We are flying into SYD and heading to Nelson Bay. As an alternative to renting at SYD, I was hoping to take the train and rent a bit further north. Newcastle seemed ideal but I haven't found a car rental close to the station.
Can anyone recommend an alternative station where we might find a car rental close by?

PS It is not that I can't rent at SYD but we enjoy taking the train and might avoid the airport markup on the rental car, although we will pay it on the train ticket!

According to the vroom vroom website, the best bet is to alight at Wickham Street station. Budget is 1.5km away.
Alternatively, just book at one of the city locations & get a cab from the main station (Hunter street).

Newcastle isn't all that big.

Hi John

You can take a bus from Newcastle station to Newcastle airport (at Williamtown). All the major hire car companies have rental vehicles available there. See http://www.newcastleairport.com.au/t...r#.UfeZ8qyB64o for the details.

Another alternative would be to take the bus all the way from Newcastle to Nelson Bay. In the bay you can organise a Thrifty vehicle through their local agent at Cote d'Azure accommodation. Their website is www.cotedazurnelsonbay.com.au

The bus company you would need is Port Stephens Coaches - they also have a daily coach service between Sydney and Nelson Bay. See www.pscoaches.com.au

I'm a Port Stephens local, so will happily answer any other questions you may have. Di

Thanks Di. I will look into these options. As a local, I have some questions.
- Can one swim at Nelson Bay in the first week of April?
- Where would be the best place in the area to go to see Koalas? So far we have failed on our previous trips although we haven't tried a zoo!
- Are there any wineries in the area or does one have to drive to the Hunter Valley?

Thanks again.

Hi John

Yes, the water here usually stays comfortable for swimming right through till the end of April; we have had visitors from Europe who swim right through July & August here - I guess it all depends what you're used to.

Koalas are tricky; they don't move much, or make much noise. If you call in to the Visitor Information Centre once you get here, they'll probably be able to point out some likely spots. As a last resort Oakdale Farm has a Koala feeding session each day when you can even pat them! See http://oakdalefarm.com.au for details.

There's Port Stephens Brewery and Winery on Nelson Bay Road - see http://www.murraysbrewingco.com.au/p...t_stephens.php

Otherwise its around and hour and a half drive to the Hunter Valley wineries; there you're spoilt for choices and could easily spend a couple of days sampling the wares. Di

Thank you so much. Great info.

I always rent from this independent company: Bayswater "No Birds" Car Hire, website www.nobirdscarhire.com.au/‎

(Explanation: "Birds" in Australian are "gals" or "chicks" - some competitors used to have ads promoting "birds" who delivered the car to your address - but not this company... "Hire" is the more common term in Australia for "Rental" but both are used).

Their prices are always the best, they're easy to find next to Kings Cross, you're quickly on the freeway to the Harbour Bridge and heading north - I can highly recommend them.