SUMMER 20 25
Newcastle,Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Morpeth & the Hunter Valley
FEBRUARY 2025 UPDATED FOR
TEN YEARS OF MAGIC
Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe Festival
GLOBAL SENSATION
SIX the Musical on its Way to Newcastle
TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO
In the Hunter this SUMMER!
We're thrilled to launch this magazine as your ultimate guide to the vibrant and diverse experiences awaiting you in Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and the Hunter Valley.
This summer promises an extraordinary blend of celebrations and attractions. Newcastle is embracing the festive spirit with an exciting lineup of holiday activities, from the magnificent 12.5-metre Christmas tree lighting in Wheeler Place to our spectacular New Year's Eve harbour celebration, featuring the Big Bike Parade and dazzling fireworks that will light up our summer skies.
For adventure seekers, our region offers everything from pristine beaches to rolling vineyards. Cool off at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, catch waves at Merewether, or discover dolphin watching and sandboarding in Port Stephens. Don't miss Newcastle Museum's world-first dinosaur exhibition, an extraordinary journey through time for curious minds of all ages.
Food lovers, explore our dynamic culinary scene, from Hao Chi's stunning blend of Cantonese flavours and Shanghai glamour to the true gastronomic heart of our region among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley vineyards.
The arts are also flourishing, with Newcastle Theatre Company's newly branded Laneway Theatre launching an ambitious 2025 season of Shakespeare and contemporary drama, while sports enthusiasts can perfect their swing at Rippit Golf, our newest tech-savvy social hub.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, HELLO Newy is here to ensure you make the most of your time in our region. From festival highlights to hidden gems, we've got you covered. Let us be your guide to an unforgettable summer of discovery!
Read the magazine on the go and check out the website for some of the best of the best, sorted by area. You’ll also find a comprehensive Events Calendar, so you won't miss a thing! Discover it now at www.HELLONewy.com.au.
Credit: Destination NSW ON THE COVER
Publisher WCP Media
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© Copyright 2024 Two Tribes Media. Published monthly by Two Tribes Media. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpt granted by written request only. While every attempt has been made, Two Tribes Media cannot guarantee the legality, completeness or accuracy of the information presented and accepts no warranty or responsibility for such.
AT NEWCASTLE MUSEUM
OPEN UNTIL 2 MARCH 2025
◆ This exhibition brings revelations to life with something for all ages, offering a glimpse into the evolutionary journey from dinosaurs to modern birds. Children of all ages will be enlightened and entertained as this immersive exhibition allows them to dig for dinosaur fossils and eggs, touch a giant dinosaur leg bone, and marvel at the 9-metre-high Tarbosaurus skeleton. Through captivating displays, artworks, and interactive exhibits, this exhibition allows visitors to journey through time and discover how the legacy of the dinosaur lives on today. For more information, visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.
AT WARNERS BAY PODIUM
EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL MARCH 28
◆ Featuring a lineup of popular local musicians, running from 6pm to 9pm each Friday, this event is perfect for families and music lovers. Sit back and relax in an outdoor setting by the lake, ideal for enjoying the sunset with friends. Attendees can bring their own seating and food, or choose from on-site food trucks and nearby Warners Bay eateries, creating a casual lakeside atmosphere for enjoying music and dining. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ musicinthepodium.
AT EARP DISTILLING CO.
UNTIL WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY
▲ Interested in life drawing? Been sketching for years? Or just looking for a fun night out? Join The Tipsy Sketching Club for an evening of sipping, snacking, and sketching. The twohour session features timed life drawing poses, ranging from 2 to 30 minutes, with breaks for drinks, food, and laughs. Drawing materials can be provided, but feel free to bring your own. All artistic abilities and mediums are welcome! For more info, visit www.tipsysketching.club.
AT MARGAN WINES & RESTAURANT EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY
◆ Celebrate the warm months with Margan Wines Summer Pop-Up! Taking place every Friday afternoon from 4pm for casual drinks and a delicious small plates menu, perfect for sipping and grazing into the evening. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and a selection of hot and cold dishes from the renowned Margan Restaurant. Don’t miss out! For more information, visit www.margan.com.au.
AT HARRIGAN’S HUNTER VALLEY
FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS
◆ Harrigan’s Hunter Valley offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, perfectly complemented by a delicious pub meal. Whether you're a fan of local artists or enjoy the sounds of visiting talent, the diverse music lineup ensures there's something for every taste and mood. It's the ideal place to unwind with friends and enjoy great food. For more details on upcoming performances and to see the full schedule, visit www.harriganshuntervalley.com.au/events.
AT CIVIC THEATRE
WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY
▲ After a triumphant run on The Sadness arena tour, eight-time ARIA Award winner and alt-pop sensation Amy Shark is set to embark on an epic 20-date Songs and Stories Solo Acoustic tour in 2025. For the first time ever, Amy will strip back her entire set to an intimate acoustic experience, sharing the personal stories and emotions behind each of her songs. This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity—don't miss out! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
Wharf
AT PACC
WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY
▲ Created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott, The Wharf Revue has decided to retire after 25 years of satirising Australian politics. The team, including Biggins, Mandy Bishop, Forsythe, Scott, and David Whitney, will perform a final show, reflecting on past politicians and today’s leaders. It’s a bittersweet farewell, with no flowers requested. Don’t miss out. For tickets, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY
▲ RAW Comedy 2025, presented by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, showcases Australia’s top emerging comedians in a thrilling open mic competition. For 28 years, it has discovered comedy legends like Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, and Ronny Chieng. Don’t miss the chance to see the next wave of comedy stars battle it out on stage! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
FRIDAY 7, 14, 21, 28 FEBRUARY
▲ Soul Hub is saying “thanks” to our Newcastle community for the amazing support with Friday Chill! Every Friday evening until 28 March, it’s a great free event for families to relax and enjoy live music. Pack a picnic or browse the food trucks on-site, making the most of the warm summer air. Catch up with friends and family to picnic in the park while soaking up the atmosphere. For more information, visit www.soulhub.org.au.
Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council
AT CAMS WHARF, LAKE MACQUARIE
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY
▲ The Max Adventure Race is a thrilling introduction to the exhilarating sport of adventure racing. Designed for teams of two, participants will tackle a fast-paced course combining mountain biking, trail running, and kayaking. The race, lasting 2 to 6 hours, requires basic navigation skills. All checkpoints are accessible by tracks, but occasionally, crosscountry routes may be faster. Additionally, there is a Kids' Course for children aged 5-12, involving similar activities with simple navigation, ensuring fun for adventurers of all ages. For more info, visit www.runningcalendar.com.au.
AT HAROLD GREGSON RESERVE, MAITLAND
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY
◆ Relax and enjoy a summer evening at the new amphitheatre in Harold Gregson Reserve. Featuring live performances by Camino Gold, Fletcher Kent, Chain Daisy Duo, and Bindi Duo, this BYO event is perfect for unwinding. Food trucks will offer refreshing, summer-friendly bites to keep you energised all evening. For more information, visit www.mymaitland.com.au.
AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE
SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY
◆ Aaron Chen, star of Netflix's Fisk and ABC's Guy Montgomery's Spelling Bee (as Guy's loyal assistant), has quickly become a rising comedy talent. Since his 2017 debut, he's sold out shows globally and won multiple Melbourne International Comedy Festival awards. This will be the homegrown comedy sensation's return season of the Funny Garden tour, debuting the show in Newcastle. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
AT CESSNOCK AERODROME
SATURDAY 8–SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY
▲ Get ready for a weekend packed with exhilarating family fun, featuring a thrilling mix of hair-raising aerobatics, vintage warbirds, exciting amusement rides, bustling markets, a beer and wine garden, mouthwatering street food, and so much more. You can soar through the sky on a helicopter or adventure flight, compete in a paper aeroplane contest, experience the thrill of a virtual fighter jet cockpit, or simply relax and enjoy the continuous airborne spectacle unfolding above. For more information, visit www.huntervalleyairshow.com.au.
AT CIVIC THEATRE
THURSDAY 13 – SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY
◆ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious musical that explores the chaos of adolescence and competitive spelling. Six quirky teens compete for the championship, each driven by their own hopes and fears. With a Tony Award-winning script and a lively score, this fastpaced show proves that winning isn't everything, and losing doesn’t make you a loser. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY
◆ Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day to the acclaimed Romeo & Juliet by Come You Spirits, a professional theatre troupe. Touring Australia for two years, this production explores unconditional love, passion, hope, forgiveness, and connection, inspiring personal growth and a vision of love’s transformative power. For more info, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au.
AT MAITLAND SHOWGROUND
FRIDAY 14 – SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY
▲ The Maitland Show is back in 2025! The annual event is returning with a long list of fun attractions and educational activities including home craft and horticultural displays, woodchopping and livestock exhibits, and plenty of live entertainment throughout the whole weekend. Celebrate the community with loads of guaranteed family fun! For more information, visit www.maitlandshowground.com.au.
AT THE GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY
▲ Don’t settle for an ordinary paint-and-sip experience! With Paint Juicy, it’s more than just painting; it’s a dazzling show, a burst of creativity, and endless laughs! Whether new to painting or a seasoned artist, the team will ensure you feel like an artistic superstar by the night's end. So, grab your friends, sip on your favourite drink, and get ready for an experience filled with colour and plenty of sparkle! For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.paintjuicy.com.au.
AT SPEERS POINT PARK
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY
▲ Celebrate the hot Australian Summer with the help of a few of the country’s best rock bands! The iconic homegrown acts, such as headlining act ICEHOUSE, Eskimo Joe and Wolfmother will be hitting the tunes from 1:30 pm! Set up your chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy the sunshine and some of the artist's greatest hits. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.redhotsummertour.com.au.
AT FORESHORE PARK
SATURDAY 15 FEB
▲ Howlin Country is bringing some of the biggest and best country music artists right to our local beaches. Connecting the country to the coast, Newcastle Foreshore is the perfect meeting point for lovers of all things country this summer! Relax by the water under the golden sun, letting yourself be carried away by heartfelt stories and the vibrant sounds of seventime Grammy nominee, Tyler Childers, joined by Brad Cox, Austin Mackay and many more! Gather your friends, mark your calendar, and prepare for a fresh, exciting take on the country music experience. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.howlin.country.
AT
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY –
SATURDAY 1 MARCH
◆ Prepare to have your socks blown off by the Newcastle Theatre Company in their latest rendition, Hangmen! In 1965, capital punishment is abolished in the UK. In a northern pub, former hangman Harry enjoys his newfound celebrity among a group of sycophants. Tension rises with the arrival of a mysterious stranger from London. This darkly humorous, biting play by the writer of In Bruges and Three Billboards condemns state-sanctioned murder. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit newcastletheatrecompany.com.au.
AT RATHMINES MEMORIAL PARK
SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY
▲ Boatfest – Boat Bits Bonanza promises a day full of exciting activities, boat displays, and a huge range of boat parts for sale. Highlights include rowing the St Ayles Skiff, along with other unique boats on show. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a boating enthusiast, Boatfest offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the world of classic boating. For more info, visit www.lakemac.com.au.
AT CIVIC THEATRE
SATURDAY 18 JANUARY
◆ Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand return to Australia with "Quest for the Jurassic Fart!" Packed with wild experiments, this show will take you back to the age of dinosaurs, blending science with laughs and a bit of gross-out fun. It’s the perfect school holiday activity, perfect for all ages! For more info, visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
AT CIVIC THEATRE NEWCASTLE
THURSDAY 20–FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY
▲ Join Bangarra’s first cross-cultural collaboration with Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and alumna Deborah Brown. Together, they lead the award-winning ensemble in stories honouring their ancestral lands. Brown, of Wakaid Clan and Torres Strait descent, and Patterson, from the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe, explore the resilience and spirit that connect the First Peoples of Oceania. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
CIVIC THEATRE
SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY
▲ Spend an evening with the talented Kate Miller-Heidke as she combines her talented singing and songwriting abilities with her passion for storytelling. With influences from the genres of opera, musical theatre, pop and folk, prepare for an intimate performance by Kate, accompanied by Keir Nuttall on guitar. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
SATURDAY 22 – SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
▲ Celebrate summer with a weekend of Chardonnay and clay! Create a 60cm ceramic totem for your home or garden with Sydney artist Lisa Hölzl. On Saturday, learn hand-building techniques inspired by Winmark vineyards. On Sunday, explore totem design and underglazing. All materials, lunch, and firing included. Collect your sculpture from Winmark Wines or Lisa's studio at a time that suits you! For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit www.winmarkwines.com.au.
Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council
AT HAROLD GREGSON RESERVE
SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY
◆ Get ready to roll into a night of fun at this bring your own skates event that invites skaters of all levels to join in for an evening of music and community fun! Glide along to tunes spun by a live DJ, and take a break to enjoy the offerings from a selection of food trucks. Bring your skates, and your energy, and be ready to boogie! For more info, visit www.mymaitland.com.au.
AT OAKVALE WINES
SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY
◆ Prepare for a full Hunter Valley harvest experience with grape picking, sorting, and stomping at Oakvale Wines. Enjoy a 3-course lunch with matching wines, canapés, and live music in the vineyard all afternoon! For more information, visit www.oakvalewines.com.au.
AT THE STATION
SATURDAY 22 – SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
▲ In a toast to the end of an exciting festive season and hot summer, Over the Ditch Festival is hitting the shores of Newcastle to celebrate trans-Tasman music culture and live music. The two day music festival combines homegrown and international talents, with artists from both Australia and New Zealand. Day one features local acts such as the Temper Trap, Jack River and Cub Sport, meanwhile, the second day shifts the focus to a series of New Zealand born artists, such as South Summit, Kora and L.A.B. Grab your tickets and prepare to sing along to Aussie Anthems and Kiwi hits! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.earpdistillingco.com.
AT BEN EAN HUNTER VALLEY
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
▲ Whether you're just beginning to plan or finalising those last-minute details, this festival is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the excitement of wedding planning. Explore a wide range of top-tier vendors, from awardwinning wedding gowns and suits to delicious cakes, expert photographers, celebrants, stylists, and much more. Enjoy exclusive offers, on-the-day discounts, and an exciting lineup of entertainment, including live music, workshops, tastings, and more, all under one roof. Don’t miss out on this incredible event, packed with everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality. To find out more information, visit www.benean.com.au.
AT NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
◆ The iconic Goo Goo Dolls will headline their first Australian tour in over 20 years with special guest Thirsty Merc! The highly anticipated tour will make its way to Newcastle, where the multiplatinum hit-makers will take the stage as part of a national run through February and March. Fans can expect to hear a selection of the band's timeless hits, from "Iris" to "Slide," as they bring their unique blend of alternative rock and heartfelt ballads to the region once again. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.googoodolls.com.
AT MARGAN WINES & RESTAURANT
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
◆ Experience vineyard and winery tours, taste new vintage wines from the barrel, and enjoy a three-course lunch paired with sustainably farmed wines at the 2025 Harvest Lunch. Limited tickets available, book now for a unique winemaking experience! For more information, visit www.margan.com.au.
AT THE MARY ELLEN
SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY
◆ Get ready for an evening of glitz, glamour, and giggles at Timberlina's Drag Bingo Extravaganza! Sip on your favourite cocktail as you dive into three rounds of bingo like you've never experienced before. Timberlina's cheeky commentary and sparkling presence will have you in stitches throughout the game. Whether you're a seasoned bingo pro or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to join in the fun, with fantastic prizes up for grabs. Don't forget your daubers, markers, or lipstick! For more information, visit www.timberproductions.com.au or the Facebook event.
AT KING EDWARD PARK
SATURDAY 8 MARCH
◆ Returning for its 9th year of chaos, Newcastle Beer Fest is back for its next round of sun, fun, and beers. Prepare for a fantastic lineup of beers, great vibes, live music and moments you'll definitely remember. The event will feature a diverse selection of beverages from a range of independently owned Australian brewers, with a variety of delicious food vendors. Grab your picnic blanket, gather your friends, and get your tickets now! For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.newcastlebeerfest.com.au.
AT MORPETH GALLERY
SATURDAY 8 – SUNDAY 9 MARCH
SATURDAY 15 MARCH
◆ Get ready for an unforgettable night of poprock magic as legendary Swedish duo Roxette returns to Australia in March 2025, marking their first national tour in nine years! Following their farewell tour in 2016, Roxette’s frontman, songwriter, and founder Per Gessle is bringing the band back together to perform their iconic worldwide hits. This exciting tour will feature special guest Swedish megastar Lena Philipsson, along with two rock legends, Jon Stevens and Boom Crash Opera. For more information, visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au.
AT VARIOUS NEWCASTLE VENUES
THURSDAY 20 – SUNDAY 30 MARCH
NEWCASTLE SHOWGROUND
FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY – SUNDAY 2 MARCH
▲ For over 120 years, this beloved tradition has brought together businesses, families, and communities to celebrate the unique blend of country and city life. Spanning three exciting days, the show offers a vibrant mix of livestock shows, carnival rides, and new, interactive experiences that engage audiences from across the region. Join in and experience the best of Newcastle and the Hunter region! For more information, visit www.newcastleshow.com.au.
AT PACC
THURSDAY 6 MARCH
◆ In this six-week FREE block of classes you will start with pencil and pen studies. Through close observation we will learn about form and the different rendering techniques. You will then progress into watercolour looking at the different ways to apply washes for botanical studies while learning about colour mixing. For more information, visit www.mypacc.com.au.
◆ The Festival of Two Palettes is a unique celebration of both art and food that offers a rich cultural experience, blending creativity and culinary pleasure. This exciting event features fourteen accomplished Australian artists, including Natalie Jane Parker and Garry Fleming, who will demonstrate their painting techniques at Morpeth Gallery. In addition to the artwork on display, Morpeth Antique Centre showcases collectible resin art jewellery and vintage pieces, including rare Lea Stein brooches. Visitors can indulge their food palate with local offerings, from ice cream and wine tastings to hearty pub meals and café delights. For more information, visit www.morpethgallery.com.
AT SPEERS POINT PARK
FRIDAY 14 MARCH – SUNDAY 16 MARCH
▲ Test your limits and get active for a good cause! The Lake Macquarie Triathlon is the latest multi-sport festival in Australia right now. The event features a flat cycle and running track, and the swim is just 100 metres away from Speers Point Park. The three days will comprise multiple events, including a 5km Out Of the Sun Run. This fun run is sponsored by the Hunter Melanoma Foundation to encourage sun protection. Whether you’re participating or supporting, this weekend is one you don’t want to miss. For more information, visit www.hevents.com.au.
▲ Newcastle is set to celebrate a major cultural milestone as the inaugural Fringe Festival marks its 10th anniversary! This year’s free launch event, Fringe Feast, will be held on March 15, featuring delicious local food and a preview of upcoming performances. The festival will showcase a diverse lineup of entertainment, including theatre, comedy, music, and family shows across various venues. With over 100 acts, there is something for all to enjoy, offering an exciting, accessible cultural experience for all! For more info, visit newcastlefringe.com.au.
SUNDAY 23 MARCH
◆ Lake Macquarie's cultural scene will shine with 'The Great Romantics', a concert featuring iconic works from the Romantic era. Directed by Christopher Bearman OAM, the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic presents Elgar’s Cello Concerto, with internationally acclaimed cellist Anthea Scott-Mitchell. The Opera Hunter Chorus joins the orchestra for Mascagni's 'Easter Hymn' and Verdi’s 'Triumphal March' from Aida. The program concludes with Rimsky-Korsakov’s vibrant "Capriccio Espagnol," highlighting the orchestra's full range. This exceptional concert promises an unforgettable afternoon of passion, beauty, and power. For more info, visit www.stickytickets.com.au.
Music in the Podium is an iconic Lake Macquarie event that runs from the first Friday in November until the last Friday of March, returning this year from Friday, 1 November until Friday, 28 March 2024.
Gracing the Warners Bay Foreshore for its 27th year, the longevity of this event is a testament to its popularity, the community's ongoing support and the generosity of sponsors. Once again, Lake Macquarie City Council takes the lead as the major sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to fostering arts and culture in the area. The event promises another great lineup of popular local musicians, carefully selected to appeal to a wide audience. Families and music enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying these performances from 6pm to 9pm each Friday evening.
Music in the Podium provides an ideal Friday evening setting to relax and enjoy the sunset over the lake with friends. The event combines live music with a picturesque outdoor environment, offering a pleasant way to start the weekend.
Visitors can bring their own seating and food or take advantage of the available options. On-site food trucks provide quick meals, while nearby Warners Bay eateries offer additional dining choices. Whether you prefer a picnic or takeaway, the event caters to various preferences, allowing attendees to enjoy music and food in a casual, lakeside atmosphere.
Check out the Music in the Podium Facebook and Instagram pages for a complete program and information about pending weather cancellations. Music in the Podium is a free, family-friendly event made possible by valuable sponsors and the Warners Bay Business Network. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/musicinthepodium.
Newcastle's summer evenings are set to sparkle with the launch of the eagerly anticipated Night Markets, transforming the historic Newcastle Showground into a vibrant community hub starting Friday, 6 December.
As twilight descends from 4pm, visitors will discover a feast for all senses. The air will be filled with the enticing aromas of international street food while local artisans showcase their unique creations under twinkling market lights. The inaugural event promises to be particularly special, featuring an outdoor cinema screening of the heartwarming film "IF" under the stars.
"We're creating more than just a market – it's a community celebration," says event organiser Jodie Lee.
"Where else can you enjoy gourmet food trucks, watch your children delight in Thomas the Tank Engine and pony rides, then settle in for a family movie night?"
The family-friendly atmosphere is enhanced by unlimited access to entertainment, including a jumping castle, with the modest $5 entry fee covering all rides and activities. Children under three enter free, making it an affordable evening out for families.
The Night Markets will return on Friday, 11 April, offering Newcastle residents another chance to experience this magical evening. With convenient onsite parking available for just $3, the markets are set to become a must-visit destination for summer evenings in the Hunter region.
Don't miss being part of Newcastle's new night market movement –where community, culture, and cuisine come together under the summer sky. Visit www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au.
WORDS JACK MADDEN
When Seb Smee saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the West End, he was not even double digits, but he knew that making theatre was his destiny.
Now, fresh off completing the HSC at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Seb is focused on a fruitful 2025 and for his new production company, Hyde Entertainment, whose mission statement sees younger performers centre stage.
“As a young person, it’s exciting to give opportunities to other young people, and Newcastle has some of the best young talent I’ve ever seen,” says Seb.
Producing is not entirely foreign to Seb, having staged and performed in a run of Enda Walsh’s Chatroom in January 2023 at his alma mater and then having restaged it in collaboration with Jopuka Productions on the Central Coast in June 2024.
In 2025, audiences have two musicals that Hyde Entertainment is mounting to look forward
to - the Tony Award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in February, which he will be directing, and another very exciting musical comedy to be staged here in Newcastle this July, which puts a contemporary spin on an old classic.
“One of the best things about Newcastle is the amount of theatre,” he opines on the pivot to directing Spelling Bee, “being able to work alongside other people, see how they do things, and bring it to my own rehearsal room is wonderful.”
The musical follows six ambitious preteens competing for a cash prize, each with their own quirky approach to navigating the challenges of the English language’s orthography.
“Something fascinating about Spelling Bee is the contrast to our inaugural show [Chatroom], which was very dark. We’re excited to show that we can offer more than that kind of show.”
More to the point, Seb relishes the notion that Spelling Bee offers young performers the opportunity to play roles that address their demographic and experience rather than the usual older characters offered in the modern musical theatre canon.
To stay abreast of Hyde Entertainment, look them up on Facebook or follow them on Instagram @Hyde_Entertainment
The dinosaurs have arrived at Newcastle Museum in a groundbreaking exhibition that explores the fascinating evolutionary links between the prehistoric giants and modern-day birds. Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction showcases an impressive collection of fossils and bones and interactive displays that tell the remarkable story of survival from the Cretaceous period to the present day.
