Happy New Year, Newcastle. Welcome back to the Newcastle Digest. I hope everything is settling down post-holidays and you have managed to get back into the swing of things.

Quick hits

Eats

Local gem

French Hot bread Charlestown

If you’re after lunch in the Charlestown area, this week’s local gem is definitely worth checking out. French Hot Bread is located on the Pacific Highway just outside of the Charlestown Square shopping centre. Serving up a range of items from regular bakery, Bahn Mi’s and even Asian classics.

Those who have followed for a while know that Bahn Mi’s are one of my favourite lunch items, and they serve on of the best in Newcastle.

If you happen to have driven by this place at around lunchtime any day, you will find it packed, but lines move quickly, so don’t be intimated.

Openings

Home At The Bay - 460 The Esp, Warners Bay

Opening up in the former Canon spot on The Esplanade in Warners Bay, Home At The Bay is bringing wood-fired pizza, beautifully crafted dishes, and more to the lake!

Liebe - 11 Union St, Newcastle West

A new European bakery has opened in the Sprout Catering space on the corner of Union and King Streets. Get your hands on a range of croissants, pastries, and focaccia.

The Crow’s Nest at Lexie’s on the Beach - 128 Mitchell St, Stockton

A new restaurant space has opened upstairs at Lexie’s on the Beach at Stockton.

Newcastle trivia

Events

Friday 10 January

Saturday 11 January

Sunday 12 January

Activities

Families

Monster Jump - Griffith Park in Stockton | Saturday 4 January to Sunday 19 January, 9:30am – 3:30pm

This mobile inflatable obstacle course offers a whopping 280 meters of continuous fun with more than 30 obstacle adventures. Don’t let the kids have all the fun. Monster Jump is suitable for everyone, from children to adults!

Kids Graffiti Workshops: School Holidays - Playstate on Fern | From 7 Januaray

Playstate is extremely excited to introduce aerosol workshops. We welcome all skills levels to come along and learn about street art practices and the practical application of aerosol to boards to create artwork. Aimed at kids 6-17, our 2-hour workshops show kids how to draw letters, play with their pieces and complete artwork in a safe and supportive environment.

Each ticket includes:

• Gloves

• Masks

• Waterbased aerosol paint to use on site

• Aprons

More info here

Friday Chill - Pacific Park | Friday 10 January

Friday Chill is a free, family-friendly, live music event with local bands, food vendors and street performers. Bring your own blanket or chairs and enjoy your own picnic or from the local food vendors. Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm. More info

Art Studio - Workshops for high schoolers - Museum of Art and Culture, yapang | Saturday 11 January

Art workshop designed just for high schoolers! January is cyanotypes - a unique form of art in which paper is treated with a special solution that turns blue when exposed to sunlight. Cost: $20.37 Time: 12-2pm. More info

Free kids disco - Soldiers Point Bowling Club | Sunday 12 January 5:00pm

A free night of fun, games & dancing. More info

Adults

SALT'N SOUND - Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club | 11 January, 2:00pm - 12:00am

Juicy Records has blown the budget to bring you the UK Master and all time DJ and Producer Laidlaw.

Laidlaw is a highly talented DJ and Producer hailing from the vibrant city of London. With an undeniable passion for music, he has become one of the most talked about upcoming artists in the UK, positioning himself at the forefront of a new wave of underground selectors. to bring you this outstanding line up for a as party you simply cannot miss.

Right on the water at Cooks Hill Surf Club we will bang out some of the best house music Australia has to offer. More info and tickets

DARK LAKE Origins Newcastle - Hunted Interactive | Friday 10 January, Saturday 11 January

Back in 1998, three friends went for a walk into the darkened park and never came back. Police found a LOT of blood, more than anyone could possibly lose and survive, but no bodies, no murder weapon and no killer. After an exhaustive investigation, the case went cold. And then the hauntings started...Terrifying apparitions of a blood-soaked girl and an unhinged killer appeared to people coming into the lake after dark. And it soon became obvious that whatever evil took those first three lives was looking for more to join the party...now it's time to find out why...

AT A SECRET LOCATION IN NEWCASTLE! (Exact location provided at checkout). Find out more and tickets

Abundance 4.0 ~ w. Elijah Something - The Lass O’Gowrie | Saturday 11 January

From a hiatus of horizons, Abundance reemerges—recharged and ready to continue their sold-out streak and set the tone for 2025.

For our Newcastle debut, we'll be partnering with Advanced Rave Technologies for their premium Funktion-One Sound System and Box Events for the Lighting and Décor.

Our 4th edition promises an immersive and pure production. More info.

On Repeat: One Direction - The Newcastle Hotel | Friday 10 January

Calling all Directioners! Call Me Maybe are bringing you another party celebrating One Direction. They will be spinning nothing but songs from One Direction and the boys all night long! More info

80s Summer Dance Club - Hamilton Community Hive | Sunday 12 January, 5:30pm - 6:15pm

Get ready for the summer club of your dance dreams! Brunchercize is sliding that mixed tape cassette into the stereo to take you back for 45 minutes of unbridled 80s dance power Sunday evenings! More info

Miscellaneous

Coming Soon

Newcastle Beer Festival 2025

Cheers to Good Times! 🍻 Newcastle Beer Fest is Back in 2025!

Set in the stunning King Edward Park, Newcastle Beer Fest is ready to bring you an unforgettable experience in 2025! Expect an incredible lineup of the best beers, unbeatable vibes, live music that will have you grooving, and moments you'll cherish forever. Find out more

Photo of the week

Stunning photo by Dale Lotherington of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) taken at the Newcastle Memorial Walk. See the full photo on Instagram.

Adopt a pet

Newcastle Dog Rescue

Established over 15 years ago, Dog Rescue Newcastle is a 100% volunteer-run organisation driven by a passionate group of everyday heroes. Click below to find your next furry friend.

Sponsored by Extrinsic Events

Make your next event unmissable. From strategy to stunning content, we turn Hunter Region events into must-attend experiences. Book your consultation today.