9 excellent hotels in Newcastle for your next stay

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Explore our pick of the best places to stay in Newcastle to suit every type of traveller.

Whether you’re in town to soak up the sun and surf the waves at Newcastle’s incredible beaches, want to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, or are ready to drink and dine your way around the former Steel City, there are ample hotels in Newcastle to choose from. Here you’ll find the perfect place to lay your head with this guide to Newcastle hotels, from luxury stays to family-friendly apartments.

1. QT Newcastle

Cool and quirky vibes are what sets QT Hotels apart and its Newcastle property is no different, balancing eccentricity and elegance superbly.

colourful lights outside the elevator in the lobby of QT Newcastle
QT Newcastle is renowned for its boundary-pushing design.

The opening of QT Newcastle gave the city’s heritage-listed David Jones building a new lease on life (Deluxe King room image also featured at top), thanks to a colossal $700-million investment into the East End district and Hunter Street Mall. The interiors ooze playfulness, with striking colours and textural details, all hinging on the building’s glamourous century-old heritage.

the king room with a balcony at QT Newcastle
The QT King room with balcony offers a luxurious stay.

Living large is the aim at QT, from the moment you are greeted by QT’s signature Director of Chaos – who fills the traditional role of a concierge, costumed in bold Romance Is Born-designed uniforms – to a nightcap at the rooftop bar, which stocks an impressive array of Japanese whiskeys and gins accompanied by views of Newcastle’s envious coastline.

the rooftop bar at QT Newcastle
Chill at the rooftop bar come sundown.

2. Crystalbrook Kingsley

After a staggering transformation, Newcastle’s former council administration building went from drab offices to the city’s first five-star hotel , under the helm of Crystalbrook Collection.

the master bathroom at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
Find elegant and lavish interiors in Crystalbrook Kingsley.

Close to Newcastle Harbour and foodie-friendly Darby Street, the 1977-built circular Brutalist building is a contrast to what lies within: luxe interiors, fine food and wine, and attentive, warm service.

rooftop views at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
Gaze at scenic views from its rooftop restaurant.

The iconic building’s namesake restaurant, Roundhouse, is perched on the hotel’s top floor, posing as a stylish dining destination alongside Romberg’s cocktail bar with far-stretching views of the buzzy city below.

a couple sitting beside each other on a couch at Romberg's, Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
Curl up on the couch with a cocktail in hand at Romberg’s.

The hotel’s 130 rooms boast views of the city, Newcastle’s Civic Park (where the epic Olive Tree Markets are held), or the bustling harbour, and have been thoughtfully designed in soft tones and premium furnishings.

the bedroom interior at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
The curtains open up to incredible views of the city.

At the heart of every Crystalbrook Collection hotel is a commitment to sustainability: think reduced plastics, tech over paper, waste-free bathroom amenities and water stations on every floor to refill your bottles, meaning your feel-fancy stay is a feel-good one, too.

the Romberg's at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle
Drink up at Romberg’s.

3. Novotel Newcastle Beach

Ocean lovers will find solace in this East End hotel , an easy walk to Newcastle Beach, home to an epic surf break, glorious Art Deco ocean baths and a shallow tidal pool that is perfect for families.

the indoor pool at Novotel Newcastle Beach
Freshen up in the morning with a soak in the pool. (Image: Crave New Media)

The rooms exude a simple and clean design, and range from those with harbour views, a balcony to catch the ocean breeze or can sleep a family of four comfortably.

dining on the balcony with ocean views at Novotel Newcastle Beach
Dine on the balcony fronting the ocean at Novotel Newcastle Beach. (Image: Crave New Media)

While you’re within a stone’s throw of dining options, the hotel’s bistro is open for breakfast and seasonal dinner, and there’s a gym and pool for wellness beyond the beach.

a kids' corner inside the room at Novotel Newcastle Beach
There’s even a kids’ corner for your little ones. (Image: Crave New Media)

4. Holiday Inn Express

Ever muttered the words, “It’s just a place to sleep," when scrolling through overpriced hotel options for short stays or business trips? Enter Holiday Inn Express in Newcastle West : a convenient and fuss-free stay, where you’ll find both affordability, cool design and comfort.

the lobby at Holiday Inn Express, Newcastle
Seek solace at Holiday Inn Express.

