Newcastle Williamtown Airport Mini Guide
What Can you Tell me About Newcastle?
Newcastle is a major Australian city and the country’s second busiest port, situated about an hour and a half from
Sydney. If you were to try to picture the perfect city then Newcastle wouldn’t be too far off it. There are fabulous beaches; those near the town have plenty of facilities whilst further north stretch miles of deserted white sand. The city is at the mouth of the Hunter River whose waters swell the juicy grapes that make the famous Hunter Valley wines. The valley is surrounded by precipitous mountains that add a further dimension to its beauty. The city is also renowned for the quality of its restaurants; for fine wines should always partner fine meals.
How do I Get to Newcastle?
Newcastle has its own airport, Newcastle Williamtown, nine miles from the city which, given the attractiveness of the city, it’s no surprise that it’s one of Australia’s busiest. Passenger numbers increased by 10% last year and with the increase, car hire availability has become scarcer, making it all the more important to pre-book your Newcastle Williamtown car hire as soon as you've booked your flight. The airport currently only accepts domestic flights so a stopover in Sydney is a possibility for international travellers. Port Stephen Coaches and Hunter Valley Buses provide transport into the city or to Newcastle’s railway station up to eleven times a day or you can take a taxi or hire a car if you want to do some independent exploration.
What is the Airport Like?
It’s modern and compact with the terminal building undergoing an expansion and refit six years ago to cope with rising demand. Currently traffic is increasing at around 10% a year so it can be busy at peak times
What’s the Procedure for When I Arrive?
The aircraft will come to a stop close to the single storey terminal building and you’ll then walk to the terminal building. Inside, arrivals and departures have separate areas on the same floor with arrivals on the left. No security checks are needed as the airport is a domestic one and you’ll be immediately in the baggage reclaim area. You’ll need to wait briefly whilst the bags are unloaded but can then use the information desk for questions about airport facilities or onward transportation and then go straight ahead to the car rental area in the far left hand corner of the terminal if you’ve pre-booked a hire car. If you’re catching the bus or taxi, simply step outside the terminal and the stops are right there. If you need cash, the airport’s only ATM is inside the departures area just as you go through to the departure lounge.
What can I Expect at the Airport When I Depart?
There are several check-in desks or if you prefer, you can use the automated ones in the centre of the check-in area. There’s a newsagent store near the main doors which also sells confectionery and books and a couple of places to eat including a burger bar, Hungry Jack’s, the Insomnia coffee shop where you can also get great pastries, and a sports bar having what it calls a ‘casual food’ menu! There’s internet access at the airport, either via the three workstations or by Wi-Fi to your portable device or laptop.
Newcastle is most famous for its coal industry and is the largest coal exporter in the world through its busy port. Don’t let the thought of dirty industry put you off visiting, for Newcastle is also home to some of the finest beaches on the New South Wales coast.
Miles of pure golden sand stretch in either direction in a climate that’s perfect for long, hot days on the beach. Newcastle was founded at the mouth of the Hunter River and, if you’ve hired a car, visit the wineries of the Hunter Valley in the hinterland of the city.
Check this out for a full breakdown of all car hire agents at Newcastle Williamstown Airport and all across Australia.