Find hidden gems in Newcastle
The laid back coastal suburbs of Newcastle have seen major rejuvenation in recent years, with the former industrial centre making a name for itself on foodie and surfing scenes. The city sits right on the shores of a stunning coastline, while the world-renowned vineyards of the Hunter Valley grow just a ways inland.
Enjoy a dip in the Merewether Baths — the largest ocean pool in the country — before you work up a sweat along the Newcastle Memorial Walk or dine at gastronomic breweries and bars.
Newcastle favourites
Trace the epic Newcastle coastline for ocean-based fun, then get up close and personal with native wildlife.
Merewether Baths
Australia’s largest ocean pool is a 10-minute drive from Newcastle’s CBD. No matter how many paddlers are swimming in the expansive, Merewether Baths, you’ll have plenty of floating and frolicking room with views out over the rolling waves while staying protected from the swell.
Blackbutt Nature Reserve
There are more than 10km of walking trails to explore among the 182 hectares of bushland that make up Blackbutt Nature Reserve. It’s free entry into this wildlife wonderland, where you can meet local critters, learn about native flora and fauna at exhibits, and enjoy picnics throughout the grounds.
Nobbys Head
Nobby’s Beach stretches into the Pacific Ocean with Nobbys Head as Newcastle’s crown. Stroll along the boardwalk that leads to this craggy hill topped by the 150-year-old Nobbys Lighthouse. Continue towards the exhibits at Newcastle Memorial Walk on the full 6km journey along Bathers Way.
Try car sharing in Newcastle, NSW
Hit the road
Newcastle is a gateway to the salty adventures of the Central Coast further north and the wine trails of the Hunter Region inland. Beyond the city’s own glistening sands and fine dining experiences, you can enjoy day trips to nearby mountain ranges, wineries, and high-adrenaline coastal adventures.
Book the perfect carHunter Valley wine region
The most prized vines of the Hunter Valley wine region stretch from Pokolbin, just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, to the Upper Hunter north of Wollemi National Park. You’ll find endless wine tastings at cellar doors, exquisite local dining, hot air balloon rides, and annual musical festivals at local breweries and wineries.
The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
The golden stretch of sand between Newcastle and Port Stephens is home to the largest shifting sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. An hour driving through Worimi National Park will bring you to the northernmost part of Stockton Bight Beach where you can surf the 30-metre sand dunes.
Blue Mountains National Park
Awe-inspiring hiking, caving and horse riding adventures in the Blue Mountains are just over a two-hour drive south of Newcastle. This beloved NSW holiday destination is home to heritage-listed natural environments, historic architecture, and ever-popular pies from local bakeries.
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Best Newcastle driving roads
Pacific Coast Highway
The legendary Pacific Coast touring route runs 1,000km between Sydney and Brisbane. Head north from Newy to meet the notorious dolphin pods of Port Stephens and explore the green hinterland of Port Macquarie in just a few hours of scenic driving.
Merewether Heights to the Hill
The aptly named Scenic Drive will ferry you from Merewether Beach along the leafy edge of Glenrock State Conservation Area to Hickson Street Lookout. It’s all within a 15-minute drive of the Newcastle city centre, but provides incredible sightlines along the coastal headland.
Tourist Drive 33
Visiting the Hunter Valley? Take the scenic route along Tourist Drive 33. Whether it’s a leisurely hour or so drive to Pokolbin or a longer excursion past Wollombi, this day trip will steer you through angelic countryside, over historic bridges, and into quaint townships.
Frequently asked questions in Newcastle
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
What do I need to book a car on Turo?
To book a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in the UK and Australia, 23 years old or older in Canada, have a valid driver’s licence, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s licence and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for every future road trip, business trip, and family holiday!
Do I need my own insurance?
Do I need my own insurance?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to book a car on Turo.
What protection plan options are available on Turo in Newcastle?
What protection plan options are available on Turo in Newcastle?
When booking a car in Australia, you’ll also choose between the Premier (if available), Standard, and Minimum protection plans. Each plan includes varying limits on financial responsibility for damage to a host’s vehicle. All trips include up to $20,000,000 (per event) in legal liability protection. Legal liability protection protects against damage to other people’s property and death or bodily injury (where the legal liability is not covered or capable of being covered by any statutory or compulsory scheme) as a result of an accident involving the vehicle. All protection is provided by Turo Travels Mutual.*
How do I get discounts on cars in Newcastle?