The world premiere exhibition, created by Gondwana Studios, features over 100 items, including a massive nine-metre skeleton of an apex predator. Visitors can explore interactive dig pits, handle authentic fossils, and discover how some dinosaurs evolved to survive extinction, eventually becoming the birds we see today.
"Whether you're fascinated by prehistoric predators or curious about their connection to modern wildlife, this exhibition offers something for everyone. It's a glimpse into a tumultuous period when life on Earth hung in the balance,” said Museum Director Julie Baird, highlighting the exhibition's unique appeal.
Star attractions include the feathered Utahraptor, the Griffin-inspiring Tarbosaurus, a close relative of T-Rex. The exhibition also features replica dinosaur nests and baby dinosaur displays, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
2 March 2025, this family-friendly exhibition is perfectly timed for school holidays. Tickets start from $7.50 for children and $15 for adults, with family passes available for $40. Pre-book online at www.newcastlemuseum.com.au to avoid disappointment.
28 FEB–2 MAR 2025
The Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon SIX is set to make its Newcastle debut, bringing its electrifying retelling of Tudor history to the Civic Theatre for a limited three-week season from 10 April
The Australian production, which reimagines Henry VIII's six wives as powerful pop stars reclaiming their narratives, will arrive in Newcastle following successful runs in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. With over 3.5 million viewers worldwide each year and more than 1 billion streaming figures, SIX has become a cultural phenomenon that bridges historical storytelling with contemporary pop music.
"Securing this spectacular production was a major coup for City of Newcastle," says Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge.
"There's no doubt SIX the Musical will be the hottest ticket in town when it hits the stage in April. For locals and visitors alike, it is fantastic having great events like this here in Newcastle, particularly in our beautiful Civic Theatre."
The stellar Australian cast features Kimberley Hodgson as Catherine of Aragon, Deirdre Khoo as Anne Boleyn, Loren Hunter as Jane Seymour, Zelia Rose Kitoko as Anna of Cleves, Chelsea Dawson as Katherine Howard, and Giorgia Kennedy as Catherine Parr. The production is supported by a talented on-stage band led by Music Director Claire Healy.
Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX has garnered 35 major international awards, including two Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design. The show's innovative approach to historical storytelling has created a devoted global fanbase, known as the 'Queendom,' and has gained massive popularity on social media platforms.
"SIX is truly a global phenomenon. In Australia it has enjoyed rapturous acclaim from both critics and audiences alike," says Producer Louise Withers.
"We are beyond thrilled that SIX will be coming to Newcastle, and we look forward to making more fans and breaking more records when we arrive!"
This high-octane, 80-minute production promises to deliver mega-watt entertainment while enthralling audiences with its contemporary take on Tudor history.
The Newcastle Theatre Company is proud to announce the Laneway Theatre and the launch of Season 2025. The Lambton-based theatre company is one of Australia’s longest continuously run community theatres with over 200 loyal and dedicated members, all of whom have lots of new and exciting things to look forward to over the next year.
Opened in 1957 as Newcastle Repertory Theatre, it was the dream of Peter and Shirley Bloomfield, who wanted to create an all-inclusive training ground for theatre practitioners of all skill levels. Their legacy continues today with the annual production of several mainstage productions each year and the broad range of theatre-based activities for members, including not just performances, auditions and rehearsals but play readings, set design and construction, lighting and sound design and tech, art exhibitions, workshops and even ushering.
In 2007, the Newcastle Repertory Theatre changed its name to the Newcastle Theatre Company. Originally housed in what is now the rehearsal space, in 2012, the company moved into a new 147-seat building that had been 25 years in the planning.
Newcastle Theatre Company is a memberbased, incorporated association run by a volunteer Management Committee, with all decisions going through the voting process at the Annual General Meeting. President Zac Smith has been in his role for three years and is passionate about modernising not just the space but also the offerings, as well as finding
ways to make what they do more commercially viable.
“There were renovations made to the outside of the building in 2018 and 2019, but since then we’ve done more work inside, for example, raising the proscenium arch by 1.5 metres which has made a big difference in the staging of our works,” said Zac.
“One of our most exciting new changes is the rebranding of our venue as the Laneway Theatre. This will make it easier to hire the space to other theatre companies and performance groups, removing the confusion of who is actually presenting the work.
“One of the reasons we want to do this, aside from the fact that it’s financially savvy, is that by hiring the venue out to other performance groups, especially those that are presenting very different works to those that we present, we are building awareness in audiences that may have never been here before. We want to be a destination venue. When people are wondering what to do, they might wonder what’s on at the Civic Theatre, but they might also wonder what’s on at the Laneway Theatre.
“We’ve been here a long time, but people still don’t know what we do, and we want to change that. It’s vital that we get new people through our doors, and offering different types of shows, such as comedy, magic shows, and burlesque, will help us grow our audience base.
“In 2025 we’ll also be welcoming cinema to the stage with a screen being installed over Christmas. There will be a weekly program featuring things such as National Theatre Live, old horror classics, and international films, and the bar will open.
Season 2025 features six plays and one musical. Directors submit a pitch to the
Mainstage Programming Committee with a play reading and their ideas, and then the recommendations are presented to the Management Committee. In 2025, Newcastle Theatre Company will present Hangmen by Martin McDonagh, a brilliant, funny, and offbeat play that won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Play. It will be directed by Patrick Campbell. Then, in March, Florian Zeller’s The Father (the play that the Oscar-winning film with Anthony Hopkins was based on) will be a poignant and powerful piece on aging and is directed by Aiden Clark. May will see Morning Sacrifice by Dymphna Cusack with an all-female cast directed by Pearl Nunn on the stage. William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, directed by Jo Cooper, will explore the consequences of political power and ambition in June. A black comedy about infertility and infidelity, Every Second, written and directed by local playwright Vanessa Bates, runs from 23 August to 6 September. At the end of October, director Michael King takes on The Birds by Conor McPherson, which is an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s short story and also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film. Finally, towards the end of November, Silvia Martinez and Jason King will direct Lucky Stiff.
“We’re encouraging people to become season ticket holders,” said Zac.
“We’ve developed a new loyalty rewards program that unlocks exclusive benefits that grow with continued support. It’s about becoming a part of a community that values the arts and live theatre.”
For more information and bookings, visit www.newcastletheatrecompany.com.au.
Newcastle will reach a cultural milestone in 2025 when its very own fringe festival celebrates its 10th anniversary from 20 to 30 March. Widely acknowledged by the industry to be the most significant and fastest-growing grass-roots regional arts festival in NSW, the Newcastle Fringe Festival (NFF) truly is Australia’s Biggest Little Fringe. Attendance in 2024 missed hitting the 10,000 mark by a whisker at 9,454, up from an initial attendance of 660 in 2016 when it all began.
Inspired by a visit to the granddaddy of fringe festivals, Edinburgh Fringe, in 2014, the founder of NFF, Phil Aughey, set about creating a Fringe in his hometown, opening in January 2016 with 21 shows in five venues over ten days. Ten years later, these figures have grown to 235 shows featuring 97 acts and 612 artists performing at 15 venues over the same number of days. The organisation was incorporated in 2019 with a volunteer board appointed and notfor-profit status realised to take NFF to the next level of success.
“Performing at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe proved to be a life-changing experience for me,” said Phil.
“It fulfilled a personal ambition but also opened my eyes to the difficulties artists face in staging their work, even at a Fringe Festival.
“The Fringe movement is about the democratisation of art, where anyone can perform. There are no selection criteria, no restrictions or censorship, any genre is accepted, and there’s no need to be commercially viable."
"It’s art for art’s sake and a wonderful platform for emerging artists."
The difficulty for artists at Fringe Festivals worldwide is the stiff competition for venues, accommodation, facilities, tech support and marketing. When thousands of shows are being performed across a city, such as in Edinburgh and Adelaide, it can make the experience unaffordable for many artists. When it came time to set up his own Fringe venture, Phil was determined to avoid this challenge by keeping it small enough to maximise audience sizes.
“If the artists don’t make money, you don’t have a Fringe. The modus operandi for NFF is to be as economically viable to the artists as possible. We source the venues for our artists and provide general marketing and basic tech support to help defray the costs of performing.”
Phil funded the festival himself for the first two years from his life savings, but once the organisation was incorporated in 2019, the injection of energy, skills and professionalism
the new board brought to the festival enabled a trajectory of growth that saw artist earnings reaching over $125,000 in 2024. In 2023, that figure was $80,000, up from $67,000 in 2022. This growth and reach of the festival has garnered slightly more support from sponsors and government grants, although still not enough to become self-sustaining.
NFF Chair Brooke Twyford is keen to see the volunteer organisation focus on sustainability to secure reliable income streams for the future.
“Moving forward, our open access model remains important to nurture local emerging artists and improve quality, diversity, and accessibility of the program,” said Brooke.
“We need to ramp up the marketing volume, grow audiences for artists and grow our Fringe fan base to increase visitation to Newcastle and the organisation's overall sustainability.
“We’re very grateful to our principal sponsors, who include the City of Newcastle, Destination NSW, AGL, Costin Roe Consulting and Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS). Our supporting partners are just as key to our success, including intouch Magazine, Newcastle Live, Newcastle Herald, HunterHunter, Hello Hamilton, NewFM, Newy with Kids, and Eventotron.”
The longest-running sponsor of NFF is PWCS, who came on board in 2017 and has witnessed the extraordinary growth and development of the organisation.
“The NFF has become a must-see event in Newcastle, showcasing a wide array of local talent while attracting national and international acts,” said Hennie du Plooy, CEO of PWCS. “It contributes significantly to the city's vibrancy and draws many people to Newcastle.
“We have proudly supported the festival for many years, and we congratulate the committee for continually expanding the range of acts and, in recent years, providing family-friendly entertainment so the whole community can get involved.”
The family-friendly entertainment that du Plooy refers to is the free family event NFF has staged for the past two years. This year, the event will be known as Fringe Feast, a collaboration between NFF, Hello Hamilton, and the City of Newcastle. It will be delivered under the Special Business Rate Program.
Fringe Feast – Unleash your appetite - will be the festival's official free and ‘delicious’ launch event on 15 March, from 5pm to 9pm. Patrons can feast on scrumptious local dining options and experience tantalising Fringe performances from the 2025 program, including The Pretty
Amazing Jono, The Alchemy of Arts, Samba Frog, Les Divine Folles à Newy, Eliane Morel: Love, Drinking and Fairy Tales and Ruffians. Bring the kids!
Fringe venues in Hamilton include the Kent, Young People’s Theatre, Hamilton Uniting Church, Son of a Gun and The Exchange Hotel. The Newcastle Hotel in Islington will host music and comedy. Across Newcastle, there’s Bernie’s Bar to support the LGBTQI+ community and NFF staples The Royal Exchange and The Grand Hotel. Newcastle Museum will host science comedy shows, and Souths Merewether will feature international artists. See kids shows, theatre, and dance at the Dungeon in Adamstown. Flamingos Live in Lambton will join the Fringe fanfare to showcase cabaret and burlesque.
There’s a definite flavour of ‘youth’ to the line-up showcasing the talent of young people. This is the premise for Newcastle Next: Emerging Artists – an inaugural event celebrating Newcastle’s young musicians, featuring soloists and bands from local schools performing 20-minute sets.
Echoes of Expression is the theatrical equivalent. A captivating new work that showcases a curated
collection of monologues performed by a selection of Newcastle’s most talented Class of 2024 drama students. Pocketful of Stories: Tales of the Sea by Claire Thomas, who took out the Best Newcastle Show at the 2024 NFF, will delight with her young cast at Young People’s Theatre.
Even the popular Choir Day held at the Hamilton Uniting Church on Saturday, 29 March, features the sensational talents of the Hunter Singers aged 12 to 21. Conducted by Kim Sutherland OAM and Charissa Ferguson, the group is preparing to embark on an international tour. Also on Choir Day are the all-women Hummingsong Community Choirs, Sundara and Meraki, plus audience favourites, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir and the award-winning Newcastle Chamber Choir, which are both returning. The Under Construction Mental Health Choir and The Callaghan Singers round out the feel-good, uplifting day.
