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

I am glad to bring you another edition packed with local happenings, tasty local gems, and a touch of history from our vibrant home.

Have a great rest of your week.

Table of Contents

• Eats

• Events

• Activities

• Miscellaneous

• Sport

Local Gem

Antojitos

Antojitos is a beloved spot for genuine Mexican cuisine. This popular eatery has earned its reputation for consistently delivering delicious and authentic flavours that keep locals coming back for more.

From their satisfyingly stuffed burritos and loaded nachos to a wide array of other traditional Mexican dishes, the menu at Antojitos offers something for every craving. Be sure to explore their traditional Mexican drinks, like the refreshing horchata and their vibrant margaritas, for a complete experience.

The interior boasts a rustic charm that adds to the authentic feel, and its convenient location makes it an ideal choice for both a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. For those in the Mayfield area, exciting news is on the horizon – Antojitos will be opening a new store there soon, bringing their fantastic flavours to another part of Newcastle! If you're looking for a true taste of Mexico, Antojitos is a local gem you won't want to miss.

Openings

Arlos 2.0 - popup at Studio 97 Carrington

The popular Arlos Cafe has opened a popup inside of Studio 97 Carrington. Serving coffee from 8am — 1pm.

Newcastle trivia

Friday 11 April

Saturday 12 April

Sunday 13 April

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Families

SIX the Musical – Civic Theatre | 10 April to 4 May
Following sensational sell-out seasons across Australia, the sassy, empowering and energetic pop musical sensation SIX the Musical makes its anticipated arrival to Civic Theatre Newcastle next April 2025. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse – remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! More info.

SEEN – The Film – Warners Bay Theatre | 10 April
Warners Bay Theatre will hold a special screening of SEEN the Film – A documentary on healing ourselves as parents and the impact it has on our children. SEEN will encourage parents to consider how their own past may be influencing their children. Bookings essential, light refreshments provided. More info.

Newcastle Night Markets – Newcastle Showground | 11 April
The night markets are back! This new generation night market has street food, talented artisans, dessert bar bliss, fully licensed venue, a huge outdoor cinema live entertainment and a jumping castle. More info.

Open Air Screening of Shrek at Dullboy’s Warners Bay – Mini golf area at Dullboy’s Warners Bay | 12 April 7:30pm
Head down to Dullboy’s Warners Bay on Saturday 12 April for an open-air screening of the one and only, Shrek! Limited seats and beanbags available, so first in best dressed. Shrek-themed food & drink specials available.⁠ Click ‘going’ on their Facebook event to RSVP! More info.

Mayfield Multicultural Festival – Victoria Street, Mayfield | 12 April 11:30am – 8:30pm
Embark on a global culinary adventure at the Mayfield Multicultural Festival. Explore diverse cultures through vibrant food stalls, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Indulge in flavours from Indonesia, India, Nigeria, Spain, Turkey, and beyond. More info.

NM:PM Future Street Party – Newcastle Museum | 12 April
Newcastle Museum is set to party for Youth Week 2025 with a stellar line up of bands, free tote bag printing for the first 100 attendees, retro sideshow booths, music industry panel and networking, YA book swap – bring your old books! plus free art activities. The event is an all ages, drug and alcohol free event, where young people can come together and develop a sense of belonging and ownership in a fun and relaxed environment. More info.

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest – Maitland Station Precinct | 12 and 13 April
Steamfest features a diverse program of family friendly entertainment. Enjoy live music, roving performance, historic heritage walks, market stalls, gourmet food stalls and more. The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains. More info.

EASTER FUN & PICTURES FROM THE PAST - Miss Porter's House Museum | 13 April

Early Easter Fun at Miss Porter's House museum. A Golden Egg Lucky Dip for young visitors; find the golden egg and win a basket of treats. Everyone can also enjoy a special display showing Newcastle life in the early twentieth century as lived by the Porter family of King Street. From 1pm – 4pm, Adults $12, Concessions $10, Family $34, children under 5 free

Adults

International Eat Street – Darby St | 9, 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.

Silent Book Club – The Press Book House, 462 Hunter St, Newcastle | 10 April
Strivin Silent Book Club – Unplug, Read & Connect Join us for a relaxed evening of silent reading, wine, and casual networking. $25. Thurs 10th April. More info.

Good Folk Beer Dinner – Bartholomew's, 145 King St, Newcastle | 10 April
Bartholomew’s is teaming up with their mates at Good Folk Brewing to offer an exclusive 3-course beer dinner. More info.

Old School, New Cool – Peregrin at The Beach Hotel, Level 1, 99 Frederick St, Merewether | 10 April
Partnering with Wine Selectors you'll receive bespoke four-course, wood-fired menu, expertly paired with 16 exceptional wines from renowned Hunter Valley wineries: Briar Ridge, De Iuliis, First Creek, and Tyrrell’s. Cost from $169 (Wine Selectors Members) and $179 pp (General Public). More info.

