Review: One Night Stay at QT Newcastle (and a 5am sunrise walk)
Sometimes all you need is one night away to reset. No big itinerary. No rushing. Just a beautiful place to sleep, a reason to wake early, and space to move your body and clear your head.
That’s exactly what my overnight stay at QT Newcastle turned into.
If one-night stays and slow, intentional travel are your thing, you might also enjoy my post Review: Staying at the W Sydney.
First Impressions
QT Newcastle feels like a small oasis of calm right in the heart of the city. Check-in begins at 3pm, with a generous 11am check-out, which immediately eases the pressure. You can use their quick and straightforward self check-in system, or there’s someone on reception if you need a hand. The hotel is also pet-friendly, which I love — even if I wasn’t travelling with Reg this time, it always says something about the vibe of the place.
The Room
I kept it simple and booked a room with a queen bed, which set me back $352.58. While substantial, it was one of the more affordable options in Newcastle. I booked through Hotels.com, earning me an extra night towards my reward.
My 25 sqm room (roomy enough without being too tight) on level 6 looked out over the water, and the late afternoon sun streamed in so beautifully that I just sat for a while and watched it shift. Despite it being 43 degrees outside that day, the air conditioning was set to icy-cool — one of those small but very appreciated comforts.
The room had:
A loaded minibar and fridge (never have I seen such a stash)
Two robes
A Dyson hairdryer (always a win)
A clean, modern bathroom with Tom Dixon London bathroom products, which smell divine
It was quiet, calm, and felt luxurious — perfect for an early night.
Rooftop Drinks with a View
If you stay at QT Newcastle, the rooftop bar ‘Rooftop at QT’ on the 9th floor is a must visit. Water views, a relaxed atmosphere, and that feeling of being above it all — not a huge space, but even if you just pop up for one drink, it’s worth it. Open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and till 10pm mid-week and Sundays.
Little Extras That Make It Easy
One of the perks I loved was complimentary gym access at Watt Street Athletic (available 4am–10pm). You just grab a card from reception — ideal if movement is part of how you travel.
There’s also a Woolworths Metro conveniently close by, plus great local coffee options like Mr. Sister Coffee, which makes mornings simple or grab breakfast at the restaurant on the ground level of the QT.
Parking Tip (Worth Knowing)
Hotel parking is $35, but if you’re staying over a weekend, you can save money:
Free street parking after 12pm on Saturday
Free all day Sunday
Something to keep in mind depending on your plans.
Why I Went: Sunrise on the Bathers Way
The real reason for my stay? A 5am start to meet a friend and walk the Bathers Way at sunrise.
The full path is about 6km one way, stretching from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach, and we walked a total of 12km return. Sunrise along the coast, ocean baths, headlands, and quiet stretches of path — it’s honestly one of the best ways to experience Newcastle.
5am was the perfect time to get started before the heat of the day, though we definitely weren’t the only ones with that idea. There were people everywhere — joggers, bike riders, swimmers, and those grabbing their early morning coffee. For early on a Sunday morning, I was impressed.
If You’re Making a Weekend of It
QT Newcastle is perfectly placed if you want to explore. Nearby highlights include:
Six beaches, two ocean baths, and the iconic Bogey Hole
Nobbys Lighthouse
Christ Church Cathedral
Newcastle Museum
Fort Scratchley
Darby Street for food and shopping
Anzac Memorial Walk
If you have more time:
The Fernleigh Track
Throsby Creek
Carrington
Newcastle Foreshore
Blackbutt Reserve
Glenrock State Conservation Area
Hunter Wetlands
Or take the ferry to Stockton. You can also easily get around via train or light rail or ditch the car and travel there via train from Sydney.
We followed the walk with a visit to the Sunday Farmers Markets at Broadmeadow — $3 parking and so many fresh produce stalls to meander through. I came home with fresh beetroot, chorizo, and coconut and coriander sauce. So good!
Dinner Options (Plenty to Choose From)
Queens Wharf Hotel for dinner and drinks by the water
Harry’s Café de Wheels for their pies topped with mashed potato and peas
Signal Box — we’ve been before and can highly recommend
The Humble Thai Restaurant
Bistro Penny
Scottie’s (there’s usually a huge queue, so we haven’t eaten there yet — which makes me think it must be worth the wait)
Customs House Hotel
Light Years Asian Bar and Diner
Would I Stay Again?
Absolutely.
QT Newcastle felt effortless — stylish without trying too hard, comfortable, well-located, and perfect for a short reset or an active coastal weekend. It’s quiet with only a boat horn throughout the night coming from the Newcastle Harbour, which is actually quite reassuring to remind you of where you are. For me, the QT was the ideal base for an early start, a long walk, and that feeling of returning home just a little lighter than when I left.
Sometimes one night is all you need.
Have you stayed at any of the QT Hotels? Newcastle was my first, and I was impressed. Sydney might have to be next — I’ll report back.
