deliver exclusive discounts for MERGA delegates. Each of these hotels have generously supported our conference through provision of exclusive discounts to ensure your stay in Newcastle is nothing but the finest of experiences. We know you are going to love your stay in our beautiful city!

 

Explore our accommodation partners further on the interactive map (below)!

Click/select each property on the interactive map below to view further information on exclusive MERGA offers and promotions, including discounted accommodation rates. *Note - conference venue locations are also included on map (orange/red icons) for your ease of reference.

Detailed information for each property is listed in the following section. 

 

Interact with map icons for access to exclusive discount codes and offers at select hotels, as featured below.


Image credit: HUNTERhunter.au

   Crystalbrook Kingsley

An old soul with a fresh twist, Crystalbrook Kingsley is culturally connected, sustainably-led, simply sophisticated and steeped in history. The first luxury hotel to grace Newcastle, Crystalbrook Kingsley sparks vibrant energy and nostalgia in one moment.

Winner of the Paul Davis Award for the Australasia-Pacific Hotel of the Year and Hotel of the Year (Conversion) at the Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards. Be sure to have a look at some of Crystalbrook Kingsley's five-star accommodation options for your stay in Newcastle, situated right in the heart of the City centre, and within incredibly close walking distance to conference venues.  This luxurious hotel is not one to be missed when visiting Newcastle!		  

Image credit: Crystalbrook collection
   

 Rydges, Newcastle

Sitting amongst the waterfront boutiques, cafés, bars and eateries of the iconic Honeysuckle promenade, Rydges Newcastle is the ideal destination to take this lively city head on. With sweeping views of the stunning harbour and only moments from the major tourist attractions, this premium Newcastle hotel is the perfect blend of vibrant coastal city and luxury holiday escape.

Rydges Newcastle is only a short walk (600m) to our key conference venue, Q building, and is nestled amongst some of Newcastle's' best dining and entertainment venues. Rydge's have partnered with MERGA to offer delegates an additional 10% savings on bookings for our conference. Follow the link here to secure your accommodation before 2nd July. 

    
 Image credit: Quest Newcastle
   Quest Newcastle – 575 Hunter Street, Newcastle 

Quest Newcastle has been fully refurbed with a modern coastal decor as of August 2018 and is located in the heart of Newcastle's CBD.  Within a short walk to the waterfront boardwalk of Honeysuckle and Marketown Shopping Centre with a 24 hour supermarket, everything is at your doorstep at Quest Newcastle.Quest Newcastle has 65 serviced apartments including One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartments, ideal for families, colleagues or larger groups looking for a home away from home experience, complete with full kitchens and laundry facilities.

 

Please find below rates we would be delighted to offer you for 1st July – 8th 2023

Apartment Type

Nightly Rate – Discounted Rate

One Bedroom Apartment

(1 x Queen Bed)

$259.00 per night per apartment

Two Bedroom Apartment

(1 x Queen Bed & 1 x King Bed or 2 x Single Beds)

$359.00 per night per apartment

Three Bedroom Apartment

(1 x King Bed, 1 x Queen Bed & 2 x Single Beds)

$429.00 per night per apartment

Ancillary Tariffs

Ancillary Type

Daily Cost

Additional Information

Internet

Complimentary

Unlimited

Car parking

$30 per vehicle per night for gated.                                                                                                        Note: for Extended stays over 7+ nights parking is reduced to $120 per vehicle per week

Parking is first come first serve

Terms & Conditions: 

A credit card must be provided at the time of booking to confirm the reservation

Payment for Discounted Rates is due upon arrival with a 24 hour cancellation policy. 

A $200 pre-authorisation will be charged upon arrival for incidentals.

Rates include unlimited complimentary WIFI 

Rates include daily light housekeeping expect on Sundays & Public Holidays. Linen changes are once a week.

  

Image credit: Quest Newcastle
Image credit: Quest apartments    

Quest Newcastle West – 787 Hunter Street, Newcastle West 

 Quest Newcastle West opened their doors in 2017 and is located centrally within the business district and CBD of Newcastle. Quest Newcastle West has serviced apartments including Studios, and One, Two Bedroom Apartments. Studios are the perfect alternative to a hotel room and feature kitchenettes. The beautifully appointed One and Two and Bedroom Apartments are ideal for families, colleagues or larger groups looking for a home away from home experience boasting full kitchens and laundry facilities.

 

Please find below rates we would be delighted to offer you for the  1st July – 8th 2023

Apartment Type

Nightly Rate - Discounted Rate

Studio Apartment

(1 x King Bed or 2 x Single Beds)

$229.00 per night per apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

(1 x King Bed or 2 x Single Beds)

$259.00 per night per apartment

Two Bedroom Apartment

(2 x King Bed or 4 x Single Beds)

$359.00 per night per apartment

 

Ancillary Tariffs

Ancillary Type

Daily Cost

Additional Information

Internet

Complimentary

Unlimited

Car parking

$20 per vehicle per night for ungated or $30 per vehicle per night for gated.                                                                                Note: For Extended stays over 7+ nights parking is reduced to $120 per vehicle per week

Parking is first come first serve

 

Terms & Conditions: 

A credit card must be provided at the time of booking to confirm the reservation

Payment for Discounted Rates is due upon arrival with a 24 hour cancellation policy. 