Meat & Greet with Binnie Beef – Earp Distilling Co., 41A Darling Street, Carrington | 11 April
A part of Newcastle Food Month, this four-course dinner explores the best of Hunter Valley wagyu from Binnie Beef, expertly prepared by the team at Earp Distilling Co. Enjoy Earp Spirits, good company, and premium beef. Cost: $89

Exhibition opening: Thomas Thorby-Lister – Wester Gallery, 39 Bolton St, Newcastle | 11 April
Join Wester Gallery for the opening of ‘Field Recordings’, a new exhibition by Sydney-based artist Thomas Thorby-Lister. More info.

Diesel Bootleg Melancholy Tour – Civic Theatre, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle | 11 April
Following the release of his 17th studio album Bootleg Melancholy late last year, Australian icon Diesel is coming to Newcastle with a full band for the Bootleg Melancholy Album Tour. More info.

Drag Paint & Sip – Great Northern Hotel, 83-89 Scott St, Newcastle | 12 April
Unleash your inner artist and diva, all in one session. A range of food and drink specials for painters include $8 mimosas, $12 Aperol Spritz and $32 charcuterie boards. More info.

5th Annual Vegan Long Lunch – The Nags Head Hotel, 272 Brunker Rd, Adamstown | 12 April 12:30pm
Join us for an unforgettable three-course lunch from 12:30pm that takes vegan dining to the next level! To complement the meal, you’ll enjoy two specialty vegan cocktails, perfectly paired to enhance the experience. Cost: $90

ArastaWorld – Stag & Hunter Hotel, 187 Maitland Rd, Mayfield | 12 April
Bringing an electrifying mix of sounds from around the globe from Afrobeats, Reggae, Dancehall, Bass and Live African Drumming! The vibes will be nothing short of contagious celebrating the richness of cultures from around the world. Earlybird $25* Door $35* *plus bfee. More info.

Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp – Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, 96 Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point | 12 April 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Get ready for a night of enchanting melodies as beloved vocalist Katie Noonan teams up with internationally renowned guitarist Karin Schaupp for their Songs of the Southern Skies Vol 2 tour. Time: 6.30-8.30pm Tickets: $54-$60

Conscious Couture Festival – Crown Street, Newcastle | 12 April 10am – 4pm
This free, vibrant event celebrates slow fashion, vintage style, and mindful design, offering a platform for sustainable fashion and ethical shopping. More info.

Brydens Newcastle Rugby League Magic Round - Newcastle Number 1 Sports Ground | 12 April

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League RETURNS to NO.1 SPORTSGROUND for Brydens Magic Round in the first weekend of the Denton Engineering Group Cup! More info. 

Fashion Thrift Society Newcastle - Newcastle Entertainment Centre | April 13

Fashion Thrift Society is Coming to Newcastle! Join us for Australia’s Biggest Curated Thrift Market at Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre on Sunday, 13th April 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Get tickets.

Sunday Seafood Long Lunch – Nagisa, 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle | 13 April
Join Nagisa for a six-course seafood degustation with a Japanese twist. Experience a blend of flavours and techniques with each course paired with wines from Halliday Winemaker of the Year, Liz Silkman. Cost: $160 pp

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Newcastle History: Convict Labor to Railway Hub - The Lumber Yard Story

Established in 1801 as Newcastle's initial convict settlement, the site at 98 Scott Street quickly became the Convict Lumber Yard, a vital industrial operation in the penal colony. Even after the closure of the penal settlement, the lumber yard persisted, later transforming into 'The Stockade' to house convicts building Nobby's breakwater.

The mid-19th century brought a new chapter with the rise of the railway. The site transitioned into a railway precinct, evidenced by the still-standing Station Master's residence and Paymaster's office, remnants of Newcastle's burgeoning port and rail infrastructure.

Archaeological excavations have unearthed significant and rare evidence of the convict era: foundations of barracks, industrial remnants like kilns, and early infrastructure. These finds offer invaluable insights into the lives and labor of Newcastle's convict population.

The Convict Lumber Yard, with its layers of history from Aboriginal presence to convict industry and railway development, stands as a crucial archaeological and historical site. It connects directly to Newcastle's foundational narrative, illustrating its evolution from a harsh penal outpost to a vital industrial center.

Tszyu Stops Spencer in Newcastle Return

Tim Tszyu marked his comeback with a dominant fourth-round TKO victory over American Joey Spencer in Newcastle. After recent losses in the US, Tszyu overwhelmed Spencer, forcing a stoppage and declaring, "I'm back, baby!" The win sets up a potential fight with Keith Thurman and extends the Tszyu family's unbeaten Australian record to 51-0

Scoreless Knights No Match for Bulldogs

The Canterbury Bulldogs maintained their unbeaten run with a 20-0 victory over the Newcastle Knights. Canterbury scored through Josh Curran, Jack Todd, and Kurt Mann in the second half. Newcastle faced early setbacks, losing two players to injury within the first two minutes, hindering their chances.

Fowler Shines as Matildas Beat Korea Republic in Newcastle

Mary Fowler starred in Newcastle, scoring one goal and setting up another as the Matildas defeated Korea Republic 2-0. Fowler opened the scoring in the 44th minute before her cross led to Kaitlyn Torpey's deflected goal. The win in front of a record Newcastle crowd completes a clean sweep for Australia in the two-game series.