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Make your move with a rental car from Newcastle Airport, NSW
A car rental from Newcastle Airport is the ideal start to any trip in or from the city. Whether you’re visiting on business and sticking close to the CBD or embarking on a journey to explore more of New South Wales, having your own set of wheels means freedom to pick your path. There’s plenty to see and do in Newcastle and beyond, so book your car hire and start making plans!
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Free 1 Additional Driver Black Friday Sale Alpha Car Hire Australia Brisbane Airport, Brisbane - Hendra + 4 more 01 December 2022 - 31 March 2023 Minimum hire period: 3 days
Essential information for your Newcastle Airport car rentals
Sun, surf, sand, and a history as Australia’s oldest seaport: Newcastle is a fantastic destination that often flies under the radar when compared to its larger coastal counterpart, Sydney. This laid-back and lovely city has some admirable architecture, a strong dining scene, beautiful art spaces, and popular ocean baths for safe swimming. It’s also the gateway to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s major wine regions.
Newcastle Airport guide
Newcastle Williamtown Airport (IATA: NTL) has a single terminal and runway. It is a busy domestic airport with occasional international flights from New Zealand and is located about a 30-minute drive from central Newcastle.
Inside the terminal building, travellers will find an array of food options and a small store with travel essentials and books. There is everything necessary for a comfortable stay: toilets, free WiFi, ATMs, a parents’ room, and plenty of seating. There is parking available ranging from premium covered parks to more affordable long-term options.
The rental car counters are located outside of the terminal building across from the premium car park. They are connected with a covered walkway.
Driving tips for your Newcastle Airport car rental
To stay safe and enjoy your experience in Newcastle and beyond, we suggest you come prepared! Driving in a new city or a new country can be a little daunting. With a little knowledge of road rules and local conditions, you can have a road trip to remember—for all the right reasons for you to discover Newcastle.
These are our top tips for new drivers in Newcastle.
- All traffic in Australia drives on the left! This means that oncoming traffic will pass you on your right and that the driver (in the vast majority of vehicles) sits on the right side of the vehicle. If you are not accustomed to this, it’s a good idea to schedule an hour or so after pick-up to practice somewhere away from busy roads or highways.
- Watch your speed. The default speed limits in New South Wales are 50 kilometres per hour in built-up and urban areas, 100 kph on open and rural roads, and 110 kph on highways and freeways. Some areas have different limits, so always check the posted signs.
- If you’re heading into the Outback or any remote areas, you should always go prepared with food, water, and a method of communication.
- The blood alcohol concentration for fully licenced drivers in New South Wales is 0.05%, or 0.02% for those driving heavy vehicles, public vehicles, or vehicles carrying dangerous goods.
- Three seconds is considered a safe following distance in New South Wales. This means that three seconds should lapse between the car in front and your car passing the same object.
Road trip ideas: Where to take your Newcastle Airport rental car
Many roads lead to—and from—Newcastle, but it can be difficult for a visitor to decide which ones to take. If you’ve seen all you wish to see in the city centre and have time left over, where would you go? North? South? Inland?
We’ve put together our top destinations within easy driving distance from Newcastle. These may spark some ideas for you as you craft an itinerary for your adventure. It all starts with your a Newcastle Williamtown Airport car rental!
Port Stephens
This region is just an hour’s drive north of Newcastle and a very popular destination for holidaymakers. It’s packed with beaches—26 of them—and is ideal for swimming, surfing, kayaking, parasailing, and more. The towering sand dunes also offer plentiful recreation activities including quad biking and sandboarding.
Hunter Valley
Head inland from Newcastle and you’ll find yourself in Hunter Valley, the birthplace of the Australian wine industry. Call in at the Visitor Information Centre in Pokolbin to plan your visit which might include some wine tasting (for which you should always arrange alternative transport), dining in acclaimed restaurants on local produce, shopping artisan products in the region’s towns, paying golf, hot air ballooning, or learning about the Aboriginal history of the land.
Lake Macquarie
Just 30 minutes south is Lake Macquarie, the largest coastal saltwater lake in Australia. There are all kinds of beaches to enjoy here—if you want a safe, calm swimming spot, head to Grannies Pool which is perfect for small children. The sculpture walk to Speers Point Park is a fun activity at the northern end of the lake. Further to the south is Caves Beach where a network of sea caves can be explored at low tide.
Sydney
Did you know that it’s only a two-hour drive from Newcastle to Sydney? This big, bold, worldly city is well worth visiting with your Newcastle Airport rental car. Stay a few days to enjoy the incredible urban atmosphere, amazingly varied restaurants, iconic sights, and more. The Taronga Zoo is here too, and very popular with families and animal lovers.
Barrington Tops
To the north and inland from the coast about two hours’ drive with your Newcastle airport car hire is Barrington Tops National Park, home to World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests. If you’d like to experience the majesty of Australia’s native flora and fauna, this is a great place to come. The extensive walking track network offers options for all abilities, from short loops to long hikes.
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Car hire Newcastle Airport: Frequently asked questions
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How much does it cost to hire a car at Newcastle airport?
There is a wide variety of rental rates! The cheapest car hire options at Newcastle Airport can go for under AUD$50 per day, while the higher-end models may cost more than AUD$300 per day. Use the handy price filter to narrow down your GoSee search results and find something to fit your budget. You can also order your results by highest price, lowest price, or recommended.
What is the cheapest car hire agency at Newcastle Airport?
Hiring a car in Newcastle? We recommend that you look at lower-cost brands including Alamo, National, Thrifty, and Enterprise to find cheap car hire at Newcastle Airport. You can also sort your search results with the lowest price first to see the best deals.
Which car rental suppliers are based in or around Newcastle Airport?
Suppliers offering car rentals at Newcastle Airport include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, National, and Apollo. Choose the cheapest supplier with happy customer reviews to make sure you book the best provider for your tour.
Which car hire companies in Newcastle have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Most rental suppliers across Australia have updated their policies as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Look for “Enhanced Cleaning” listed amongst the features of a vehicle as this indicates a more thorough cleaning procedure. Individual hire car companies will also have more COVID-related details on their websites.
Can I collect a car from Newcastle Airport and return somewhere else?
Yes, most rental suppliers with depots in other cities will allow this. When you search on the GoSee website for your one-way trip, specify your desired pick-up and drop off point. Nearby locations like Sydney and Canberra are popular while other cities like Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane are great options, too. A relocation fee may apply.
Where can I pick up or drop off my hire car after hours in Newcastle?
There are a few rental partners, such as Avis, which will allow you to return a vehicle after hours at the airport depot.
Is it cheaper to rent a car ahead of time or at the airport?
It’s best to book your hire car Newcastle Airport in advance for many reasons. Rates may rise as you get closer to the time of your trip and vehicles may run out in the high-demand hire period. You could end up having to rent an expensive model or even with no vehicle if you leave it to the last minute.
What happens if you don’t return a rental car on time?
Many car rental Newcastle Airport companies will charge an extra day’s rental if you fail to return the vehicle at the agreed-upon time. Any late fees and penalties will be laid out in your rental agreement.
Where is the nearest petrol station to refuel the car at Newcastle Airport?
Metro Petroleum in Williamtown is the closest petrol station to Newcastle Airport. Keep in mind that some suppliers will require you return the vehicle with full tank. Always double-check the rental company's policies to avoid additional charges.
What is the speed limit in Newcastle?
The default speed limit in the built-up areas of the city is 50 kilometres per hour. Open roads usually have a limit of 100 kph and highways of 110 kph. Posted speed limit signs will provide the most accurate information.
