Weekly edition
Newcastle Digest: 1 April
Explore local treasures, catch up on the latest news, and plan your perfect weekend in Newcastle.
Good morning, Newcastle.
Writing this from a Shinkansen somewhere between Osaka and Tokyo. Some exciting personal news to share, Miss Digest is officially becoming Mrs. We got engaged last week.
Back in Newcastle next week. For now, let's get into it.
Table of Contents
Newcastle News |
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The Station to Become Entertainment Hotspot: The NSW Government has partnered with Ashbridge Capital to transform The Station into a world-class tourism and hospitality precinct. While restoration work is slated to begin in 2027, the site will remain active throughout 2026 with its popular program of pop-up events and live music. Full story. |
Wickham Village Heart Upgrade: City of Newcastle has called for tenders to transform Union Street into a pedestrian-friendly shared zone. The project includes traffic calming, new landscaping, and the restoration of historic stone pavers starting in June. Major construction is slated for October, marking the first phase of the broader Wickham Public Domain Plan. Read more. |
Crackdown on Illegal E-Bikes: Hunter authorities are targeting high-powered e-bikes following a rise in anti-social behaviour on the Fernleigh Track and Warners Bay foreshore. A weekend police operation resulted in 12 warnings to juveniles and the seizure of one non-compliant vehicle. The crackdown coincides with new NSW legislation allowing police to seize and crush illegal e-bikes that function like motorbikes. Read more. |
Stockton Seawall Fast-Tracked: City of Newcastle has announced a $5 million upgrade to the Mitchell Street seawall to reinforce 600 metres of coastline with 8,500 tonnes of rock. Construction begins in April to raise the wall’s height and protect homes and utilities for the next 50 years. Full story. |
Newcastle trivia
Before the current Merewether Ocean Baths opened in 1935, an earlier smaller pool existed on the same stretch of coast. What was it known as? |
🎸 Rock / Metal | 🎺 Jazz / R&B | 🎵 Rap / Pop |
🪕 Country / Folk / Acoustic | 🎧 DJ / Electronic | 🌿 Indie / Alternative |
Friday 3 April
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Saturday 4 April
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Sunday 5 April
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Families
Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things – Newcastle Museum | Until 19 April
A major exhibition of models and miniatures celebrating Newcastle’s history, creativity and community through hands-on displays and local stories. More info.
IncludingYOU Art Program – Museum of Art and Culture, yapang | 2 April
A free, inclusive art workshop inviting people of all abilities to explore creativity, connection and new skills in a welcoming environment. More info.
ARTEXPRESS – Maitland Regional Art Gallery | Until 19 April
An annual exhibition showcasing outstanding HSC Visual Arts projects from students across New South Wales. More info.
Young Dobell Competition – Museum of Art and Culture, yapang | 1 March – 8 May
A portrait and landscape competition for young artists aged 5 to 18, with finalists exhibited later in the year. More info.
Mega Creatures – Hunter Valley Gardens | 28 March – 26 April
A large-scale family attraction featuring dragons, dinosaurs, unicorns and themed zones across the gardens. More info.
Mega Creatures Night Safari – Hunter Valley Gardens | 3–19 April
An after-dark experience featuring illuminated creatures, rides and fantasy-inspired garden displays. More info.
Stardust Circus – Richardson Park, Hamilton North | 2–26 April
A traditional circus under the big top featuring trapeze, wheel of death, animals, clowns and magic. More info.
Gresford Billy Cart Derby – Park Street, East Gresford | 4 April from 8am
A family-friendly billy cart race day with market stalls, raffles, vintage cars, food and rural village atmosphere. More info.
Crystals, Creatives & Mystics Easter Fair – Wallsend Diggers | 4–5 April 10am – 4pm
A family-friendly Easter fair with crystals, handmade goods, readings, wellness stalls, workshops and free kids activities. More info.
Newcastle Easter Fair – Newcastle Racecourse | 3–6 April 10am – 6pm
A school holiday fair designed for families with young children, featuring rides, Easter activities, games and food trucks. More info.