Keeping with the theme of youth, there is a strong lineup of kids' shows, ten in all. Don’t miss The Creative Creatures Kids , an interactive, intergalactic adventure that will captivate your imagination with whimsical scenery, extravagant UV glow costumes, magical props, and catchy songs. The Giant Balloon Show promises to be a family favourite. Winning multiple international awards, this hilarious spectacle delivers feverous balloon sculptures, high-energy comic performance and a banging 80s soundtrack that delivers ‘a frenzy of controlled chaos’. Then there’s Bubble Show in Space. Combining an outer space adventure with the best bubble tricks, amazing puppetry and laugh-outloud slapstick, these multi-award-winning performers have featured on Australia's, China’s, Romania’s and Bulgaria’s Got Talent shows!
Proof that it’s not all about the kids is the sexy, funny, and downright raunchy offerings in the genre of cabaret and burlesque, with no less than 20 acts to set your temperatures soaring. The Exchange Hotel features Madame Martha, the winner of Best Cabaret at the Melbourne Fringe. Step into an underground Parisian club of glamour where music sweeps you off your feet, drag divas serenade you in three languages, and burlesque goddesses whisk you away to a realm of intoxicating elegance. Or maybe Barbie Burlesque rocks your Barbie World? Also at the Exchange Hotel, it’s a queer, camp, R-rated Barbie party.
Venture to Flamingos Live for more burlesque with NFF favourites Red Light Confidential. It wins awards every year for its incredible variety show featuring local and international burlesque, circus, cabaret, music, and comedy performers. It's the perfect latenight cherry on your Fringe-flavoured cake. Also at Flamingos Live is Society of Slumber, a mixed genre performance art cabaret presenting a golden era jazz opera and Les Divine Folles à Newy, a home-grown show offering plenty of sparkle, stunning showgirls and powerhouse vocals in a journey that blends the sophistication of Paris and the charm of our beloved Newy!
At every Fringe Festival, comedy is king, and this year is no different with 21 comedy shows. Highlights include comedy legend Jean Kittson who returns to the stage with her intimate and only occasionally strident new show - Jean Kittson Bangs On. She guarantees a delightful journey, including detours, diversions, and deviant behaviour to make you feel good, and she appears at Souths Merewether for two shows only. At the Kent Deco Lounge, Cancer Card by comedian and cabaret artist Becky Steepe delivers a surprisingly hilarious story about what happens when you’re dealt the cancer card and have to bluff your way to a win. Theatre highlights include Logie awardwinning Rob Carlton with his show Willing Participant. Directed by theatre and screen legend Darren Gilshenan, it was a hit at Adelaide Fringe and is billed as a storytelling show, ‘beautiful, funny, heartbreaking and illuminating.’
Featured at NFF’s longest-running venue, The Royal Exchange, are two shows by Marcel Cole – the return of The Ukulele Man, the true story of wartime comedian and ukulele legend George Formby, which won in the Best Theatre category at last year’s Fringe and Smile: The Story of Charlie Chaplin, a brand-new physical comedy show inspired by the life of Charlie Chaplin. If you like your theatre a little more hard-hitting, try Newcastle’s own Knock and Run Theatre and their one-man show, Circumference of a Squirrel – a riff with an inner tube - a profoundly moving exploration of grief, regret, sorrow, loss and growth.
costumes, heavenly vocal harmonies, sleazy horn lines and face-melting guitar solos. It wouldn’t be a NFF without Clark Gormley performing – the local artist has performed at every NFF since it began in 2016, and this year sees the return of Nerds and Music Do the Fringe with his fellow nerd, Wayne Thompson captivating audiences with their eccentricity, wit, wordplay, sharp alliteration and quirky folk music. And everyone’s favourite local comedian and talented muso, Eddy Rockefeller, brings her new show Beats and Banter to the stage with her killer vocals and sharp, hilarious stories of single life. Depending on your favourite flavour, other musical highlights include Annaliesa Rose Sings the Peter Allen Songbook. Annaliesa’s unique take on Peter Allen's classics is critically acclaimed. Don’t miss the dinner show at Son of a Gun. 3Degrees: Hip Hop & Horns is a face-melting, booty-quaking hip hop and horns collective that has taken Newy by storm with its global sound and deep local roots. The Daisy Rifles bring brooding emotions from Brisbane that whisper of
The NFF program is so full this year that it’s impossible to mention every show. Surprisingly, the genre that has the most shows is music. Returning musos include Ruffians, Newcastle's one and only bright red punk-cabaret septet, who promise a sensory overload of dazzling
loss and love with raw, simple, blues-infused songs and dark textures reminiscent of ancient songlines.
Honourable mentions include Newymation Short Film Extravaganza, which celebrates local animation, VFX, and game artistry through stunning visuals, imaginative storytelling, and the return of Eliane Morel’s Disenchanted: A Cabaret of Twisted Fairy Tales. This award-winning show set in a Parisian Salon returns with fresh costumes, topical updates, new tunes, and new characters. It’s impossible to feature every act here, but we recommend downloading the program from www.newcastlefringe.com.au and studying it carefully. Tickets go on sale on 1 February, with prices beginning at $10 and maxing out at $43, with most sitting between $25 and $30. Call your friends, invite your family and experience affordable, authentic, surprising and totally different entertainment together. Do a venue hop or stay in one venue each night. However you want to do it – fitting in as many shows as possible is half the fun of a Fringe Festival. It’s your festival, Newcastle. Support it and enjoy it.
Dust off your favourite costume and get ready to flex your trivia muscles at the Trivia & Cosplay Extravaganza, a free, family-friendly event guaranteed to bring fun, creativity, and community connection to the forefront. This event will be held on Saturday, 22 February, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at The Place Charlestown Community Centre, and it promises to be a highlight of the year.
Whether you're a trivia enthusiast, a cosplay aficionado, or simply looking for an inclusive, fun-filled outing for the whole family, this event has something for everyone.
Event Highlights
Cosplay Showcase - Step into the shoes of your favourite character and take the stage! Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or trying it out for the first time, the friendly showcase
invites everyone to express their creativity. Family friendly costumes of all types and themes are welcome, making it a visual treat for participants and spectators alike.
Trivia Challenge - Put your knowledge to the test with questions covering pop culture, movies, anime, and more! Form a team of up to 10 with friends or family or join as an individual to be paired with a team on the day. Everyone gets a chance to shine as part of this lively competition.
Inclusive and Family-Oriented FunThis event is designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, welcoming participants of all abilities and ages. Whether you're a trivia master or simply there for the atmosphere, you'll find a warm and engaging environment to enjoy.
Prizes and Surprises - Win fantastic prizes for top trivia scores, best-dressed cosplayers, and other surprise categories. It's not just about winning—there are plenty of opportunities to walk away with a smile and great memories.
How to Join - Participation is free, but registration is recommended to secure your spot. Sign up now at www.eventbrite.com.au or call 4032 5500 for more information.
The Trivia & Cosplay Extravaganza is part of the Place-Based Abilities (PBA) Program, funded by the Australian Government and collaboratively planned with participants. This initiative aims to foster community connections and provide opportunities for inclusive engagement.
Original artwork for the event was created by Riley Button, a talented PBA participant, showcasing the artistic spirit of the program. Don't Miss Out!
Mark your calendars and prepare for a day filled with costumes, questions, and community spirit. Gather your friends, invite your neighbours, or come solo and make new connections. We can't wait to see you there!
Opera Hunter will present an enchanting afternoon of classical music featuring two of the Hunter region's most accomplished vocalists in Overland & Sea - A Soirée this March.
Fresh from their triumphant performances in Opera Hunter's production of Carmen last July, tenor Raphael Hudson and mezzo-soprano Anthea Harrington return to the stage with a captivating program of romantic songs.
Hudson will perform a selection of twelve songs from Franz Schubert's masterpiece "Winterreise" (Winter's Journey). Based on poems by Wilhelm Müller, this haunting song cycle follows a heartbroken wanderer through a desolate winter landscape, exploring themes of lost love, isolation, and emotional turmoil. Schubert's extraordinary musical settings perfectly capture the protagonist's psychological journey through despair and resignation.
Complementing this landbound journey, Harrington will present Edward Elgar's magnificent "Sea Pictures." This collection of five songs celebrates Britain's deep connection to the ocean through diverse poetic perspectives, including verses by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Elgar's wife, Caroline Alice. The cycle ranges from serene contemplation to dramatic intensity, reflecting the sea's ever-changing moods while embodying the spirit of English musical nationalism.
Both vocalists will be accompanied by accomplished pianist Mercia Buck, whose sensitive interpretations will bring these remarkable works to life in the beautiful acoustic setting of Adamstown Uniting Church.
This intimate soirée promises to be a highlight of the Hunter's classical music calendar, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience these beloved song cycles performed by much-loved artists.
WHAT: Overland & Sea - A Soirée
WHEN: Saturday, March 15 at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Adamstown Uniting Church
TICKETS: $30 per person. For bookings, visit www.stickytickets.com.au.
MORE INFO: Contact Mercia Buck at mbuck@exemail.com.au.
There is a place between sea and sky – a sacred realm where the sun rises and falls, and the light is new.
After its acclaimed premiere in 2024 as part of the national tour of Horizon, Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, brings its first cross-cultural collaboration, The Light Inside, to Civic Theatre Newcastle on 20 and 21 February as part of its 2025 Regional Tour.
Māori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson joins beloved Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown to guide the company’s award-winning ensemble in stories honouring their mother countries and the spirit that guides them home.
The Light Inside celebrates the First Peoples of the Oceania region, spanning the continent now known as Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and our southern neighbour, Aotearoa. This story of resilience explores the cultural forces that bind us together across oceans and eons.
For more info and tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
Lake Macquarie's cultural scene is set to soar this March with an extraordinary classical concert featuring some of the most beloved pieces from the Romantic era. Under the masterful direction of Christopher Bearman OAM, the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic presents "The Great Romantics," a musical journey through time's most passionate compositions.
The spotlight shines on internationally acclaimed cellist Anthea Scott-Mitchell, who will perform Elgar's haunting Cello Concerto. Written in 1919 as Elgar's final major work, this piece gained worldwide recognition through Jacqueline Du Pre's legendary performances at London's Proms in the 1960s. Scott-Mitchell brings her own interpretation to this deeply moving masterpiece.
Adding vocal majesty to the afternoon, the Opera Hunter Chorus joins forces with the orchestra for two operatic treasures: the
triumphant "Easter Hymn" from Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and the grand "Triumphal March" from Verdi's "Aida." These powerful choral works promise to fill the theatre with spine-tingling harmonies.
The program reaches its crescendo with Rimsky-Korsakov's vibrant "Capriccio Espagnol." This 1887 composition showcases the orchestra's full range through five dynamic movements, from the spirited "Alborada" to the passionate "Fandango Asturiano." Originally conceived for violin solo, this orchestral masterpiece now allows every section to shine with spectacular solo passages.
The Lake Macquarie Philharmonic continues to prove itself as one of the region's premier orchestral ensembles. Don't miss this exceptional afternoon of classical music that promises to entrance, excite, and charm audiences of all ages.
WHAT: The Great Romantics. WHEN: 2pm, Sunday, 23 March.
WHERE: Warners Bay Theatre.
TICKETS: $35 per person and $45 per person. For bookings, visit www.stickytickets.com.au.
MORE INFO: Contact Mercia Buck at mbuck@exemail.com.au.
Sometimes the best adventures aren't found in distant lands, but right in our own backyard. While Newcastle might not have the global fame of Paris or the exotic allure of Bali, it boasts something even better: an intoxicating blend of sun-soaked beaches, rich culture, and hidden gems that many tourists (and even locals) have yet to discover.