How do I get discounts on cars in Newcastle?
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promotions, discounts, and deals on car rental alternatives in Melbourne!
Additionally, frequent travellers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period!**
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Are there discounts on weekly or monthly trips?
Yes, many Turo hosts offer discounted prices when you book trips lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days. Additionally, hosts can offer “early bird” discounts for Melbourne trips booked a week or more in advance. So, get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips, at least a week in advance.
What types of cars can I book in Newcastle?
What types of cars can I book in Newcastle?
Browse a wide selection of vehicles in Melbourne for every occasion and budget on Turo. For a family road trip, find a full-size SUV or a mid-sized vehicle that’ll take you comfortably around town. Hire a truck or a larger vehicle for some errands, shopping, or moving.
How can I drive unlimited kilometres during my trip to Newcastle?
How can I drive unlimited kilometres during my trip to Newcastle?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
What payment methods does Turo accept?
What payment methods does Turo accept?
Turo accepts most credit cards issued by major financial institutions, including American Express and Discover cards, as well as debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo that are linked to a checking account.
Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile devices are also accepted, but Turo does not accept cash or checks as valid payment methods.
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
What is the cancellation policy for guests on Turo?
You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts. If you book a trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you have one hour after booking to cancel free of charge. If you cancel after the free cancellation period ends, you will be charged a small cancellation fee.
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
What are the cleaning and safety policies on Turo?
Under the enhanced cleaning policy, hosts are required to clean and disinfect their vehicles thoroughly before every trip, so you can feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Turo hosts have access to training materials on enhanced safety measures and cleaning practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses.
Is Turo a rental car company?
Is Turo a rental car company?
No. Unlike rental car companies, Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book directly from trusted local car owners in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Turo does not own any vehicles — Turo hosts share their own personal cars and set their own prices, discounts, vehicle availability, and delivery options.
Are there cars available near Newcastle airport?
Are there cars available near Newcastle airport?
Yes, there are hundreds of cars available on Turo at locations near Newcastle Airport. After arriving at Newcastle Airport, skip the rental counter and have your car rental alternative delivered for pick-up and dropoff at your Newcastle hotel or the address of your vacation rental to save time and hassle.
What’s the best way to get around Newcastle?
What’s the best way to get around Newcastle?
The best and most convenient way to get around Newcastle is by booking a car on Turo. It can be difficult to travel by public transport if you want to visit the highlights of Newcastle and the surrounding regions like the convict-built Bogey Hole and other sites along Bathers Ways, secluded areas further south like Dudley Beach, or the rolling hills of the Hunter Region.
When you’re looking to explore the city’s local eateries and nightlife, it’s easy to make your way around town on foot. Or, jump on the light trail to reach bars and restaurants at Newcastle Beach.
Is there street parking in the Newcastle city centre?
Is there street parking in the Newcastle city centre?
Yes, street parking is available throughout the Newcastle city centre. Most parking is paid at a $4.50 hourly rate, but you can score fairly affordable eight-hour day rates for $8-$11 depending on the area. There are also a number of off-street parking options throughout the CBD with varying prices.
Can I drive to Newcastle Beach?
Can I drive to Newcastle Beach?
Yes, Newcastle Beach is an easy 10-minute drive from the city centre. If you’re headed for the sand on a busy summer day, you might consider opting for a public transport journey via the light rail to avoid parking troubles. The light rail runs from the Newcastle Interchange train station to Pacific Park, just beyond the sand at Newcastle Beach.
Is there parking near Newcastle Museum?
Is there parking near Newcastle Museum?
Yes, there are metered streetside car park options surrounding the museum, as well as secure paid parking services like the Harbour Car Park on Argyle Street. While you’re in the area, check out the Newcastle Art Gallery for an extra dose of culture alongside the history you’ll soak up at Newcastle Museum.
* The guest protection plans offer discretionary protection (protection) issued by Turo Travels Mutual Limited (the Mutual). The plans are offered and distributed on behalf of the Mutual by Turo Australia Pty Ltd and Turo Inc., who are both authorised representatives of Picnic Licensing Pty Ltd (AFSL No 532540). Discretionary risk protection is not insurance. Relevantly, the Board of the Mutual has absolute discretion to accept or reject a member’s claim.
Review the Guest Product Disclosure Statement for more information.
The Board’s discretion will be exercised fairly and consistently, and with all due consideration to the merits and circumstances of each claim and the terms and conditions set out in the Guest PDS.