The Boatrowers Hotel has been a Stockton landmark since 1887, sitting right on the waterfront with sweeping views across the Hunter River to Newcastle city. Rooms are pub-style and recently refurbished, with free Wi-Fi, TV, fresh linen and towels, free toiletries, shared bathrooms and a communal guest kitchen. Single and double options available, all non-smoking. Downstairs, the Boaties Bistro serves up pub favourites, with a Main Bar, Beer Garden and Function Room rounding out the venue.

Stockton is an underrated base for the Newcastle region. A quick 3-minute ferry ride connects you to Newcastle city, while the beach itself is one of the longest in the Southern Hemisphere, with sand dunes, 4WD tours, fishing and horse riding all on the doorstep. Skip the chain hotels across the water and book direct.