Newcastle Accommodation

Spring Activities in Newcastle

Newcastle is surrounded by golden sand beaches, a breath taking coastline and a beautiful working harbour. There's so much to do in this beautiful city, especially as the weather warms us!

Take a dip in our ocean baths - Merewether Ocean Bath is the largest in town and caters to a variety of swimmers. With a family friendly shallow pool and a main 100m wide swimming pool it's the perfect way to cool off regardless of your swimming level.  The bogey hole is one of Newcastle's most iconic landmarks. Hand cut into the rockface by convicts in 1819, the bogey hole is truly a magnificent sight and free for everyone to enjoy.

We recommend spending a sunny day taking a walk in the beautiful areas surrounding Charlestown. This walk from Belmont to Valentine is a great way to warm up and enjoy the scenery of Lake Macquarie, or head into the city of Newcastle for a walk on the ANZAC memorial bridge at The Hill.

Enjoy some Art & Culture in Lake Macquarie

For the art lovers we recommend a trip to MAC, the Museum of Art and Culture at Lake Macquarie. Afterwards you can head over the bridge to Speers Point to see a show at the Multi Arts Pavillion.

Learn about History & Nature in Newcastle

For a different view of Newcastle you can head to Queens Wharf and take a ride across the harbour on the Stockton Ferry. It's only a 5 minute ride to reach the quaint beachside town of Stockton. There you entertain the kids at the awesome park or take a walk along the breakwall. There's history to learn as you encounter wrecks of ships along the boardwalk, each of them signposted with their story.  And don't forget to look out  for whales as they pass by for their annual migration. You might just see dolphins and seals too!

The Hunter Wetlands Centre is another great place to visit in winter. It's the best time of year to enjoy a long walk around on it's raised boardwalks, or even take a ride on a canoe. There is an art gallery, café and gift shop to enjoy while you're there as well as a playground and activities for kids.

*Image courtesy of Destination NSW

Whale Watching Around Newcastle

Where to go for Whale Watching Around Newcastle

It's whale watching season! Newcastle is a great place to spot whales between May to November each year as the east coast of Australia becomes a humpback highway. They start by heading north to give birth and then make their way back down to Antarctica with their calves.

They can easily be spotted, even from the beach, if you know what to look for. We recommend finding a high vantage point where you can sit and spend time looking for the tell-tale spouts of water rising up from the ocean, or great big splashes as they flap their tails or fins.

Whale watching around Newcastle is easy in places like the Anzac memorial walk at Bar Beach, Redhead bluff and Boat Harbour in Port Stephens. They offer great views over the ocean so bring your binoculars and settle in for some whale spotting.

You can also get even closer by going on a whale watch cruise. There are some that depart from Newcastle Harbour as well as from Port Stephens, around 1 hour's drive from Charlestown. The amazing crew at Coast XP offer some great whate watching tours from the Newcastle CBD.

Newy With Kids has a great post all about where to see whales across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. Follow the link to find out more.

Top Places to Visit in Newcastle this Summer

Want to know the top places to visit in Newcastle this summer?  We're lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing places that are perfect to enjoy on warm summer days. The beautiful Lake Macquarie has an abundance of swimming, boating and fishing spots and Newcastle has beaches galore!

This list will come in handy whenever you need to find a spot to cool off on a hot day or to make the most of a clear, sunny day. And all are just a short drive from the Apollo International in Charlestown!

And just to sweeten the deal even more, all of these amazing spots are completely free of charge to enjoy.

Our top Places To Visit in Newcastle this Summer are:

1. Bogey Hole- Situated close to the Newcastle CBD, this convict-built swimming hole is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
2. Grannies Pool- Close to Blacksmith's beach and Swansea, Lake Macquarie, this shallow tidal pool is especially great for kids to splash about safely.
3. Glenrock-  Finish off an invigorating walk through the bush with a cool dip at Glenrock lagoon or plunge into the waves at Burwood beach.
4. Belmont Baths- These newly built baths are a great way to enjoy the cool water of Lake Macquarie, conveniently located right in the centre of Belmont.
5. Merewether Baths- A favourite swimming and leisure spot for locals. Open all year round, it's a great way to enjoy the ocean without battling the surf.
6. Naru Sands- A hidden spot with crystal-clear water and amazing views of Lake Macquarie. It’s a popular spot for families who appreciate the stunning views and kid-friendly swimming areas.
7. Pelican Foreshore- There's a great park with a playground and BBQ facilities plus a beautiful shallow swimming area just nearby at little Pelican.
8. Caves Beach- The perfect place to explore the seaside caves, swim in the water and enjoy a picnic.

