Good morning, Newcastle! Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

I hope everyone is excited for a long weekend. We are very close to another milestone for me, 5000 subscribers. Thank you for the support. I really appreciate it.

Floozy HQ - 398 King Street, Newcastle West

The hunt for Newcastle’s best coffee never really ends, but Floozy HQ has definitely entered the conversation. Sitting on King Street in what used to be a blinds and awnings shop, the space has been given new life as Floozy’s flagship café.

They’re serving all the classics, accompanied by a few toasties and light bites for when you need something quick. The coffee is roasted here in Newcastle and you’ll also find it served in plenty of other local cafés - a sign they’re doing something right.

Open Monday to Saturday, 7am–2pm, Floozy HQ is an easy choice if you’re in town and need a caffeine fix or a casual bite.

City of Newcastle & Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunt Pop Up Event – Memorial Drive, near Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club, Bar Beach | 2 October 8:30am – 11:30am
Join Newy with Kids and City of Newcastle for a Scavenger Hunt pop up event! Come and find out about the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program while the kids enjoy a fun pet rock activity and a seaside scavenger hunt. Learn about what’s happening to our coastline and share your thoughts. Free entry. More info.

Newcastle Art Prize – Society of Arts, Newcastle | 3 – 6 October
Free entry and all welcome to attend the Newcastle Art Prize on the October Long weekend (commencing on Friday the 3rd and running until Monday the 6th October 2025). More info.

Global Gathering 2025 – Beaumont Street, Hamilton | 4 October
Celebrate our vibrant city and communities at this free, family-friendly event hosted by Benjamin Law and Jennifer Wong. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, kids’ workshops, delicious eat-street food, and performances by Paco Lara, Minangay Dreaming, GabzaK & The Dance of Worlds, ILE ILU and more. More info.

Emma Memma's Dance Island Party Tour – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 4 October
ARIA award-winning children's entertainer, Emma Memma, is coming to Newcastle with her brand-new show Dance Island Party, giving Aussie families a chance to dance, sing and party this October 2025. More info.

Girls Day Out – Foreshore Park, Newcastle East | 4 October
Girls Day Out is back for another epic event! This event for girls (5–16 years) offers the chance to try a new sport, meet sporting heroes, and make new friends. The mission is simple – create fun, safe inclusive events encouraging healthy bodies, healthy minds and inspiring the next generation of female superstars. More info.

Pig Day Out – Toronto Hotel, Toronto | 5 October from 11am
Join us for a fantastic family fun day at this year’s Pig Day Out at the Toronto Hotel! Five exciting races — with the first race kicking off at 12 noon. Proceeds from the day will go to Jenny’s Place, supporting women and children experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence and/or homelessness. What’s on: delicious food and drinks, kids' jumping castle, face painting, superhero appearances, and of course… piglets! More info.

Stars of Newcastle Trivino Fundraiser – LOLAS, 171 Darby Street, Cooks Hill | 2 October 6:30pm
Enjoy a tantalising four-course meal, delicious paired wines, light hearted games and friendly trivia. Includes a donation to the Cancer Council NSW, through Bella's Stars of Newcastle campaign. More info.

Manhattan Short Film Festival – Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba | 3 October 7pm – 9pm
Over 100,000 film lovers in 500+ cities across 6 continents gather to view and vote on Films in the 28th MANHATTAN SHORT Film Fest. Tickets: $13.50-15.00. More info.

Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala Encore – Civic Theatre, Newcastle | 3 October
The Newcastle Comedy Festival returns for one final encore hosting an all-star lineup of returning favourites and rising stars including Annisa Nandaula, Emma Holland, Takeshi Wakasugi, Tommy Dassalo, Sam Taunton, and Dillruk Jayasinha. More info.

Soak: Live at the Baths – Newcastle Ocean Baths | 3 October
Four of Australia's brightest R&B and hip-hop artists unite for a New Annual exclusive that's part supergroup, part celebration. A.Girl, Dean Brady, BOY SODA, and producer Finbar Stuart, with full band and string section, deliver soul and hip hop against an ocean backdrop. More info.

The Jungle Giants (DJ Set) – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 3 October
Kick off the October Long Weekend in style as The Jungle Giants bring their explosive, high-energy show to Shoal Bay Country Club. Cost: $37.73. More info.

Slingtown X Earp Coffee Vodka Launch Party – Pavilion by Slingtown, 150 Young Street, Carrington | 4 October
Join Slingtown for the launch of their collab coffee vodka with Earp Distilling Co. What better way to celebrate the long weekend than trying our signature Slingtini, alongside some sweet tunes and beautiful food! More info.

Bad Art Party Workshop – Watt Space Gallery, 20 Auckland St, Newcastle | 4 October 6:30pm – 9pm
Join Newcastle artists Jen Denzin and Joanne Back for a wild night of glitter, colour and chaos. Rules go out the window in this playful craft session where “so bad it’s good” is the aim of the game. Cost: $20. More info.