A $200 pre-authorisation will be charged upon arrival for incidentals.

Rates include unlimited complimentary WIFI 

Rates include daily light housekeeping expect on Sundays & Public Holidays. Linen changes are once a week.

   Image credit: Quest apartments

 

Image credit: Holiday Inn Express by IHG hotels

    

 Holiday Inn Express Newcastle

With contemporary styled rooms featuring comfy bedding, crisp white linen and a choice of soft and firm pillows that assure a great night sleep, the Holiday Inn Express Newcastle is a fabulous choice for accommodation near our conference, and within walking distance of conference venues.

 

Be sure to have a look at the range of accommodation options provided by Holiday Inn Express Newcastle, and upon checkout apply our unique MERGA delegates code via the link found here, for an exclusive 15% discount on accommodation from 2-7th July, 2023. 

  

 

Image credit: Holiday Inn Express by IHG hotels

 Image credit: Novotel - Accor Hotels

    

Novotel, Newcastle Beach

Relax in 4.5-star oceanside comfort at Novotel Newcastle Beach hotel, five minutes' walk from the city. A surf or a beachfront jog followed by a delicious buffet breakfast at stylish Bistro Dalby in Novotel will get your day off to a fresh start. With its central location, this hotel in Newcastle is the ideal choice for business or leisure travel. Shopping, art galleries & coastal walks are only moments away with more attractions such as the Newcastle Museum, Newcastle's Famous Tram and the Ocean Baths.

 

We are so excited to be able to offer you an exclusive offer with the Novotel, Newcastle Beach, and hope you will take some time to have a look at the gorgeous range of rooms available, and stunning views! Novotel is only 1.89km from our conference venues, and a short 5 min walk from the Light rail service that runs through the city. For a 10% discount on bookings between 2nd - 6th July, please use unique Promo code.

  

 Image credit: Novotel - Accor Hotels

Our MERGA 45 Interactive Map We have curated a selection of Newcastle's most well-known attractions and popped them onto an interactive map for your ease of navigation. Whether it's looking for the perfect latte, a heart-pumping trail or track, a place to go for a quiet dinner, or another site to see in our beautiful city - we have covered it all and hope you will too!

 

Navigate via the interactive map below. Select 'layers' of the map according to your specific needs or interests. Most locations are within vicinity of the conference venues, while others are a little further out for the more adventurous. We know you will find something to enjoy here in Newcastle. 

 

 

Dining in Newcastle

Image credit City of Newcastle - Visit Newcastle - Merewether Surf House

    

Newcastle is the second biggest city in NSW, so it's no wonder there are plenty of dining options! Close to the conference venues are Darby Street, King Street and Honeysuckle, all offering a plethora of options from harbour views to cosy bars and restaurants. Check out Visit Newcastle's guide to breakfast, dining with a view or best restaurants to start your planning.  

  

Image credit HUNTERhunter - Three Monkeys Cafe
    

Local attractions

Image credit City of Newcastle - Visit Newcastle - Merewether Baths

    Whether it's heading out for an early morning run before the conference or checking out a local bar after dark, we guarantee there's so many activity options in Newcastle that you'll be planning your next trip to the city before the conference is over. Head to www.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.  

 

Image credit CJ Levinson Photography - ANZAC Memorial Walk

 

Visas

New Zealand Visitors

New Zealand passport holders can apply for a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival into Australia.

International Visitors

If you are travelling to MERGA 45 from further abroad (neither an Australian nor New Zealand passport) then you will need to apply for either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601), an eVisitor (subclass 651) or a Business Visitor Visa (subclass 600); see the IMMI Rules for Entering Australia Including Visa Types and the associated explore the visa options button (select 'Attending a Conference or Expo' as an unpaid delegate, unless you are staying longer for other reasons). The ETA can be applied for using the App, is free, and takes a few days to process; the eVisitor is free and takes 24 hours to process; and the Business Visitor Visa costs $150 AUD and may take a month to process. Those outside the countries eligible for the ETA and eVisitor may need to apply for the Business Visitor Visa. You may require a 'Letter of Invitation' to assist with your visa application, in which case please contact [email protected].

An Accompanying Person who is registered with MERGA 45 may apply for their visa as 'Attending a Conference or Expo' also.

Covid Information

Domestic Visitors

Currently, there are no Covid restrictions for entering NSW from other Australian States and Territories. It is still advisable to monitor for Covid symptoms, stay at home if unwell, and get tested where necessary. Latest advice on traveling to NSW can be found on the NSW State Government Covid Travel website. If you are travelling through Newcastle Airport you may wish to also check their guidance on Covid safety.

International Visitors

For international visitors to Australia, the most up-to-date information about entering and leaving Australian territories, inclusive of health-related advice, visa concessions and refunds etc., can be found on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

Safety on MERGA 45 Premises

General information is available for safety procedures and contacts on University of Newcastle campuses. See an overview of safety and security procedures on our City Campus (the MERGA 45 venue).

Travel Insurance

Preferred travel insurer for University of Newcastle is AIG. To discuss options re: insurance packages and benefits, call directly (1800 017 682), or have a look at their website.

 

         
         
       

Acknowledgement