We hope you enjoy getting out to these top places to visit in Newcastle this summer!

Hunter Coast Dermatology and Laser Specials

Hunter Coast Dermatology and Laser Specials for Apollo guests.

Hunter Coast Dermatology and Laser are located just down the road on the highway at Charlestown and offer some great treatments for various skin conditions. While many treatments require pre-booking and planning, they do offer some cosmetic procedures and skin treatments that can booked in with short notice. They've put together some specials just for Apollo guests to book themselves in during their stay.

HCDL Treatments

HCDL can treat a variety of skin conditions such as:

• Pigmentation
• Sun damaged skin
• Skin checks
• Skin cancer management
• Facial redness, rosacea and broken capillaries
• Acne and acne scarring
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating)

Their cosmetic treatments include:

• Laser for pigmentation
• Laser for facial redness and blood vessels
• Lasers for acne and acne or surgical scarring
• Resurfacing lasers for sun-damaged skin and rejuvenation
• Anti-wrinkle injections
• Photodynamic therapy for sun damaged skin and treatment of early skin cancers
• Personalised skin care advice and prescription only skin care products
• Cosmetic excisions of benign nevi (moles), cysts & other surface lesions

See more information and before and after photos here.

Bookings for Hunter Coast Dermatology and Laser specials can be made by calling (02) 4003 7693

Top 10 things to do Within 10km of Charlestown

What are the top things to do near Charlestown?

If you're staying in the area for a little while and don't want to travel far then this list is for you!

These are the top 10 things to do within 10km of Charlestown to help you keep busy and have some fun without having to go too far from the hotel.

1.Redhead beach- a great surf beach that is popular with board riders and body surfers. Even in the winter it's a stunning beach to walk along and take some great photos of the iconic shark tower and redhead bluff.

2.Walk/Ride the Fernleigh Track- check on the historic Fernleigh tunnel and enjoy the bushland surrounding the track.

3. Glenrock walk- head to the Yeurlabah track and follow the trail down to the beautiful Glenrock lagoon and Burwood beach.

4. Speers point park- A great park for kids with all it's playground equipment and bike/scooter/skate paths. There's a great cafe right next to the playground so that parents are well catered for too.

5. Charlestown Square- more than just a shopping mall, it's an entertainment precinct! Find restaurants, cafes, a cinema, bowling, mini golf, playgrounds and more at the region's largest shopping centre. It's only  a 10 minute walk from the Apollo International.

6. Dullboys Warners Bay- an entertainment venue for the whole family to enjoy including a bar, restaurant, arcade games and bowling.

7. Merewether Baths- 2 huge ocean pools built into the shore at Merewether Beach. It's spectacular swimming and sightseeing any time of the year and it's right next to cafes, bars and fine dining.

8. Hunter Ice skating  stadium at Warners Bay- Fun for everyone, just a short drive from Charlestown.

9. Take a cruise on Lake Macquarie- head to the lake and cruise on some of the local boat charters including the Lake Macqaurie ferry and cruises.

10. Blackbutt reserve- check out the natural bushland reserve complete with wildlife exhibitions including koalas, emus and wombats.

With so many options, you will never get bored!

Traveller's Choice Award Winners 2022

Best Western Apollo International are Trip Advisor's Traveller's Choice Award Winners 2022. That means we're in the top 10% of hotels worldwide... again!

It's reassuring for our guests to know that many travellers before them have highly rated their stay at Best Western Plus Apollo International and they've shared their positive experiences online to help you make an informed choice about your accommodation.

Reviews like these show that we put our guest's comfort and needs as our number one priority and we continually strive for improvement.