Easter Sunday Free Kids Activities – Shoal Bay Country Club | 5 April
A family day featuring an Easter egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny, a kids disco and games with prizes. More info.
Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders – McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow | 5 April 4:05pm
NRL Telstra Premiership action as the Knights take on the Raiders at home. More info.
Adults
Easter Thursday 90s & 2000s RnB Party – The Exchange, Hamilton | 2 April 8pm
A late-night throwback party with 90s and 2000s RnB across two levels, with DJs Skoob and Mathematics. More info.
Alex Lloyd – Shoal Bay Country Club | 2 April
Alex Lloyd brings his timeless hits to Shoal Bay for a live Easter Thursday performance. Tickets $56.05. More info.
Barber (Early Uptempo) – Croatian Wickham Sports Club | 3 April 5pm – 12am
A high-intensity uptempo and industrial music event headlined by Barber with a stacked local lineup. More info.
Club Hollanov: Heated Rivalry Party – The Lass O’Gowrie, Wickham | 3 April 6pm – 10pm
A themed party soundtracked by 2000s and 2010s hits, with visuals, themed drinks and giveaways. More info.
The Country Superstars Experience – King Street, Newcastle West | 4 April
A live country music party featuring classic and modern hits, DJs, dancers and Wild West-inspired energy. More info.
Art of Bouquets: Easter Edition – The Kotoda | 4 April 3pm
A hands-on floral workshop creating seasonal bouquets and handmade cards in a relaxed, social setting. More info.
Easter Saturday So Fresh 2000s Party – The Exchange, Hamilton | 4 April 6pm
A two-level 2000s party with DJs spinning throwback hits and Jump Band live from 9pm. More info.
Easter Sunday Bottomless Brunch – Adamstown Bowling Club | 5 April 11am – 3pm
Bottomless brunch with unlimited drinks and a cheese platter, plus live music, Easter food specials and free kids activities. More info.
Easter Sunday ft. Y.O.G.A – Shoal Bay Country Club | 5 April
A free Easter Sunday party with Y.O.G.A bringing the energy to Shoal Bay. More info.
Easter Sunday Party – The Exchange, Hamilton | 5 April
Easter Sunday party with DJs from 7pm, Tre Soul from 8pm and two levels of music till late. More info.
Made On Sunday - Block Party - Crown St, Newcastle | 5 April: 2pm - 10pm
Newcastle’s party scene is turning it up a notch this April, with Silent Shout bringing back its flagship Made On Sunday – and this time, it’s taking over Crown Street. Kicking off on Sunday 5 April, the event will transform the street into a full-scale block party, blending open-air energy with a stacked lineup of local and international DJs. More info.
Markets
Olive Tree Market – Civic Park, Newcastle | 4 April
A family-friendly art and design market featuring handmade, ethical and locally made goods. More info.
Homegrown Markets - Easter Market — Speers Point Park | 5 April
Homegrown Markets annual “Lake Mac Easter Sunday Market” including a special visit from THE Easter bunny! The Hunter’s biggest handmade & design market! The perfect place to shop local-made, enjoy an array of street food & soak up your local community. More info.
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Adventures led by women designed to make a difference.
Trek the Andes with an all-female crew in Peru. Join a women-run tuk tuk tour in Cambodia. Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath experience at a women-owned farmhouse in Bhutan. Intrepid’s new small-group Women’s Expeditions in Peru, Cambodia and Bhutan provide immersive local experiences for travellers while supporting women-run businesses.
Knights hold off Bulldogs to go 3-1
Newcastle beat Canterbury 24-16 at Accor Stadium on Saturday, with Dominic Young stealing the show with a hat-trick, including a 70-metre intercept try to seal it. The win is even more impressive given the Knights were without Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown and suspended prop Trey Mooney.
Newcastle raced to a 16-0 half-time lead before Canterbury fought back through a Matt Burton double in the second half, but the Knights held firm. At 3-1 under Justin Holbrook, it's their best start to a season since 2020, a long way from last year's wooden spoon.
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This weekly edition sits alongside the Newcastle Digest Journal. See this week's Newcastle Gig Guide and the Newcastle Markets Guide.
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