Happy Wednesday, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest.

I hope you are excited for the long, long weekend with Easter approaching. This week’s edition is very Easter centric. Hope you enjoy.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

• Sport

Local Gem

Natsu Sushi Hilltop plaza, 1/226 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown NSW 2290

I have said it before, and long-time readers would know, I love Japanese Food. Natsu Sushi in Charlestown is potentially my favourite in the city.

As a Charlestown resident, I am very satisfied that delicious Japanese Food is available on my doorstep.

I have featured these guys before, but I thought I would reshare as the audience has grown. Our go-tos are the Tonkotsu Ramen and the Katsu Curry, but honestly, everything I have tried has been top quality and comparable to the streets of Tokyo. Definitely check them out.

Newcastle trivia

Thursday 17 April

Friday 18 April

Saturday 19 April

Sunday 20 April

Families

International Eat Street – Darby St | 16, 23, 30 April 5pm – 9pm Each Wednesday evening throughout the month of April, take a leisurely stroll down Darby Street and indulge in a delightful selection of tapas-style dishes featuring International Flavours.

Dot & The Kangaroo JR. – The Playhouse, Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle | 16 – 26 April This enchanting musical transports audiences into the heart of the Australian bush in a tale of adventure, connection, & discovery. A holiday treat for all the family, with a sensational score & colourful Aussie bush characters. Cost: From $45. More info.

See Easter Events below for more

Adults

The Tipsy Sketching Club – Earp Distilling Co., 41 Darling St, Carrington | 16 April 6:30pm Join The Tipsy Sketching Club for a night of fun, life drawing, and beverages, your session runs for approx. 2 hours. Cost $34.50. More info.

American Whiskey Experience – Bartholomew's, 145 King St, Newcastle | 17 April Join Bartholomew's and indulge in a stunning array of all-American whiskey. The lineup includes: Traveller, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare 10, and Weller Special Reserve. More info.

Signal Box + Earp Distillery – The Signal Box, 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle | 17 April 5:30pm – 9pm The Signal Box and Earp Distillery are teaming up for an unforgettable evening of exceptional food and perfectly paired spirits. Cost $125. More info.

Foghorn's 10th Birthday Dinner – Foghorn Brewery, 218 King St, Newcastle | 17 April 6pm – 9pm To celebrate 10 years, Foghorn are bringing together Cheese Educator Sonia Cousins, First Creek Wines' Greg Silkman, FogHorn Head Chef, Chelsea Harrison and Cakeboi's, Reece Hignell together for one night. Cost: $119. More info.

Easter Long Weekend at The Kent – The Kent Hotel, 59-61 Beaumont Street, Hamilton | 17 – 21 April Celebrate Easter Long Weekend at The Kent with an epic line-up of events that’ll keep the good times rolling. From DJs and an Easter egg hunt to live bands, we’ve got something for everyone. More info.

Design your own projector lamp – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, 96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point | 17 April 1pm – 1:45pm Come join us for a fun and creative workshop where you can let your imagination run wild and design your very own projector lamp! Suitable for ages 5 years plus. Cost: $12 (plus booking fee). More info.

Nose to Tail at Sprout Dining – The Crown and Anchor, 189 Hunter St, Newcastle | 18 April Celebrate sustainable dining at Sprouts exclusive Nose-to-Tail Dinner. This multi-course menu showcases the art of using every part of the animal, paired with locally sourced ingredients for an unforgettable feast. More info.

Easter Weekend at TINTA – TINTA Belmont, 690 Pacific Highway, Belmont | 18 – 20 April Easter Weekend with a special Good Friday set menu from 12pm, live music on Saturday & Sunday, and all-day dining from 7:30am. More info.

Newcastle Marathon – Newcastle Foreshore | 19 April Featuring both a flat marathon and half marathon, the picturesque course provides the perfect backdrop for runners of all levels. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with plenty of spectator involvement, cheering you on every step of the way.

LV1 – The Lass O'Gowrie, 14 Railway Street, Wickham | 19 April The Lass is putting on a house sessions event which includes 2 stages between from 9pm – 2:30am! Feat Djs - FORGE // C H L O E // + local artists. Cost: $20. More info.

Duetto at Roxanne – Roxanne, 73 Hunter St, Newcastle | 20 April 1pm – 4pm Embark on a sumptuous journey celebrating the unique flavours of native Australian ingredients at Roxanne. Enjoy a three-course lunch expertly paired with cocktails, lovingly crafted by our talented team. Cost: $110. More info.

Bottomless Brunch – Location not provided | 20 April 1pm – 4pm It's the return of Newcastle's best Bottomless Brunch for only $65pp! Expect a raucous brunch that includes 8 share plates and free flowing beer, wine & bubbly. Up the ante with an Earp cocktail package for an extra $40pp. More info.