"From the moment we walked in the foyer a first class experience begun. We could not fault a thing, staff friendly and accomodating, room clean and comfortable, dining was top hat quality, we would highly recommend the Apollo." Trip Advisor review, 20/4/22

"I had the pleasure of spending a night at the Apollo with a friend. As soon as we entered we were greeted with a friendly smile. The room was smart and well appointed with a balcony looking out on beautiful trees. It felt so relaxing and quiet. We had dinner in the restaurant and loved the food, plentiful and absolutely delicious. Do order dessert!! And, I believe breakfast is also worth staying for! I highly recommend the Apollo and will definitely stay there again." Trip Advisor review, 3/3/22

You can read more wonderful feedback from traveller's here on Trip Advisor. Thanks to all the wonderful guests who've written such great reviews and helped us maintain our world-class reputation. We look forward to continuing to keep our guests happy and constantly raising the bar to go above and beyond their expectations.

Adventures in Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie is the place for adventure!

It's the Southern Hemisphere's largest coastal lake and it's surrounded by stunning beaches and natural bushland. It's also just up the road from Newcastle, the second biggest city in NSW and home to exciting events such as Surfest and Repco Newcastle 500 Super Cars Championship.

Adventures in Lake Macquarie on the water.

It's rugged coastal landscape is the perfect place for adventure and exploration! Just off the coast is the "Humpback Highway", where whales can be seen as they migrate north to warmer waters from June-November every year. You can see them from many vantage points along the coast line, otherwise you can take a boat tour with a whale watching operator. Some leave from Honeysuckle and others embark from Nelson Bay. Check out our list of whale watching spots here.

There's many other tours to choose from, such as dolphin watching, hiking treks and even scenic flights. CoastXP can take you to some of the most remote and little known secret hideaways around the lake. It will make you feel like you're much further away from the city than you really are!

Adventures in Lake Macquarie in the air.

For the super brave there is a sky diving academy located in Marks Point just 20 minutes from Charlestown. Find out more about their packages here.

If you're looking for an adventure to suit the whole family then Treetop Adventure Park have lots to do at both the Newcastle and Central Coast locations. They've got courses for everyone, from toddlers to grown-ups!

Adventures in Lake Macquarie on Wheels.

If you'd rather be in the bush on two wheels, the Hunter Mountain Bike Association has some great trails in Cooranbong in the Olney State Forest, suitable for a range of abilities. Check them out here

Visit Lake Macquarie have a comprehensive list of adventurous activities in Lake Macquarie so click the button below to find even more amazing things to do in this beautiful region.

Photo Courtesy of CoastXP and Destination NSW

Shopping in Lake Macquarie

Shopping in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle is a delight for shoppers of every kind!

We've got big shopping centres full of all the stores you know and love, as well as boutiques and artisan wares for those with very particular tastes. And there are no shortage of markets for fresh food and quirky handmade products all year round.

The Apollo is only a short drive  from the region's largest shopping complex, Charlestown Square. It's not just a shopping centre but a full entertainment venue for kids and adults of all ages. It boasts a range of dining options from a la`carte to takeaway, as well as bowling, mini golf, Timezone and a large cinema with a great selection of movies. Check out their website here.

Boutiques abound in nearby areas such as The Junction, Warners Bay and inner-city Newcastle.

For lovers of eclectic vintage, second-hand or handmade pieces, check our Islington and Hamilton and shops such as Stoned Saint Moon and Planet Islington.

And don't forget the amazing array of markets that Newcastle and Lake Macquarie provide all  year round. You can find a whole list here on Newcastle Live or check out a few of our favourites.

The Olive Tree Markets

Newcastle Farmers Markets

Lake Macquarie Farmers Markets

Newcastle Food and Flower Markets

Homegrown Markets

You can find out more about shopping in Newcastle and surrounds on the comprehensive Hunter Hunter website via the link below.

Happy shopping!

Sailing on Lake Macquarie

There's no better way to see the lake!

Lake Macquarie Sailing Tours are an eco-friendly, family-run business that offers private cruises on the beautiful Lake Macquarie.

Setting sail from beautiful Trinity Point, offering a range of different cruise options complete with locally sourced produce and wine.