From our glittering waters to the vibrant pulse of our city streets and sundrenched vineyards, the Hunter region is a playground of possibilities that doesn't require a passport or currency converter to enjoy. As your local guides, we've combed through the countless experiences our region has to offer to bring you five unmissable adventures that prove paradise isn't always a plane ride away.
Whether you're a longtime local looking to rediscover your hometown or a visitor seeking authentic Newcastle experiences, these handpicked destinations showcase the very best of what makes our corner of Australia truly special. So grab your sunscreen, charge your camera, and join us as we explore the must-see spots that make Newcastle worth staying home for.
There's something magical about exploring a city on foot, and Newcastle's crown jewel of urban walks is the stunning Bathers Way. This 5.8-kilometre coastal trail strings together the city's five beloved beaches like pearls on a necklace, stretching from the historic Merewether Ocean Baths to the iconic Nobbys Beach.
The true highlight of this journey is the Newcastle Memorial Walk – a masterpiece of
urban design that does double duty as both a breathtaking viewpoint and a powerful tribute to our history. This 450m elevated walkway, commemorating both the ANZAC centenary and Newcastle's steel-making heritage, offers what might just be the most spectacular coastal views in New South Wales.
Looking for a shorter but equally rewarding adventure? Take the 1-kilometer stroll along the break-wall to Nobbys Head. Time it right on a Sunday (between 10am and 4pm), and you can climb to the top of Nobbys Lighthouse for a 360-degree panorama that will quite literally take your breath away.
While Newcastle proper boasts five stunning beaches within a 6km stretch, it's worth venturing just a little further south to uncover one of the region's most enchanting coastal secrets: Caves Beach. This 300-meter stretch of golden sand isn't just another pretty beach – it's nature's own adventure playground.
The real magic happens at the southern end, where a mysterious network of sea caves
awaits exploration. These natural sculptures, carved by countless millennia of waves, create an otherworldly landscape that begs to be photographed and explored. Just remember to check the tide times before you visit – Mother Nature only reveals these hidden treasures during low tide.
For history buffs and wild swimming enthusiasts, Newcastle's Bogey Hole offers an equally compelling experience. Hand-carved by convicts in 1819 for Major James Morisset's private use, this heritage-listed ocean pool is now the oldest of its kind on Australia's east coast. Tucked beneath the cliffs of King Edward Park, it's a dramatic reminder of our colonial past that still provides an exhilarating swim today.
Don't miss the magnificent Merewether Baths either – the Southern Hemisphere's largest ocean baths complex. With its twin pools (including one perfect for families with young children), it offers all the thrill of ocean swimming without the surf, making it an ideal spot for visitors of all swimming abilities.
Just a short drive from Newcastle lies a perfectly preserved slice of colonial Australia. Morpeth, with its cobblestone streets and sandstone buildings, isn't just another pretty heritage town – it's a living museum that tells the story of how our region grew from riverside settlement to thriving port.
Founded in 1821 on Lieutenant Edward Charles Close's land grant, Morpeth quickly became one of NSW's busiest river ports. Today, its historic streetscape houses a delightful mix of artisan shops, cozy cafes, and boutique galleries, all while maintaining its 19th-century charm. Walking down Swan Street feels like stepping through time, with architectural gems like the grand CBC Bank (1889), the stately Morpeth Court House (1862), and the famous Arnott Bakehouse (1851) – the birthplace of Australia's beloved biscuit empire.
For history enthusiasts, the free Morpeth Heritage Walk showcases 25 significant sites throughout the former port. But for those seeking a darker twist on local history, the Morpeth Ghost and Heritage Tour reveals the village's shadowy past through tales of hauntings, murders, and mysterious local folklore.
Newcastle itself boasts its own impressive collection of heritage sites. Don't miss the majestic Christ Church Cathedral, the perfectly preserved Miss Porter's House, or the historic Fort Scratchley – the only coastal fortification in Australia to have fired upon an enemy vessel during wartime when it engaged a Japanese submarine in 1942.
While Newcastle's urban dining scene continues to flourish, the true gastronomic heart of our region beats among the rolling hills of
the Hunter Valley vineyards. This isn't just wine country – it's a food lover's paradise where centuries-old vines meet modern culinary innovation.
The historic Pokolbin region forms the epicentre of this viticultural wonderland, but don't overlook the intimate charm of Lovedale and Broke, where family-owned boutique cellar doors offer personalised tasting experiences that larger establishments can't match. Each sub-region brings its own character to your glass, from Pokolbin's prestigious Semillon to Broke's boutique organic wines.
Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning your wine journey, the Valley offers two perfect ways to explore: take the wheel for a self-guided adventure at your own pace or relax aboard one of the many guided tours where local experts share insider knowledge between stops. From barrel-aged classics to experimental natural wines, from hatted restaurants to rustic cellar door platters, every turn in the road promises a new flavour to discover. Check out www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com.au for some of the region's best wine and food experiences.
If you’re short on time and want to stay a little closer to the city, there are a number of emerging foodie precincts and eat streets to taste your way through. Check out Darby St in the city and Beaumont Street in Hamilton. For waterfront dining, take a stroll along Honeysuckle and onwards towards Queens Wharf.
For those who measure their holidays in heartbeats, Newcastle's natural playground offers enough adrenaline-pumping adventures to satisfy even the most dedicated thrill-seeker. The crown jewel of local excitement has to be the Stockton Sand Dunes – the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere –where adventure meets pristine wilderness in spectacular fashion.
Carve across the sweeping dunes on a quad bike adventure, feeling the rush as you navigate this otherworldly landscape of endless sand. Or, for a more unique perspective, join a camel trek at sunset, when the dunes cast long shadows, and the sky puts on a spectacular show. Sandboarding offers another rush entirely – picture yourself perched atop a towering dune before sliding down its face on a custom board, with nothing but smooth sand and blue sky ahead.
But the thrills don't stop at the dunes. Take to the waves with a surfing lesson at one of our world-class beaches, or soar above them all with a tandem paragliding flight along our stunning coastline. For the ultimate highaltitude adventure, join the team at Balloon Aloft for a sunrise balloon flight over the spectacular vineyards of the Hunter Valley – floating over the picturesque landscapes of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke at the height of 2000 feet or more.
Check out www.HELLONewy.com.au to discover everything the region has to offer.
FOOD & DRINK
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
WHERE TO SHOP
THINGS TO SEE & DO AFTER DARK
Williams the Jewellers has been a cornerstone of The Junction for over three decades. The family-owned and operated business, led by the husband-and-wife team of Mark and Vanessa Williams, has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, customer service, and unique designs and with 34 years of experience, Williams the Jewellers has consistently exceeded customer expectations.
"It's all about the customer," says Vanessa.
"We've found that treating people with integrity and honesty and giving good advice has served us well."
The business is renowned for its on-site manufacturing capabilities, with Mark, a passionate jeweller with a flair for unique designs, leading a team of talented craftspeople.
"Creating something unique that has meaning to the person who is going to wear it, and something that can be passed down to the next generation, is important to me. We don't like to repeat designs, so many are one-offs," he says.
This commitment to customisation sets Williams the Jewellers apart. Whether customers have their own design in mind or are seeking inspiration, the creative team is ready to bring visions to life.
"We can help you create a beautiful piece of jewellery as individual as you," Mark says.
The Williams' dedication to quality and ethics is evidenced by their Platinum membership in the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA). This affiliation assures customers of the highest standards in quality, workmanship, and service.
Their excellence hasn't gone unnoticed with Williams the Jewellers winning the Australian
Bridal Industry Award for wedding rings 16 times between 2000 and 2024.
At the forefront of emerging trends, Williams the Jewellers specialises in laboratory-grown diamonds—an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diamonds. These ethically sourced diamonds are currently the most sought-after option on the market, offered at significantly lower prices compared to natural diamonds.
"We are also witnessing a growing rarity in pink Argyle diamonds since the closure of the Argyle Diamond Mine in November 2020, making them increasingly difficult to source," added Mark.
Williams the Jewellers offers a comprehensive range of services, from designing bespoke pieces to restoring family heirlooms. Their on-site workshop ensures that all work, from manufacturing to modifications and cleaning, is done under their watchful eyes.
As Mark and Vanessa Williams continue to lead Williams the Jewellers into the future, their dedication to craft, customer service, and creating lasting memories remains unwavering. For those seeking unique, high-quality jewellery crafted with care and expertise, Williams the Jewellers stands as a beacon of excellence in the heart of Newcastle.
As the warm embrace of summer coincides with the festive season, Australians are busy planning their Christmas celebrations. While the traditional roast dinner holds nostalgic charm, it often feels out of place under the blazing sun. Instead, prawns take centre stage as the perfect choice for an Australian Christmas feast. Their light, fresh flavour, versatility, and festive appeal make them a must-have for December and January dining.
Prawns are more than just a seafood staple; they’re an iconic symbol of Australian summer. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, a family picnic, or a fancy dinner party, prawns bring a touch of sophistication and celebration to the table. Their sweet, tender
meat pairs beautifully with various flavours, making them a culinary dream for hosts and home cooks alike.
One of the joys of prawns is their incredible versatility. For a simple yet elegant dish, serve prawns chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce or a dollop of aioli. For something a bit more
dishes that require hours of preparation, prawns are quick to cook and effortless to present. A towering platter of perfectly cooked prawns, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and crusty bread, is a show-stopping centrepiece that requires minimal effort but leaves a lasting impression.
Health-conscious eaters will be pleased to know that prawns are a nutritious option, too. Packed with high-quality protein, low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, prawns are a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies both the palate and the body. Their omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health, while their antioxidants support overall well-being –perfect for keeping your energy up during the festive season.
At the Fish Co-Op, we take pride in offering the freshest, sustainably sourced prawns, ensuring that your Christmas feast is not only delicious but also supports ethical fishing practices. Our commitment to sustainability means you can enjoy your meal knowing you’re making a responsible choice for the environment.
If you’re looking for inspiration to elevate your Christmas menu, our website, www.fishcoop.com.au, is brimming with ideas and our recipes are designed to make your holiday season unforgettable. You’ll also find tips on how to prepare, cook, and serve prawns like a pro, ensuring every dish is a hit.
This Christmas, embrace the Australian way of feasting by making prawns the star of your table. Their vibrant flavour, ease of preparation,
Hunter Drama, the leading youth drama education and theatre company in the region, is thrilled to announce exciting new offerings for 2025! Newcastle-based students can now attend Friday Drama classes in the city for the first time. Additionally, Broadway Kids workshops will be available on Saturdays at the Islington studios, expanding Hunter Drama’s reach and making quality drama education more accessible.
In response to demand, Hunter Drama is also expanding its presence in the Hunter Valley, with more classes now available in Cessnock, Maitland, and Singleton. Since its founding in 2007, Hunter Drama has become a pillar of arts education, offering programs in drama, musical theatre, and screen acting across six locations for students aged 5 to 18+.
Hunter Drama educates young people to become the future practitioners and leaders in the entertainment industry and inspires them to be the best possible versions of themselves.
Backed up with an annual program of highquality main stage productions that in 2025 include Dot & the Kangaroo JR, Frozen JR, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, all Hunter Drama
students have the opportunity to audition. In addition, every student performs on stage in the Hunter Drama Originals, which in 2025 include The Butterfly Effect and Museum Heist. Performance Troupe and Actors Company provide more opportunities for those students who are more dedicated to developing as performers through a more intensive program –places are through auditions.
Enrolment opens to the priority waitlist in early December and to the public on 16
December. From 13 to 17 January, Hunter Drama is also offering its popular School Holiday Playground workshops featuring a full day of musical theatre or drama for just $75. A great way to experience Hunter Drama, children in years two to six can choose between musicals Moana, Madagascar and Mary Poppins, or ‘plays in a day’ with the theme of Space Race or Jungle Safari. Visit www.hunterdrama.com.au for more information.
As the National College of Dance (NCD) strides into 2025, it proudly enters a transformative era marked by a dynamic team of experienced professionals, innovative programming, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in dance education. With the momentum of the college’s 50th-anniversary celebrations still echoing through its halls, the stage is set for an extraordinary future.