Easter at Modus – Modus Merewether, 20 Merewether Street, Merewether | 20 April 11:30am – 2pm Join MODUS MEREWETHER for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Starting at 11:30am for the Egg Hunt with FREE Face Painting until 2pm. Cost: FREE.

Easter Sunday at The Exchange – The Exchange, Newcastle | 20 April The Exchange is having an Easter Sunday party on Sunday 20th April, with DJs spinning from 8pm till late. More info.

Coming Soon

🎤 Connect and Thrive with the Motivate Collective: How Hunter locals can learn to look after themselves and connect with support
An empowering community event designed to inspire personal growth, recovery, and connection. Featuring speakers Prue Hughes and Kate Johnson, this in-person session brings together Hunter locals for open discussions on wellness and support.

📍 Souths Merewether – Saturday, 26 April, 2:00pm–5:00pm
🔗 More info & tickets

Do you want me to share an event in the Newcastle Digest?

Easter events

Easter Fun Day - Hunter Wetlands Centre | 19 April

Hop into Hunter Wetlands Centre on Easter Saturday for an egg-citing morning of activities for the whole family! Your Ticket includes a jumping castle, Easter bunny trail adventure, Easter craft, nature walks and talks for kids, outdoor games and of course you can meet the Easter Bunny! More info.

Build-a-Bear Workshops – Outside Target, Belmont Central | 15 April 9am, 10:30am, 12pm and 2pm
It’s bunnies galore this Easter at Belmont Central! Join in for a wonderful Build-A-Bear workshop where you will take home your very own bunny. Children will receive a pre-stuffed furry friend and clothing accessory, birth certificate, colouring in sheets and enjoy games/activities.
This event is for children 12 and under. Cost: $5 per person and bookings are essential.

B Farm Easter Carnival – B Farm by Murrays, 3443 Nelson Bay Road, Bob’s Farm | 18 – 20 April 10am – 3pm
Join B Farm this Easter season for an unforgettable family celebration! It will feature an array of exciting activities and attractions, including:
Easter Egg Hunt, Easter High Tea, Animal Nursery, Carnival-themed Games.
There’s also face painting, bouncy castle, Easter photo booth, food stalls and a mystic fortune teller. Tickets and more info.

Easter Egg Hunt – Modus Merewether | 20 April
Join Modus Merewether for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 20 April! Starting at 11.30am for the Egg Hunt with FREE Face Painting until 2pm. Bring your kids and your baskets.
Cost: Free but bookings required

Newcastle Easter Fair 2025 - Newcastle Racecourse | Friday 18 April - Monday 21 April 10:00am till 6:00pm Daily

The Newcastle Easter Fair is coming THIS EASTER LONG WEEKEND, bringing all the magic of our hugely successful Melbourne event to your city! Whats in store: Australia’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt, Carnival Rides for All Ages, FREE Animal Nursery 12-4 daily, Circus Workshops & Performances, Food Trucks & Market Stalls, Live Entertainment & So Much More! More info and tickets.

Easter fun day - Warners Bay Sports Club | 20 April

Hop into the fun this Easter Sunday! Join for a day filled with family, laughter, and unforgettable memories. 12:30pm -Easter Egg Hunt FROM 1PM Penny’s Petting Zoo & Outdoor Bar 1pm-7pm 4pm Live Music 7pm Membership Draw

Easter family fun day - Club Lambton | 20 April

Hop into Easter fun with us. Join us on Easter Sunday 20th April from 2pm! Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with live music, adorable animals at the petting zoo, and plenty of good vibes.

Easter Egg Hunt and kids tug of war - Mereweather Beach | 20 April

Easter Sunday 10am, the traditional egg hunt is on!! Kids Tug of War will also be on! Come down and join us for a great morning! More info.

What’s open this weekend

The team at HunterHunter has put together helpful lists of cafes and restaurants that are open this long weekend. Sharing so you guys can stay informed.

Knights' Attack Woes Continue in Loss to Tigers

Newcastle's attacking struggles deepened in a 20-4 loss to Wests Tigers, marking their worst start to a season offensively. The Knights have scored only 10 points in their last 276 minutes of football. The Tigers, meanwhile, climbed to seventh on the ladder.

Jets' Season Plummets with Red Cards and City Defeat

Newcastle Jets' ALW season hit a new low with a 4-1 loss to Melbourne City, marred by two red cards in the first half. The Jets finished the game with nine players, contributing to their eight red cards this season. City extended their unbeaten run to 22 games.

Jets Hammer Mariners in F3 Derby, Mariners Out of Finals Race

Newcastle Jets recorded a dominant 6-0 win over Central Coast Mariners in the F3 derby, eliminating the Mariners from playoff contention. Clayton Taylor's performance led the Jets to their biggest derby win since 2018.