Monthly Breakdown for Pet-Sitters, Beach Walkers, and Quiet Season Travellers

I first discovered Newcastle through a pet-sitting gig. That assignment was only for a week, but I ended up staying for a full month with my own accommodations elsewhere. This was during the early days of my travel life, where I was still figuring out if I liked solo Airbnb stays, pet-sitting, or just wandering alone. Let’s just say — I like some pets, not all. But this one stuck with me.

Also… this place has one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD2,800 (three weeks, self-paid)
→ I stayed in Newcastle for a full month, but only paid for three weeks of accommodation. The first week was a pet-sitting assignment, and the rest was through Airbnb. I split my stay between a residential area and one closer to the beach — and the latter? So worth it.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD50/day
→ Australian food just hits different — fresh, generous, and surprisingly international. You’re covered no matter what you’re craving.
🚇 Transport: SGD150
→ Mostly walked and took trains. Simple and reliable. Some stretches are really scenic, so walking felt less like transport and more like a treat.
💄 Grooming: SGD300
→ Picked up a few bits here and there. Mostly beach essentials and snacks.

Total: ~SGD4,800 (excluding activities)

📌 Accommodation costs were offset by pet-sitting — which made this trip more budget-friendly than it looks at first glance.

🏡 Where to Stay in Newcastle

✔️ Near the Tourist Strip — Stay here if you want late-night dining, beach walks, and more life after dark. Not party vibes, but definitely not dead.
✔️ Residential Areas — I stayed in one, and by 6pm, everything was closed. It wasn’t unsafe — just very quiet. A little too quiet for me.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb pros: Flexible and great for shorter stays, especially in beach towns.
✅ Long-term rentals save 20–30%: But only worth it if you’re staying more than a month.

📌 If you’re testing out pet-sitting or part-time nomad life, Airbnb is a great way to balance flexibility and comfort.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Newcastle (SGD50/day)

Australian food is often underrated — fresh produce, generous portions, and solid options for every type of cuisine. Cafes especially shine here. Bonus points if you find a spot near the beach with avo toast and a view.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD150 for the Month)

✔️ Walk when you can — Newcastle’s coastal paths are beautiful.
✔️ Trains and buses are available, but the area’s compact enough to explore mostly on foot.

📌 Not built for late-night public transport — plan accordingly.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ WiFi in my Airbnb was stable.
✔️ Pet-sitting home had great internet too.

📌 Easy enough for remote work if you’re not doing live uploads or heavy calls.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Newcastle

✔️ The Bogey Hole – Absolutely gorgeous. Cut into the rock with waves crashing around. I stayed for about 5 minutes before my fear of being washed out to sea kicked in — but I would go back.
✔️ Nobbys Head and Breakwall – A peaceful walk with panoramic views. Great for sunset strolls or just clearing your head. Zero regrets.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,800 Worth It?

✔️ Even for a full month, this place stuck with me.
✔️ Pet-sitting helped lower my cost, but the value was in the stillness, the beaches, and the soft, slow rhythm of the city.
✔️ I’ve returned since — whenever I need a reset and a few days off the grid.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Soft solo travellers in their introvert era
• People testing pet-sitting life
• Beach lovers who prefer calm over chaos