Newcastle, Australia 🇦🇺
#91
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Newcastle is a coastal city in New South Wales, Australia, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and friendly atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 322,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 0.67 USD. Major banks include Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, and ANZ. ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common services include Commonwealth Bank and ANZ. Many plugins allow for international transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb and local rentals to hostels and hotels. Average monthly rents start from AUD 1,800 for a one-bedroom apartment. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Stayz dominate the short-term rental market. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Newcastle Beach YHA offer budget-friendly options starting around AUD 30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Newcastle East and Honeysuckle are great for tourists due to proximity to beaches and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center and Cooks Hill are ideal for digital nomads, with cafes, coworking spaces, and access to public transport. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Business Hub Newcastle offers dedicated desk spaces, meeting rooms, and a coffee shop. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Estabar on Newcastle Beach offers great coffee and a comfortable work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and workshops are hosted at venues like The Edwards, catering to various industries, including tech and creative. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Newcastle Expat Community hosts regular meetups and events on social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in Newcastle for on-demand rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Freedom and Lime provide electric scooter rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nobbys Beach, well-known for its scenic views and surfing opportunities, is just a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Regional Express (Rex) operates flights connecting Newcastle to other cities in Australia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Virgin Australia provide international flights from Newcastle Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pacific Motorway (M1) connects Newcastle to Sydney and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Newcastle Interchange serves as the main train and bus station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MyMulti pass provides unlimited travel on buses, trains, and ferries within selected zones. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity trains run frequently between Newcastle and Sydney, taking approximately 2.5 hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | John Hunter Hospital is the largest hospital in Newcastle, providing comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Room Newcastle offers various classes suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym classes and fitness facilities are available at F45 and Anytime Fitness. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Love offers self-service laundry facilities for easy access. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is popular for quick local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish and Chips from the local seaside venues are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Harvest Cafe offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cocoa Nib is a popular spot for gourmet desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Newcastle Farmers Market on Sundays provides fresh local produce and handmade goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local websites like Newcastle Clothing offer online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Woolworths and Coles provide online grocery shopping with delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Honeysuckle precinct is known for its vibrant nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Foghorn Brewhouse offers a range of locally brewed craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Slow Wine Bar provides a diverse selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Newcastle Street Food Market at The Station features various local food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Australian and Asian fusion restaurants like the East End serve popular dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nobbys Lighthouse and Fort Scratchley offer stunning views and historical significance. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Newcastle Art Gallery showcases local and international artworks. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Anzac Memorial Walk offers historical insights and beautiful harbor views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is a historical and architectural gem in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Newcastle Fringe Festival celebrates arts and creativity in various forms each March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Newcastle's East End is home to many art galleries, small theaters, and music venues. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Civic Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including concerts and plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Newcastle Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is prevalent at venues like The Cambridge Hotel and The Small Ballroom. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Newcastle Street Art Walk features numerous murals and public art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Hunter Valley Cooking School offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Newcastle Art Gallery features a notable collection of Australian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Newcastle Post Office is a stunning example of colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Newcastle's heritage reflects its rich mining and maritime history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tomaree National Park, located just south of Newcastle, offers beautiful coastal views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Barrington Tops National Park is an accessible nature retreat, about a 2-hour drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Newcastle Foreshore Walk provides scenic coastal views, perfect for cycling or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at Signal Hill offers fantastic views of the city and surrounding waters. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at Hexham Swamp preserve have great birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beaches allow bonfires, specifically around the Stockton area. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Australia Post and local courier services offer reliable delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host regular table tennis matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutes like International House offer English and other language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Newcastle Region Library provides reading and study areas across multiple locations. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Newcastle Community Centre holds various activities and support programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over at Newcastle West offers space for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Newcastle Entertainment Centre hosts gaming events and shows. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = AUD 250,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = AUD 175,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 288,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 198,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 336,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically 30% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax resident basis for income tax; worldwide income is subject to tax. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for incomes over AUD 180,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual council rates are applicable based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty rates vary; typically around 4% in New South Wales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Australia does not specifically cater to digital nomads, but residency visas can provide work flexibility. |