NCD unveils a dynamic faculty of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, forming a team uniquely positioned to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers. This diverse group of educators, choreographers, and mentors brings a wealth of expertise and creativity, ensuring students benefit from a comprehensive and innovative learning environment. The faculty’s shared vision is clear: to elevate the experience of both full-time and junior school students and prepare them for thriving careers in the ever-evolving world of dance or simply for a lifelong love of the art form.
For years, NCD has been housed in six beautiful purpose-built studios, air-conditioned spaces with sprung floors and mirrors, providing a safe second home for all students. These facilities are not only a testament to NCD’s commitment to student success but also a promise to future generations to continue this legacy of excellence.
Students at NCD receive training across a broad spectrum of dance disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded education that instils a passion for dance and opportunities within the industry. Offering classes in Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz,
Contemporary, Commercial, Hip-Hop, and Acro, as well as nutrition, anatomy, financial studies and career planning in the full-time program, both the junior school and full-time curriculum is thoughtfully designed to develop technical skill, artistic expression and versatility. This comprehensive approach positions NCD as a leader in dance education, offering students the tools they need to build upon their love for dance or enter the world of dance as a career.
While some students may pursue professional dance careers, NCD recognises that the value of dance extends far beyond the stage. These experiences create a supportive community where students can thrive. Furthermore, the skills and values gained through dance often serve as a foundation for success in other fields, with many former students crediting their training for shaping their work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and perseverance. Dance encourages
young people to dream big, work hard, and embrace challenges, equipping them with tools for fulfilment in any endeavour.
Building on the success of its landmark 50th anniversary in 2024, NCD is launching several initiatives that promise to set the tone for the next half-century. Highlights for 2025 include:
• New Lyrical Classes for Junior students: Lyrical is a wonderful way for younger students to discover their creative imagination through dance, by connecting with the music and lyrics of the song, it develops musicality and artistry on stage through storytelling.
• New Adult Broadway classes:
Complementing the already popular Adult Ballet Classes, new Adult Jazz / Broadway classes will be introduced in 2025.
• Innovative Workshops: Students will have access to world-class guest teachers, choreographers, and industry professionals through an array of workshops and masterclasses that enhance their learning experience commencing in February.
As the National College of Dance looks toward the next 50 years, it invites students, families, and the community to join in shaping an extraordinary future. This new era is not just about maintaining excellence—it’s about redefining it. Together, NCD and its community are building a legacy that honours the past while embracing the boundless possibilities ahead. With visionary leadership, exceptional facilities, and innovative programs, the National College of Dance is more than a dance school— it’s a home for artists, a launchpad for careers, and a sanctuary for creativity. This thrilling new chapter promises to inspire the artists of tomorrow, ensuring that NCD remains a cornerstone of the dance world for decades to come. No auditions are required for the Junior Academy. Join us for 2025!
New Year's resolutions never seem to last. By February most of us have abandoned our good intentions as the year kicks into gear. But for those of us living in Newcastle, it doesn’t have to be that way. Gjenae and Montana Rosekelly of Urth Fitness, located at Lambton, Charlestown and Belmont, are determined to help their local community reach their health and wellness goals. Deeply committed to the belief that fitness is essential for mental well-being and overall health and the promise of affordability and quality, the team at Urth Fitness are delivering exciting new developments in their gyms to make your journey to wellness even more enjoyable and effective.
Gjenae and Montana pride themselves on their commitment to constantly improving the member experience in their gyms, travelling the world, and attending fitness conventions to ensure they understand the latest available technology and best of the best fitness trends back home to Newcastle.
“We are always learning, always listening, and believe you have to consistently educate yourself in order to grow as a business and as businesspeople,” said Gjenae.
“Our new Reformer Pilates beds are a product of seeing them at a Fitness Convention in Germany, and they are first-class beech tree made with quality leather and manufactured in Turkey. We spotted our current Spray Tan machines at a fitness convention in Sydney many years ago; we’ve imported many other machines for our Spa, such as the HydroLounge, after a conversation with the makers
at a fitness convention in the USA. At almost every fitness trade show, we will purchase new equipment.”
Reformer Pilates is the latest fitness obsession to take over the world. It utilises specialised equipment for resistance and muscle engagement rather than mat exercises for core strength, which is the case with more traditional Pilates.
“We watched Reformer Pilates become popular but waited for data to come out last year to prove that it was more than a fitness fad, and it wasn’t going away,” said Gjenae.
“We also did our research and noticed loads of studios putting in the same reformer beds, so we knew we wanted to import the highest quality beds to stand out. Staying true to our ethos of affordability, we wanted to be the most affordable Reformer Pilates in Newcastle, so we are currently allowing members to trial our Reformer Pilates classes before purchasing a membership, with one class being $25.
“Or you can always purchase an unlimited access membership for only $19.95 per week!”
Other new additions to the gyms include new ‘Booty Builder’ machines in all locations to address the fitness industry's focus on the importance of glute activation for improving physical function in everyday life and providing better mobility and strength. At the Lambton gym, members have access to an Evolt Body Scanner, which provides a detailed breakdown of your muscle, fat, water, and mineral levels and helps you understand your body in order to set attainable goals and track progress. The scans are free for members and new members. Platinum, Signature, and Flexible members enjoy complimentary access to the Recovery +
Spa, which includes an Infrared Sauna, HydroMassage Beds, Massage Chairs, and Spray Tan Booths. The popular Infrared Saunas will be upgraded this year as they have become a pivotal feature of the Urth Fitness members’ gym and health routines.
“The positive member feedback from our Infrared Saunas tells us that they have helped people sleep better, recover quicker, speed up metabolism to burn calories, assist in weight loss, and general detoxification of the body.
“We will be announcing some more additions to our Recovery + Spa Rooms this year, too, because we are committed to supporting our members’ mental and physical health journeys. Everyone leads busy lives and needs time to de-stress, focus on relaxation, and mend those sore muscles.
“If you’re putting time and effort into using machines on the gym floor, then we encourage you to also put some time into your mental health. We still haven’t raised the price of the membership that enables Recovery + Spa entry to reflect our understanding of its importance and the need for accessibility for the community.”
Memberships at Urth Fitness begin at just $5 per week, but to access the Recovery + Spa Rooms, membership is still only a very affordable $9.95 per week. To add group fitness classes to your membership, it’s just $11.95 per week, and if you’re keen to add Reformer Pilates to your routines, it’s $19.95 per week over a three-month contract. There are absolutely no excuses for avoiding your New Year resolutions this year. At Urth Fitness, you’ve got nothing to lose and only health and wellness to gain!
REVOLUTION NOW AT URTH ! REVOLUTION NOW AT URTH !
WORDS LIANE MORRIS
IMAGES AJM PHOTOGRAPHY
Hao Chi by Lee's Yum Cha has quickly become a landmark in Newcastle, marrying traditional Cantonese flavours with a modern, elevated dining experience. Located on King Street at the site of the former Chinois restaurant, which served traditional Cantonese fare to Novocastrians for a quarter of a century, the space has been transformed into an award-winning, luxurious space reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s, exuding glamour and good times.
The latest venture by Lee and Tifenny Li, the seasoned restaurateurs behind the multiple
successful takeaway outlets in and around Newcastle under the Lee's Kitchen brand, Hao Chi, represents a fresh chapter in their journey, with a commitment to offering high-quality, authentic Cantonese food within an elegant and thoughtfully designed space.
Lee and Tifenny Li’s story is one of dedication and resilience. Originally from Quanzhou, a city in China’s Fujian Province, the couple’s bond began as childhood friends and later blossomed into a partnership both in life and business.
“I first came to Australia in 1999,” said Lee.
“My father was already settled here, and I found myself a job working in a Mexican restaurant as a kitchen hand, then took a
second job at a Chinese restaurant. I worked both jobs for five years before I was able to realise the beginning of my dream when I opened my first takeaway outlet in Parramatta.”
The couple celebrated their engagement in 2000 and married in 2001 when Tifenny’s visa was issued. They now have five children ranging in age from 22 to 4, and Tifenny continues to work in the business managing administration and accounts. The family's desire for a better work-life balance prompted the move to Newcastle.
“The work in Sydney was unrelenting and non-stop. I worked 15-hour days, seven days a week. I was on the lookout for a change and saw an opportunity advertised in a newspaper.
We opened our first local outlet in Charlestown Square in 2006. There are now two more outlets here: two in Westfield Kotara and one at Marketown Newcastle West.
“The development of Hao Chi was a longheld vision that Tifenny and I have had to create a lovely inner-city venue with a beautiful space, showcasing excellence in Asian food at affordable prices. I knew a relative of the owner of Chinois and heard he was looking to retire. I saw it as an opportunity to preserve the original tradition of serving Asian food at that address.
“From an interior design point of view, it was important to me to reflect the "Golden Age" of Shanghai. On my visits back to China, I have been amazed at the swift transition of cities, where, in the space of a year, traditional buildings are replaced by high-rise buildings. I can get lost now in places I once knew well. We appointed Adesigneory Group to do the design, and we went on to win Silver in the Sydney Design Awards 2024 restaurant category against stiff competition statewide.”
The design of the space alone makes a visit to Hao Chi worthwhile, and it features plush booth seating in a vibrant teal colour that invites groups of family and friends to gather together. The textural wallpapers and dark timbers set off the nostalgic Asian art on the walls and what would Yum-Cha be without round tables and lazy Susans? There’s a private dining room, a striking bar with an opulently vintage vibe, and a live seafood tank. A quick look at online reviews makes it clear that the food and the service are equally impressive and that patrons are repeat customers.
encourage input from our front-of-house team when our chefs and I design the menus. All our food is made fresh on-site with authentic traditional recipes that we hope creates a culinary voyage through celebrated dishes across China’s diverse regions. Yum Cha is one of our most popular offerings.”
beef, a creative take on traditional hand-rolled dumplings, their house-made laksa paste, which has quickly become a favourite among regular patrons and the Peking Duck. Fresh seafood is ever popular – Mud Crab, Pipis, Abalone, Scallops, Oysters and more.
“We train our staff to a high standard. We employ Chinese and western hospitality workers, many of whom are students. We
The Yum Cha menu features classics such as San Choy Bau, Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce and Prawn and Crab Meat Dumplings. There’s Lobster Sashimi, BBQ Pork Buns, Egg Tarts and vegetarian options. Notable specialties at Hao Chi include black swans made of pastry and filled with wagyu
Complementing the food is an expertly curated drinks menu, featuring a selection of signature cocktails that add an innovative touch to the dining experience and an extensive wine list with many French offerings as well as Symphonia Wines from the King Valley, owned by the renowned Hunter Valley based Evans family.
Hao Chi has been met with enthusiasm by the Newcastle community. Lee and Tifenny attribute their restaurant's growing popularity to word of mouth and the support of a loyal customer base cultivated through their years of operating Lee’s Kitchen. Repeat customers frequent Hao Chi for its high standards of service and the unique cultural experience it offers, blending the Li family’s heritage with Newcastle’s vibrant dining scene.
“In terms of the future, I’d like to franchise Lee’s Kitchens in every state, and I plan to start on that project within the next five years,” said Lee.
“I want people who are new to Australia to know that if they work hard, they can be a success here too.”
As for Hao Chi, the goal is to remain a flagship restaurant that represents the pinnacle of their culinary ambitions and introduce a new level of sophistication to Cantonese dining in Newcastle.
The owners of Newcastle’s latest ‘active-tainment’ venue, Rippit Golf, are on a mission to create Australia’s number one golf experience venue, and they’re well on the way. Rippit Golf has golfing technology that is unique within Australia, plenty of golf-based activities for novices and pros alike, a bar with 12 beers on tap and a kitchen that serves arguably Newcastle’s best pizza. Located in Broadmeadow, off Lambton Road, it’s open seven days per week.
The brainchild of John Schneider and Aaron Spalding, who worked together for 20 years at Schneider’s Computer Systems Australia, the pair are keen golfers who have both been on the board of the Merewether Golf Club and wanted to bring their skills in technology to improve golfing in Newcastle. Schneider sold the business in 2018, and they created Rippit Golf, which has developed in stages – Mini-Golf opened in 2022, the bar at Christmas 2023 and the state-of-the-art Driving Range in May this year.
