It contains the main campus of the University of Newcastle, which is the entirety of the suburb.

It is served by Warabrook railway station on NSW TrainLink's Hunter Line.

Callaghan borders the suburbs of Shortland, Waratah West, and Warabrook.

[2] The suburb was named after Sir Bede Callaghan (1912–1993), who was Chancellor of the University of Newcastle from 1977 to 1988.

[4] The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre is located within the University of Newcastle and includes a number of sporting facilities – a heated indoor pool, five outdoor ovals and a gymnasium.