We encourage you to get in touch and make a booking to cruise around Australia's largest saltwater lake. Did you know it's twice the size of Sydney Harbour? It's brimming with life including an abundance of fish, dolphins, rays and even sharks.

During your tour you will have the chance to see a variety of birds and sealife while enjoying stunning scenery. There may even be an opportunity to stop and venture onto an island or take a swim in the clear waters.

Want more adventures in Lake Macquarie? Our experiences page has a lot more ideas to keep your entertained while visiting Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Check it out here.

Blackbutt Nature Reserve

Blackbutt Nature Reserve

This amazing reserve is only minutes from The Apollo hotel and occupies over 182 hectares of natural bushland providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nature trails, wildlife exhibits, children's playgrounds or passive recreation. The Reserve's undulating natural environment is the perfect place to explore the wonders of nature with its peaceful picnic settings, wide open spaces and the diverse range of habitats and ecosystems.

The modern and spacious wildlife exhibits provide close viewing of the various native animals on display. The exhibited animals and interpretative signage located along the boardwalk (both wheelchair and pram friendly) provide an opportunity for visitors to observe the fauna and learn about each species.

Comprising Eucalyptus Forest and pockets of significant remnant vegetation, Blackbutt Reserve boasts a restored rainforest providing habitats for a number of rare and vulnerable species.

Featuring a variety of play areas for the kids

Blackbutt Nature Reserve also boasts a variety of playgrounds and grassy areas to keep the kids happy. They can climb the nature inspired play equipment and run wild on the soft grass. There's also concrete pathways suitable for scooters and small bikes.

There is so much to do and see around Charlestown, how about checking out some more suggestions here.

Eco Friendly Accomodation in Newcastle

The Apollo International is proud to be doing our part for the environment!

As taking care of our environment becomes an increasingly important issue, we are doing what we can to offer eco friendly accomodation in Newcastle.

Generating electricity from 242 solar panels We have an incredible 83.5 kW System.

Using the sun to generate the majority of our power means less harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels. Certain times of the day our system produces so much power it actually gives electricity back to the grid.

Click below to find out the environmental benefits of our system, The saved Co2 emissions and the equivalent of trees planted.

What Else We're Doing to Go Greener

Another factor that helps us provide eco friendly accomodation in Newcastle is our EV charger stations. We currently have 5 separate stations in our undercover parking lot. We have two Tesla chargers to suit all Tesla models and 3 type-2 chargers that suit all other electric vehicles. If you're an electric vehicle owner we would love to have you stay with us and make use of our chargers while you enjoy our beautiful facilities.

Secondly, we have eliminated the use of paper compendiums in our rooms and replaced them with digital menus and information. You will now be provided with QR codes to access all the information you need to know during your stay.  We only provide a small handful of paper magazines and brochures to our guests when looking for local information as we encourage you to seek the answers digitally. We provide free wi-fi and access to a guest computer in our lobby to help you find what you need. And of course you can talk to our friendly reception staff who are always happy to help.

Nobbys Lighthouse Headland

Check out Nobbys Lighthouse Headland in Newcastle

Did you know that Nobbys-Whibayganba headland was originally an island? The distinct formation was special to the local Awabakal people and was the source of a significant Dreamtime story. Now Nobbys Lighthouse headland is home to an active lighthouse used to guide vessels into the Hunter River. It was established on Nobbys Head in 1854, which was then a small isolated coastal islet just off Signal Head.

The lighthouse is one of the earliest surviving examples of a lighthouse on the east coast of Australia. It is associated with the work of famous colonial architects Edmund Blackett and Alexander Dawson.

Today, Nobbys-Whibayganba Headland has one of Newcastle’s best vantage points, with 360-degree views of the city, working harbour and Newcastle’s stunning coastline.

Nobbys Lighthouse is Now Open to the Public

Take a stroll along Newcastle harbour breakwall and continue up the hill to Nobbys Lighthouse for breath taking views of our beautiful city! Nobbys Lighthouse is now open for free public access on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month. Best parking is at Nobbys Beach carpark.

Time: 10am - 4pm
Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month

If you're interested in more cultural and historic experiences in Newcastle, read these great suggestions here.