Opposite Newcastle Beach, this charmingly restored heritage building features a magnificent ballroom with chandeliers, leather armchairs and open fire. Chill out in the courtyard or hire the free surfboards and body boards. Fill up on the weekly all-you-can-eat pizza or free Irish pub meals 3 nights a week, including bands, trivia and pool competitions. Activities include dolphin and whale watching, hang-gliding, dune bike safaris and so much more. Getting to the hostel: 28km to Newcastle Airport. 24km to Belmont Airport. 200 metres to bus station. Parking is available on the street out the front of the hostel. It is 2hr metered parking between Monday-Friday 9-5 (free overnight and on weekends). For free unrestricted parking you can park on Watt St (2 minute walk) or along Shortland Esplanade (5 minute walk). Parking available 150 metres to station. Hourly services to Sydney. Northern NSW service.