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Newcastle

The Line Up

Newcastle’s opening weekend of Great Southern Nights will see rising Soul/RnB star BOY SODA bring the vibes to the King Street Warehouse. The front woman of much loved Middle Kids, Hannah Joy will bring her soaring vocals to the Playhouse. Closing out the program, singer-songwriter Jack River will bring her huge array of hits to the King Street Bandroom and jazz super star Lisa Simone will perform at the Newcastle Civic Theatre.

In between gigs, here are some top tips for wining, dining and resting your head in Newcastle. 

Local Eats and Treats

Newcastle’s food scene has quietly become one of the most rewarding in the state, balancing coastal ease with genuinely impressive dining. If you’re short on time, the Honeysuckle Foreshore is a solid place to start, putting you within walking distance of the waterfront, major hotels and a cluster of bars and restaurants.

In the city itself, you’ll find Spanish-style small plates at Bocados, modern Asian flavours at HUMBUG, and refined Italian at Una Volta — a local favourite for good reason. Seafood lovers should book ahead for Scottie’s, while Market St Basement nails the brief for cocktails paired with generous Italian feeds in a moody underground setting.

A little further afield, Flotilla in Wickham remains one of the region’s most celebrated dining experiences, while Antojitos delivers authentic Californian-style tacos that are well worth the detour. If you prefer to wander and discover as you go, Hamilton is packed with casual, late-night options, Cooks Hill leans into smaller, trend-driven eateries, and heading inland toward the Hunter Valley opens the door to some of the country’s best wineries and destination dining.

Where to Grab a Drink

When it comes time to raise a glass, Newcastle delivers in spades. For craft beer and harbour views, FogHorn Brewhouse is a reliable go-to, brewing on-site and buzzing most nights of the week. Cocktail lovers should seek out Coal & Cedar, a sleek underground bar known for its thoughtful drinks list and relaxed late-night vibe. If you’re after something more classic, The Great Northern Hotel remains one of the city’s best pubs for a casual drink and live music, while The Falcon in East End pairs a strong drinks list with a polished but unfussy atmosphere.

Where to Spend the Night

Newcastle’s accommodation reflects the city’s creative, coastal personality. QT Newcastle is the obvious choice if you want to stay central, with bold interiors, a rooftop bar overlooking the harbour and an on-site restaurant championing local produce — all housed within a beautifully reworked heritage building.

If falling asleep to the sound of waves is more your style, Noah’s on the Beach is about as close to the ocean as you can get, sitting directly opposite Newcastle Beach and just a short walk from the CBD. For those travelling with a group or looking to slow things down, Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows — around 45 minutes south — offers laid-back luxury with bungalows, villas and a destination restaurant that feels worlds away from the city.

 

See Visit NSW to out more information.

Gigs in Newcastle

Fri 1 May

  • Gig Trail

    Bernies Bar, Newcastle West

    Vandoll

    5:00pm

    Supported by Benjamin Fraser McKenzie / Someones Friends / Molly Poppins / Deirde Doo / Boots n Puss

    Save Gig FREE RSVP
  • Gig Trail

    Charlies Rooftop, Newcastle

    Animal Ventura

    5:00pm

    Supported by Dj Perry Cater

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  • Gig Trail

    Granddad's Bar, Newcastle

    Grace Barr

    5:00pm

    Supported by Gidget Moon

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  • Gig Trail

    Maru HiFi, Newcastle West

    Nina Romeru

    6:00pm

    Supported by Eliza Eve

    Save Gig FREE RSVP
  • Gig Trail

    The Happy Wombat, Newcastle West

    Masters of Sunset 

    6:30pm

    Save Gig FREE RSVP
  • Gig Trail

    Mad Poet, Newcastle West

    Les Poets Pop

    6:30pm

    Supported by Mishayla

    Save Gig FREE RSVP
  • Gig Trail

    Jams Karaoke, Newcastle West

    Finlay Ross

    7:00pm

    Supported by P0nzi Scheme / DJ Bon Binary

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  • Gig Trail

    The Koutetsu, Newcastle West

    Adam Newling 

    8:00pm

    Supported by P0nzi Scheme / DJ Bon Binary

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  • Gig Trail

    The Den, Newcastle

    Spuz 

    8:00pm

    Supported by Abbu Yeo Band

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  • Gig Trail

    The Rogue Scholar, Newcastle West

    Stomp

    8:00pm

    Supported by Blunt Cactus

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  • Gig Trail

    King Street Hotel, Newcastle West

    Radio Free Alice

    8:00pm

    Supported by Limo / Horse

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Sat 2 May

  • The Wickham Park Hotel, Islington

    Margaritaville at The Wicko

    Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show

    2:00pm

    Supported by Easy Daze

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  • Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

    Emily A Smith

    5:30pm

    Save Gig FREE RSVP
  • Boy Soda

    King Street (Warehouse), Newcastle West

    Boy Soda

    7:00pm

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Fri 8 May

Sat 9 May

  • Civic Theatre Bar, Newcastle

    Under The Awning

    3:00pm

    Supported by Midnight Chicken, Woodenbox, Bree Rusev

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  • The Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton

    Dave Rumbler

    6:00pm

    Supported by BANG BANG / DJ GAV BEAN

    Save Gig ON SALE SOON

  • The Exchange Hotel, Hamilton

    The House Band

    8:00pm

    Save Gig FREE RSVP

Thu 14 May

Fri 15 May

  • Civic Theatre Bar, Newcastle

    Yorke

    5:00pm

    Supported by Mishayla

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  • Lisa Simone

    Civic Theatre Newcastle, Newcastle

    Lisa Simone

    7:00pm

    Save Gig GET TICKETS

  • The Wickham Park Hotel, Islington

    The Years

    7:00pm

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  • The Hamilton Station Hotel, Islington

    Lamphead

    8:00pm

    Supported by Resident / The Admired / Limo

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  • Maru HiFi, Newcastle West

    Cormac Grant

    9:00pm

    Supported by Nina Romeru

    Save Gig

Sat 16 May

  • The Hamilton Station Hotel, Islington

    Saylor & The Flavor

    7:30pm

    Supported by Aunty Alan / Finlay Ross

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  • Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

    Allan Parmenter Duo

    9:00pm

    Save Gig FREE RSVP

Sun 17 May

  • The Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mayfield

    Liquid Zoo

    7:00pm

    Supported by Trophy Wyfe / The Sweat Heaps

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See Full Program

Performances (including scheduled artists, venues, dates, venue capacity) may be subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check www.greatsouthernnights.com.au or the authorised ticketing agency/venue websites for the latest information. Any queries regarding ticket refunds should be directed to the ticket seller for the performance. ARIA and Destination NSW accept no liability arising from or in connection with the information published on this website or for any changes or cancellations in relation to any of the performances.

Please consult the relevant authorised ticketing agency/venue for ticket prices, ticket conditions, booking fees, surcharges and any applicable taxes before purchasing any tickets. Please only buy tickets from authorised ticket sellers. There may be conditions imposed by the authorised ticketing agency/venue as a result of your purchase or attendance and you are responsible for ensuring that you read and comply with those conditions.

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