Convening In Newcastle

Once known for its industrial focus, Newcastle and its picturesque harbour have earned a reputation as a fine conference destination.



The upgraded Newcastle Airport won the prestigious 2005 Regional Airport of the Year award, judged by the Australian Airports Association. Delegates flying into the airport are now greeted by larger departure and arrivals areas, two baggage reclaim units, more retail outlets, extra car hire facilities and a tourist information desk. The trip into the city is quick and easy on the airport shuttle services.

Newcastle Airport is growing in aviation stature, its traffic having increased by more than 330 per cent since November 2003, when Virgin Blue introduced daily services to Melbourne. Qantaslink and Jetstar also operate, with daily services to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and the Gold Coast.

Opening Newcastle’s doors
One of Newcastle’s oldest and most prestigious institutions has now thrown open its doors to the meetings and conference industry. The Newcastle Club was established in 1885 as a “gentleman’s club”, with all the pomp and ceremony associated with British tradition.



In recent times, rules such as “no women members” and “members only” have gradually changed. The elegant, historical buildings occupied by the club since 1911 can now be booked for meetings and conferences.
With commanding views over the city and harbour right up to Port Stephens, the Newcastle Club caters for up to 140 people banquet style, and has a garden lawn with sweeping vistas of the city and northern coastline.

Meetings and banquet rooms have the soft ambience of a private home, with authentic oil paintings, fine antiques and unique architectural detailing. Six rooms can host from 12 to 120 banquet style.

>> conference venues & meeting rooms Hunter Valley and Newcastle

The club has accommodation in 19 period furnished rooms, which reflect the building’s charm, heritage and character.

Quality development
A $2.5 million refurbishment has added substantially to the appeal of Quality Hotel Noah’s on the Beach in Newcastle.
Works including a major lobby facelift, ground-floor extensions and the re-branding of the restaurant Jonah’s on the Beach saw the 4 star property win the 2005 Quality Property of the Year award.

Most of Noah’s 91 accommodation rooms have views over the Pacific Ocean or Newcastle Harbour. Its 200 seat ballroom and the restaurant both have similarly spectacular ocean views. Newcastle wisely capitalises on its proximity to the Hunter Valley, one of the nation’s top wine-producing regions.

Newcastle Visitor and Convention Bureau conventions manager, Ruth Appleby, says the city is delighted to welcome Hunter Valley Events on board. “This is our first locally based destination management company, and the services it offers add tremendous value to Newcastle as a destination,” Appleby says.

Satisfied UK agents
A group of 15 travel agents from the United Kingdom experienced the unique Australian wilderness attractions in the Hunter Barrington area late last year, including a stay at Eaglereach Wilderness Resort. This world-class resort has over 405 hectares of natural adventureland, featuring an amazing variety of flora and fauna, with spectacular views to Barrington Tops, one of Australia’s largest national parks, and to the Pacific Ocean. It goes without saying it was a huge success!