Level 1 Party – The Del, 134 Darby St, Cooks Hill | 4 October from 6pm
For one night only, Level 1 at The Del will transform into the ultimate party, headlining with: @kimmoyes (The Presets) @runningtouch. Supporting DJs kicking off from 6pm. Doors open early, so line up your Saturday with $14 Cocktail Happy Hour (2-6pm). Cost: $20. More info.

So Fresh 2000s Party – The Exchange, 125 Denison St, Hamilton | 4 October
Get ready to relive the 2000s this October Long Weekend! Dust off your low-rise jeans, grab your flip phone, and join us on Saturday 4th October for our So Fresh 2000s Party. More info.

Mob Stars – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point | 4 October 5pm – 8pm
Come and celebrate the extraordinary creativity and vibrant cultural heritage of the Aboriginal community in the Lake Macquarie region with Mob Stars. More info.

Travel Journalling for Beginners – The Kotoda, 131 Hill Street, Carrington | 4 October 2pm – 5pm
Capture the Amalfi’s atmosphere through colour, light, and texture. Use travel journal layout tips to record what moves you. Master foundational watercolour skills — washes, layering, detail. Tickets: $75. More info.

Raid My Wardrobe – Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton | 5 October
Newcastle's longest running preloved fashion market event. 20+ curated stalls full of gorgeous, quality high-end fashion — clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories up for sale. Coffee, lunch and bargains aplenty. Cost: $5. More info.

Zine Fair – Earp Bros, 79-81 Parry Street, Newcastle West | 5 October 10am – 3pm
A Zine Fair is coming to the 2025 National Young Writers’ Festival, curated by Benjo Kazue. Cost: Free. More info.

October Drag Music Bingo – Carrington Bowling Club, 1C Cowper St, Carrington | 5 October
Step into a dazzling world where the beats are hot, the laughs are loud, and the bingo is anything but ordinary! Expect side-splitting rounds of bingo with outrageous commentary, dance-offs, games, and more with Kandii Rhinestone. Cost: $15. More info.

Damien Power Live – Newcastle Comedy Club, 1a Darby St, Newcastle | 5 October
A three-time nominee for Most Outstanding Show of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as well as a one-time Pinder’s Prize Winner, Damien Power is widely regarded as one of the most talented comedians on the Australian circuit. More info.

October Long Weekend at The Exchange – 125 Denison St, Hamilton | 5 October
The Exchange is celebrating the long weekend with free entry to NRL & NRLW live and loud, Jump Band, and DJs till late. More info.

October Long Weekend at SBCC – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay | 5 October from 2:30pm
Head to the SBCC for an afternoon filled with live music from 2:30pm, followed by the NRL Grand Final live and loud, plus DJs till late! More info.

Dockfest – Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Wickham | 4 – 5 October
Dockfest celebrates the return of summer with eight local artists across two days performing on a floating stage. Saturday, get ready for Mick Jones, Anyerin, The Roadies and Viper Creek. Sunday's lineup includes Bobby C, ROX, LOKO and Love That Hat. More info.

West Best Bloc Fest ’25 – Newcastle West | 5 October
The biggest showcase of Newcastle’s live music scene returns for its 4th year. West Best Bloc Fest is a day of celebration for our booming music community, featuring 100 bands performing across venues on the block in Newcastle West. More info.

Olive Tree Market – Civic Park, Newcastle | 4 October 9am – 2pm
Shop Newcastle’s contemporary artists and designers and support the creators of handmade, and ethically created goods. More info.

Homegrown Markets – Speers Point Park | 5 October 10am – 2pm
Lake Mac’s largest handmade & design market ~ the perfect place to shop local-made with a huge lineup of makers. Curating handmade and design stalls from across the Hunter region in a stunning lakeside location. On-site and surrounding parking, a large playground, street food, coffee, kids entertainment & more. More info.

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The countdown is nearly over: the new international terminal is officially operational, and the first flight to Denpasar (Bali) is set for October 21, 2025. But this moment is about more than just a direct flight to an island paradise.

This transformation represents a massive, multi-billion-dollar bet on the future of the Hunter Region.

According to airport projections, this new gateway is expected to deliver A$12.7 billion in economic benefit over the next two decades, creating an estimated 4,400 new jobs in tourism, trade, and related industries.

To put it in perspective:

The terminal has been expanded by nearly 50%, now featuring an integrated aerobridge for seamless boarding and achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This sustainability achievement positions it among the most environmentally advanced airports globally.

So, what is the value proposition here?

For the traveller, the benefit is clear: avoiding the dreaded M1 drive to Sydney. The airport markets this as a way to save up to six hours of total travel time and eliminate the "ultimate holiday vibe killer."

The central question remains: Are travellers willing to spend more to save that time? Direct regional flights often carry a premium over the cheapest flights from Sydney. Is the stress and uncertainty of the M1 slog worth saving $100 or $200 on a ticket?

👉 What do you think?

Are you personally willing to spend more on a ticket to eliminate the time and stress of driving to Sydney?