“We’re at full capacity now,” said Operations Manager Mark Forster, who has worked for Rippit Golf for two years.
“John and Aaron are both proud Novocastrians who wanted to give back to Newcastle. When it comes to our technology, we are second to none anywhere in the world. It’s a game changer – literally!”
Forster refers to the technology behind the Driving Range, which features Uneekor Launch Monitors and Power Tee. This industry-leading technology provides feedback to the player on each shot in terms of ball flight and the
characteristics of the swing, enabling players to improve their game. The Power Tee tees up the ball for you!
“This technology provides greater access to the activity for different groups in the community. It’s popular with school groups because they get instant feedback and with the older sect and people on NDIS because they can participate without having to bend and move too much."
"We have golfers ranging from two years old to our oldest at 96!”
“We are a fun place for everyone. For serious golfers, we’ve got state-of-the-art technology, we have seven golf pros on site that give lessons and clinics, and our virtual golf courses (the Simulator Bays) have an unusually high level of capacity. After all, we are run by tech nerds! Golfers can virtually play on 650 courses worldwide; we have 95 of the top 120 courses.
“Then for the less experienced golfers and families they can have a go on the Driving Range, the Simulator Bays and, of course, enjoy the Mini Golf. We recently discovered that Mini Golf is a widely accepted safe first date option, and apparently, we’ve helped a lot of love on the way here!
There’s an outdoor seating area, and on Sundays over summer, there’ll be live entertainment with families encouraged to come and spend the day on the Mini Green to get the kids off their devices – there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Friday nights there will be a DJ on the Driving Range, targeted at the 20 to 40 age group, and the
Make Friday Funner promotion, which includes $10 Mini Golf, $3 bubbles and $15 schnitzels from 4pm to 6pm.
“The aim is to create a relaxed, chilled vibe after a big working week and to provide somewhere you can have some fun and keep some money in your pocket for the rest of the weekend. It’s also worth noting that kids eat free on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
“We’re on a mission to be the good guys in Newcastle. We support a lot of community groups, such as Newcastle Cricket and Newcastle Netball. We’ve just joined Newcastle Jets in Business, and we have three charity partners that we are passionate about. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter are our neighbours and we’ve built a great relationship, the Mark Hughes Foundation because we Kurri boys stick together, and Ronald McDonald House, which was there for my family when my daughter had a serious injury. Newcastle is the sort of place where if you give to the town, the town will give back to you.”
The team at Rippit Golf are heading into peak Christmas party time (they also sell Christmas Gift Vouchers and have a great selection of gifts from the Pro Shop), and in January, they will be running an event to search for Newcastle’s Longest across six Sundays with the finals taking place on 15 February. They’ll be searching for the longest male, female and senior golf drives. The winner will take away a pallet of Travla beer.
In terms of the future, Forster promises that there’s more to come, both for the venue and in terms of tech. Watch this space (and visit www.rippitgolf.com).
Rippit Golf's own Bar & Bistro - Tap Inn
Open 7 days a week from 10am through to 10pm (kitchen closes 9pm). We have a wide range of drinks to choose from including 12 beers on tap. Bookings can be made by calling the team on 4940 0372
FOOD & DRINK
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
WHERE TO SHOP
THINGS TO SEE & DO
AFTER DARK Explore
Republished with permission: Your Hunter Valley Magazine (www.yourhuntervalley.com.au).
IMAGES ELFES IMAGES
Fun with serious intent is the catch cry of Emma White, owner of Latitude 32 Wines. Her signature modern twist on the Hunter Valley wine and cellar door experience is all about having a good time, enjoying exceptional award-winning wines and fostering a connection with the land that grows the fruit from which her wines are made.
Located on Hermitage Road Pokolbin, her newly renovated cellar door features sweeping views of the vineyard, set against the backdrop of the Broken Back Mountains. A place where picnics are encouraged, lawn games can be enjoyed by young and old, and wine can be purchased by the glass and enjoyed on a stroll through the vineyard, this is one place you need on your itinerary when visiting the Hunter.
A relatively new kid on the block, Emma hails originally from Essex in the UK. She grew up in a tiny village and was always ambitious.
“Where I grew up, people married who they went to school with,” said Emma.
“I remember telling my teacher I wanted to move to London and be independent. She told me that that didn’t happen for ‘people like us’. I remember thinking that I wouldn’t let that happen to me. I wanted to wear high heels
and power suits and earn plenty of money, so I chose a career in accounting rather than following my interest in chemistry. Looking back, perhaps the chemistry would have been more useful in winemaking!”
Emma would go on to enjoy a highly successful career in corporate accounting, meet her future husband, David White, at work, and together they moved to Australia in the year 2000 for a two-year work secondment - they fell in love with Australia and stayed.
“It was because we thought we would only be here for two years that we prioritised travelling within Australia, and we spent every weekend visiting some new place. More often than not, it involved wine. We naturally gravitated to the wine regions rather than the beaches, and here in the Hunter, we really understood how much we loved it. At that point in time, Australian winemakers weren’t letting the good stuff out of the country. The Chardonnay we drank back in the UK was completely different from what we drank here, and we developed a passion for wine.
“We were fortunate enough that our jobs entailed a lot of international travel and corporate hospitality. Our friends called us wine-chasers because no matter where we landed, we would always head to the nearest wine region to develop our knowledge and taste what was available. It was in 2014 that we seriously began looking for a vineyard to
purchase. It became my dream to have a go, to give it a try and see what I could make of it. While we looked, I studied for my WSET Diploma. We settled on the Hunter Valley because of its proximity to Sydney and the fact that it was the region that sparked our initial passion.
“We found the right property in 2018 in central Pokolbin. It had been planted by Tyrrells in the 1980s and then ran as Duck Hollow before we purchased it. The 2019 vintage, our first, was off the back of three years of drought, so there wasn’t a big yield. There was no fruit in 2020 due to bushfires, and in 2021, we lost a whole block of fruit due to hail damage. The property also didn’t have a cellar door, and our DA to build one didn’t come through until early 2023 when material and labour costs had more than doubled. Over a glass or two of wine one evening with our viticulturist in May 2023, we heard that a vineyard was possibly going up for sale, one with award-winning wines and a cellar door. It was the old Mistletoe vineyard, and within 24 hours, we decided to purchase –it never hit the market.
“We immediately embarked on a major renovation of the cellar door, which opened in April of this year. I wanted to create a cosy home-style space. It’s like the front room of someone’s home, with various seating arrangements to suit whatever makes people feel comfortable, including outside seating on
the lawn. We used lots of glass in the cellar door so that people could enjoy the view across the vines. There’s a verandah and patio and lawn games.
“Kids of all ages love the giant Connect Four, giant Jenga, Quoits and Ten Pin Bowling. We’re dog-friendly and have a fire pit during the winter months. We sell wine by the glass and encourage people to take their glasses, wander around the grounds, stroll to the dam, and feel that connection to the land. It’s a relaxed atmosphere.”
Emma went on to study several viticulture courses on her never-ending mission to truly understand how things work. She developed a core belief that wine is made in the vineyard and that the quality of the fruit delivers the best results.
“One of the advantages of being new to this industry is that we are not beholden to multiple generations of traditions. We don’t have to deliver that history in the glass. We come at winemaking not from the traditional winemakers’ perspective but from a consumer’s perspective. This gives us enormous freedom and flexibility in terms of our vintages. We fully embrace vintage variation and respect what happens in the vineyard. We make what we like to drink and will not force our vintages to taste the same year after year."
"It’s more like the European winemaking style, where you talk about the different vintages and embrace the variation. We love it that way.”
In a recent exciting development, winemaker Adam Holmberg has joined the team at Latitude 32. Holmberg trained at Tyrrells and spent ten years at Leogate Estate as Assistant Winemaker. He has also worked on vintages across Europe and the Napa Valley. According to Emma, Holmberg shares her commitment to the fruit, and he will be overseeing much of the vineyard practices. This includes a goal of moving toward sustainable practices, which Emma prefers to call ‘regenerative’.
“It’s important to me to convert as much of our practice as possible to those that help the land regenerate. I want to look after our planet and our future, but I also want the best possible soil for our fruit to grow in. We’re committed to reducing our tractor and diesel use, and we’ve ordered native bees to pollinate our cover crop – we plant 20 different seeds in between the rows, things like canola, legumes, and rhubarb. It stops the vineyard from becoming a monoculture and reduces our need for chemicals and synthetics because it becomes a natural fertiliser when we mow it back into the soil. It becomes an ecosystem that looks after itself.”
This commitment to the land is the reason that Latitude 32 has taken a lease over another vineyard, one that grows the North Rhone Clone, which is very different from the rest of the Hunter Valley Shiraz. “It’s a bit geeky, but I love the North Rhone Clone, and so, rather than simply purchasing the fruit, leasing has enabled us to manage the vineyard and the growing conditions so that we can produce the best possible fruit.”
Latitude 32 produces Semillon, two different styles of Chardonnay every vintage, Semillon
Chardonnay blends, Shiraz, Méthode Traditionelle Sparkling from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Rosé from the Shiraz and is looking at planting Spanish varietals Mencia and Tempranillo and the Italian Aglianico.
“We’re excited to be able to experiment and put a modern twist on our wines and wine experiences. It’s loads of fun. We must be doing something right because we recently picked up a Gold Medal at the Canberra Wine Show for our 2024 Semillon. One of our most fun offerings is something we call The Enigma. It's a wine that I have wanted to make for a long time, so a lot of research, love and energy went into the making of this, and it has turned out exactly how I wanted it to - I am very excited about this one."
In terms of the future, the team is currently exporting to China and looking to the European market next. There is also a focus on expanding the cellar door experiences.
Visitors to the cellar door can enjoy a delicious selection of light snacks with their wines, including a vegan cheese board, but the real point of difference here is the dumplings and wine pairing with various flavour combinations, pork and prawn, Schezuen beef, cheeseburger and vegetarian options.
Booked breakfast hampers are available from 9am to enjoy in the vineyards. Visitors can do walks through the vineyards with the winemaker and viticulturist. Once a month there is a Friday Night Jam Session, a relaxed event with a food truck serving dinner and plenty of wine on offer until 9pm. The cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Wine tastings begin at $15pp for seven tastings, or you can purchase a glass of wine for $12. Book your tastings at www.latitude32wines.com/cellar-door.
Come join us in our newly renovated cellar door overlooking our award-winning vineyards. Whether you come in for a tasting flight, a glass of wine, a cheese plate, or a wine and dumpling pairing, we can promise there will plenty of fun had by all!
BOOK HERE
OVER 50 INDIVIDUALLY CREATED DESSERTS
· DESSERT + WINE/LIQUOR PAIRINGS
· GLUTEN FREE + VEGAN AVAILABLE
· SABOR’S OWN COFFEE
· HOT, COLD + ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
· TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN
· E-GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!
For an altogether sweet experience, a visit to Sabor Dessert Bar is a MUST! Indulge in our multi-award winning Portuguese chocolate mousse, decadent cakes, pastries, hand-made chocolates, Portuguese tarts and gourmet ice-cream.
Bookings are recommended –visit our website or call us for same day bookings.
WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURES WRITER IMAGES SOURCE HUNTER LAVENDER FARM
There is a unique place nestled deep in the Hunter Valley near the little town of Broke that is open to the public for just one month per
year. Surrounded by boutique wineries and a stunning rural landscape, visiting this property is like stepping into Provence, France and is truly a ‘sensory journey’. Those in the know come every year, and this year, the owners are celebrating their third season.
This fleeting but extraordinary summer experience is, of course, at the Hunter Lavender Farm. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, JR and Marianne Villanueva, who both hail from the Philippines, the farm is a dream
come true and one they’ve had to work very hard for.
