The Sydney hotel offering guests free airport parking for 5 days

If you’ve ever felt the sting of paying eye-watering airport parking fees, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Moxy Sydney Airport has just unveiled a travel deal that’s turning heads across the city: park for five nights free when you stay one night at the hotel, then pay only $15 per extra day or $100 per week if you need more time. Best of all, this new package includes a complimentary shuttle to both domestic and international terminals, making Moxy Sydney Airport the only hotel in the area offering airport transfers at no extra cost.

Located just minutes from Sydney Airport, Moxy Sydney Airport is already known for shaking up the traditional notion of an “airport hotel." With its trendy, vibrant décor, retro-style arcade games and craft cocktails at Bar Moxy, it’s a far cry from the tired, minimalist accommodation most travellers expect when they have an early flight. Now, its new parking deal and free shuttle service aim to ease the headaches of getting to and from the airport – especially if you’ve got bags, kids or an early-morning check-in.

MOXY Sydney Airport Lobby — Moxy Sydney Airport is already known for shaking up the traditional notion of an “airport hotel."

This offer is a real game-changer for travellers departing from Sydney, especially if you live regionally in Australia. But let’s break down the costs.

An overnight stay at the hotel starts at $166 per night. The cheapest parking rate for five days at Sydney Airport starts at $131.70 for the Blu Emu car park that connects to terminals 2 and 3 via an airport shuttle and this goes up to $439 for premium valet parking. Additional days range from $19.30 to $83 per day. You will potentially pay $34.30 more to spend the night at the hotel with inclusive free parking compared to five days of parking at $131.70. But when you add to this the value of skipping the usual scramble of finding reliable (and affordable) parking before a flight or eliminating the worry of train delays or Ubers that don’t show up, you’ve automatically removed 90 per cent of the stress associated with flying. It just makes a lot of sense!

The free shuttle itself also saves guests money. Airport trains can cost upwards of $17.34 per adult each way from Mascot Station, and a taxi or rideshare trip often sets you back even more. Moxy’s shuttle runs a continuous 20-minute loop, starting from 4.45am to 10.50pm for the domestic terminal and 5am to 10.50pm for the international terminal.

There’s also a convenient stop at Mascot Train Station, letting you reach downtown Sydney in just minutes – without facing the pricey station gate fee. Once you’ve booked your room, you’ll receive a link to reserve your preferred shuttle time and you can track its movements via a real-time “Uber-like" tracker on your phone or via digital displays in the hotel.

MOXY Sydney Airport shuttle bus — Moxy’s shuttle runs a continuous 20-minute loop.

The parking option, meanwhile, offers significant peace of mind. No one wants to worry about leaving their car in an expensive, uncovered lot while travelling. At Moxy Sydney Airport, your vehicle will be safely parked in a secure, undercover garage with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. If you’re flying out for a quick five-day trip, you won’t pay a cent beyond your room rate. If your travels take you away for longer, each extra day is just $15, and a full week of parking is capped at $100 – far cheaper than most standalone airport parking facilities.

While the cost savings are substantial, Moxy also delivers on fun. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, the hotel boasts stylish rooms with runway or city skyline views, plus a vibrant lobby that features playful touches like Skee-Ball and table tennis.

MOXY Sydney Airport Bar Moxy — Enjoy cocktails at Bar Moxy before your flight.

Finally, a pre-flight solution that lets you spend less time stressing about logistics – and more time getting excited about your upcoming adventure.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Sydney hotel offering guests free airport parking for 5 days

If you’ve ever felt the sting of paying eye-watering airport parking fees, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

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