All guest rooms are modern, light and airy, there’s a fitness centre, and a lobby lounge, where a complimentary buffet breakfast is provided to all guests, and lunch and dinner are also served. Or if you’ve clocked off cooking duties, take the easy 10-minute walk to Honeysuckle precinct, where you’ll find a plethora of harbourside drinking and dining options.

the dining at Holiday Inn Express, Newcastle
Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast.

5. Quest Newcastle West

When travelling as a family or if you’re planning to linger a little longer, kitchen and laundry facilities are not only convenient, but they are also non-negotiables. Quest Newcastle West  comprises studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Winning!

the two-bedroom accommodation with kitchen and dining at Quest Newcastle West
Quest Newcastle West offers all the conveniences of home.

Beyond the checked boxes, this property in Newcastle West is full of heritage charm. Located within the 1876-built former Woods Castlemaine Brewery, it retains original fixtures such as restored wooden beams and windows, while the apartments are contemporary yet comfy. There’s also a barbecue area if you want to cook alfresco or you can dine out at some of the many local restaurants and charge the bill back to your room.

the kitchen inside the one-bedroom accommodation at Quest Newcastle West
All rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen.

6. Rydges Newcastle

Located smack-bang in the middle of Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct – once former industrial wasteland now packed with places to eat and drink and a scenic foreshore to stroll – Rydges Newcastle  flies the flag for location.

the waterfront restaurant at Rydges Newcastle
Find stylish harbour dining at Rydges Newcastle.

With spacious suites, some boasting balconies, an on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor play area, and a swimming pool and waterslide with views across to the harbour, it’s especially pleasing for travellers with kids.

the Rydges Newcastle located by the side of the road
Rydges Newcastle flies the flag for location.

Bikes are available for hire, so you can explore the foreshore on two wheels: follow the path around to Nobbys Lighthouse and beach or Newcastle Ocean Baths for a refreshing dip. 

a suite with a balcony at Rydges Newcastle
Stay in a suite with a balcony overlooking the harbour.

7. Ibis Newcastle

If you’re filtering your search from lowest to highest price, you’ll likely scroll to Ibis Newcastle . This affordable hotel is roughly a 10-minute walk to both Honeysuckle Foreshore  and buzzy dining options of Hunter Street Mall.

If you want to go further afield, it’s also located near a light rail station. Rooms are simple with the bare essentials, but there’s a restaurant on-site serving a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a bar.

the property exterior of Ibis Newcastle
Head to Ibis Newcastle if you’re looking for an affordable place to stay.

8. Noah’s on the Beach

Wake up to the sight of a cerulean ocean sparkling under the morning sun at Noah’s on the Beach , the city’s only beachfront hotel, across from Newcastle Beach and its iconic art deco ocean baths.

While the hotel interiors are a little dated, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms that frame the Pacific Ocean well and truly make up for it. Aside from the ocean-view rooms, Noah’s on the Beach also has harbour-view rooms and city-view rooms, family rooms, and Noah’s Restaurant, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Beach bums will love this hotel, but it’s also close to the urban centre via light rail, and the six-kilometre Bathers Way walk that traces the coastline from Nobbys Lighthouse to neighbouring Merewether Beach.

9. Crown on Darby

Darby Street has long been a cultural hotspot for dining, drinking, shopping and art. Have it all within easy stride with a stay at Crown on Darby , located in the historic inner-city suburb of Cooks Hill.

the room interior at Crown on Darby, Newcastle
Crown on Darby has rooms spacious enough for families.

Crown on Darby comprises studios and one- to four-bedroom apartments, meaning it’s perfect for longer stays or for families and groups travelling to Newcastle together. The rooms are contemporary and comfortable, with kitchenettes or kitchens; not that you’ll be needing those facilities with the excellent dining scene nearby.

Spend days browsing Newcastle’s art scene, paying tribute to Novocastrian designers and creatives, with a huge concentration of local boutiques and art galleries in the area.

the bedroom studio at Crown on Darby, Newcastle
Get a good night’s sleep before heading off to explore the city.
For more places to stay, read our wrap of Newcastle accommodation and Airbnb stays in Newcastle.
Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Thredbo River Track
Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.