The couple grew up in the countryside of Zambales, located along the northern coast of the Philippines and attended high school together. It was clear that they had eyes for each other from the beginning, but life took them on separate paths as they pursued their university studies. It was in 2007, when Marianne was just 24 years of age, that she uprooted her life and moved solo to Australia, where her skills were in high demand and where she climbed the corporate ladder. Years later, a work project in Malaysia for a year gave her a chance to fly home to the Philippines on the weekends, which was when she reignited her friendship with JR. Fast forward to 2014, when the couple was married in the Hunter Valley after JR migrated to be with Marianne. They lived the corporate hustle and bustle lifestyle in Sydney.
The couple celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary with a church wedding and a honeymoon trip to Europe in 2018, which became a life-changing and inspirational experience.
“I planned the trip very carefully, and when my husband saw that I had included the lavender fields in Provence, France, he was a bit sceptical. He wasn’t particularly into flowers and certainly didn’t expect visiting flower farms to be part of the itinerary. But when we both saw lavender as far
as our eyes could see, he was just as captivated as I was. It was surreal, and the memory has become an inspiration for our farm today.” said Marianne.
In 2019, on a visit to the Hunter Valley, they stumbled across a 14-acre property for sale and transformed it into a weekend retreat, taking the
2-hour drive every chance they could get and envisioning how they could bring the land to life.
"We spent a lot of time researching what we could plant that would make the most of our 14-acre property. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, we wanted something unique that would complement the area’s charm while being financially sustainable. Having experienced the therapeutic benefits of lavender firsthand and inspired by the breathtaking lavender fields we saw on our honeymoon, it felt like the perfect choice. This crop could thrive in the region and allow us to create something truly special."
A year later, COVID lockdown occurred, and as the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So, the couple turned this global pandemic into an opportunity to work on the farm. The family moved to their Hunter Valley retreat along with JR's mum, who was visiting at the time and started the laborious process of farming lavenders. They did all the clearing, tilling and planting themselves. It was truly a labour of love, and before long, they had over 4,000 lavenders on the ground.
"One of the benefits of farming lavender is that whilst it takes a lot of effort to set up, the routine care and maintenance is still manageable for the two of us. We chose the variety of lavender we had seen in Provence, Lavandin Grosso, and whilst we received a lot of advice to do test plots to see if they would thrive in our region, we went ahead and planted an acre with lavender. It was a case of 'go big or go home', and the gamble paid off as the lavender plants are now fully grown, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sea of purple with
every bloom. This season will be a true Provence experience for our visitors. I’m really excited about this summer.”
The couple harvested their first crop in December 2021 and launched their website and their first four products in April 2022. The initial products were Dried Lavender Sachets, Pure Lavender Essential Oil, Dried Lavender and Handmade Ceramic Vase and a Lavender at Home Gift Set. They opened to the public for the first time in December 2022.
“We ensure there’s something new for our returning customers every year. New products, new experiences, people look forward to it.”
Each season is defined by a unique theme, creating a fresh sense of excitement each year. This summer’s theme, A Sensory Journey, invites you, your family, and your friends to escape into nature and immerse yourselves in the beauty, fragrance, and taste of lavender. The farm’s short, carefully timed season coincides with the lavender’s peak bloom – when the
flowers are at their most vibrant and fragrant – drawing thousands of visitors. This year, the season runs from 14 December to 5 January, with the possibility of an extension depending on the weather and the condition of the flowers.
“While our farm is open to visitors for just a few weeks each summer, our certified Australian Grown and Made lavender products are available year-round through our online store, with delivery worldwide. We also participate in trade shows and handmade markets to share our passion for lavender directly with our customers and connect with other local makers.”
Hunter Lavender Farm produces and sells a range of ever-expanding products that now include Sleep Well Pillow Mist, Be Calm Lavender Roll-on, Unwind Lavender Candle, Lavender Eye Pillow, Lavender Soaps with Lavender Tea Towels, Relax Bath Salts, Nourish Body Oil, Refresh Shower Steamers, Dried Lavender Bunches, Pure Honey, Lavender Rock Candy, Lavender Tea, Lavender Simple Syrup, Culinary Lavender and Lavender Gelatos. There are specially curated wellness gift packs available, too.
Where there is lavender, there are bees, and Hunter Lavender Farm has built a home for these beneficial insects. They work in perfect synergy with nature, pollinating flowers and crops, foraging nectars from lavenders and native flora surrounding the farm, and creating exquisite honey. Visitors can enjoy a Honey Harvest Experience for $55 or do a Beekeeping for Beginners experience for $95 to learn the basics of beekeeping through a hands-on exploration of an active and buzzing beehive. You’ll don protective gear, light a smoker and inspect the hive – where you’ll see firsthand the inner workings of a productive beehive.
When it comes to experiences at the Hunter Lavender Farm, it’s all about the lavender, of course. Visitors can book a Lavender Field Walk for just $15 at certain times of the day. Numbers are limited to 50 people at a time to ensure an enjoyable farm experience and better photo opportunities. Stroll through the lavender fields in full bloom before enjoying the delicious lavender gelato and exploring the lavender products available.
Professional photography sessions are also available for $280 with a Lavender Mini Photo Session. Create a memento to last a lifetime with the lavender fields in full bloom set against various backgrounds such as a wooded creek, sprawling vineyards and a mythic Lizard Rock formation. The package includes an album of 15 images, making an ideal gift or celebrating a special occasion such as an engagement or impending motherhood.
The Dried Lavender and Flower Arrangement experience is on 4 January and costs $185. It’s a fun day learning the art of dried flower arrangements with an experienced florist who will teach you the basics of design and
colours and guide you through every step of the process. Complete with a grazing platter, it’s a fun two-hour workshop with family or friends.
“The event I am most excited about this year is our Yoga in Lavender Bloom - The Ultimate Summer Yoga Experience that we’re holding on 31 December to welcome the New Year with intention and serenity. It will be an unforgettable morning of yoga, mindfulness, and natural beauty. It includes a 60-minute yoga session for all skill levels, a Ceremonial Lavender Cacao to open the heart and awaken the senses, followed by a sound bath and breathwork. It will be a special morning and is the perfect way to bid farewell to the old and embrace the new.”
Since the initial planting, Hunter Lavender Farm is now home to around 15,000 lavenders of different varieties. When it comes to the future, Marianne and JR still have dreams and goals to reach, with a vision for Hunter Lavender Farm to become a complete visitor experience where you can stay, shop, and eat. To heighten the French-inspired experience, head to Mount Broke Wines, which is just a stone’s throw away from the lavender fields, and book a table at their French bistro-style restaurant. The farm is right in the heart of the Broke Fordwich Wine Trail, so you wouldn't run out of places to go or experiences to try if you are visiting for an extended period. Enjoy visits to farm gate producers, alpaca feeding, boutique cellar doors, and heritage-listed Wonnarua sites. If you’re new to the Hunter Valley or a regular, visiting Broke and Hunter Lavender Farm is a must-do. No need to fly to Provence – wander among the lavender blooms right here for a unique experience, but hurry, it’s a fleeting magical time that won’t last beyond early January. For bookings, visit www.hunterlavenderfarm.com.au.
LAVENDER FIELD WALK
Explore our lavender fields and soak in the beautiful countryside scenery
Daily 14 Dec – 5 Jan
MINI PHOTO SESSION
Capture memories in our picturesque lavender fields with the help of our talented in-house photographer
21 Dec, 22 Dec, 28 Dec & 29 Dec 20-minute session
BEEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS
Learn the basics of beekeeping through a hands-on exploration of an active beehive
14 Dec, 21 Dec & 28 Dec | 11 am
HONEY HARVEST EXPERIENCE
Discover the fascinating world of busy bees and harvest raw honey straight from the hive
14 Dec, 21 Dec & 28 Dec | 9 am
DRIED LAVENDER & FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
Indulge in a day of creativity as you craft your unique dried flower arrangements
04 Jan | 11 am
YOGA IN LAVENDER BLOOM
Take a moment to slow down and be present with this unique yoga and meditation session designed to ground and nourish
31 Dec | 6:30 am
DEC 2024 to JAN 2025
BROKE, HUNTER VALLEY
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Scan the QR code or book now on our website
• Trail rides for adults and children
• Beginners and Experienced Riders
• PONY RIDES | FAMILY RIDES
• Sunset rides | Picnic Rides
• Marriage proposals
• Personalised Rides
• Tractor Hay rides to feed the animals.
• Peddle Go Karts | 300 Magical Acres
www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au ride@huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au
Join us for our EPIC Annual Lunch @ Muse Restaurant each June.
5 Courses matched to 10 Hungerford Hill aged and new release wines with entertainment included. Be among the first to taste our new vintage EPIC Shiraz. Invite friends and book online for a day you will remember.
All year (Tues – Sat) - Visit us at our Cellar Door for an EPIC Tasting Experience
Come along and enjoy our degustation wine tasting. Enjoy bite size 2 hatted Muse restaurant sample menu matched with Hungerford Hill wines. Bookings essential.
See what’s happening at Hungerford Hill
WORDS LIANE MORRIS
IMAGES MEGANN EVANS (www.megannevans.com)
Nestled in the serene Mount View area of the Hunter Valley, Estancia Osteria has fast become a standout culinary destination. Opened only last April, this family-run restaurant within the picturesque Briar Ridge Vineyard brings a unique blend of South American, Mediterranean, and Northern Italian influences to its menu. Founders Gabriel Rodrigues and James Orlowski have transformed the space into a haven for food enthusiasts, combining live-fire cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality.
The founders' journey to creating Estancia Osteria is as compelling as their dishes. James, who grew up on a New Zealand dairy farm, developed his culinary passion early, influenced by his father's work as a cheesemonger and the fresh, quality produce that surrounded him. After beginning his career in a hunting lodge preparing game meats and fresh-caught salmon, he realised his true calling lay in hospitality.
"Hospitality was the ideal career for me," James shares.
"It's people-oriented, and I love the discipline and creativity it demands."
His path led him to Peru, where he spent ten years immersing himself in one of the world's most diverse culinary traditions.
"It's the best food in the world," he shares enthusiastically.
"It's a wonderful fusion of Spanish, Latin, South American and Japanese, and it's exciting to marry that with Gabriel's expertise in French cuisine at our own restaurant."
Originally from Brazil, Gabriel brings his own rich culinary background, having worked with Michelin-starred chefs specialising in French cuisine and studying traditional osterias in Northern Italy. His journey also took him through Spain on extensive food research tours before settling in Australia over a decade ago, where he fell in love with the Hunter Valley's charm and potential.
The two chefs' paths crossed multiple times over the years, sharing kitchen spaces and ideologies, before they decided to venture out on their own, frustrated with the hospitality industry's post-pandemic challenges.
When they discovered the space at Briar Ridge, previously named Osteria, it felt like destiny. "I was in Italy studying osterias, and
James discovered this venue previously named Osteria," Gabriel recalls.
The pair personally renovated the restaurant, crafting furniture from reclaimed timber and handling electrical and plumbing work themselves. The result is a warm, intimate space with a treehouse-like ambience, accommodating 50 diners and featuring an open kitchen that makes guests part of the culinary experience.
The heart of Estancia Osteria's menu lies in its unwavering commitment to quality and seasonal produce.
"James tells me what he'd like to see on the menu; we discuss our ideas, cook together, run tests and try the food together. I run the kitchen, and James looks after our customers," Gabriel explains.
"Having a chef work the floor makes it easy to manage expectations. It has great benefits for the diners. James knows how the food is prepared, so we can seamlessly accommodate allergies and changes."
Their dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of their operation. "We call our suppliers every week," Gabriel continues.
"If we can maintain the quality of a dish with what can be supplied, we may keep it on the
menu. We will not accept lower quality just to keep a particular dish. We will change it up completely to ensure top-quality produce. Nothing is frozen; everything is locally sourced and made from scratch."
This commitment shows in their regularly evolving menu, which changes every six to ten days to reflect seasonal offerings.
The restaurant offers several themed dining experiences that have quickly become local favourites. Their Smokey Sunday Parilla ($89 per person) celebrates the art of open-fire cooking with a feast featuring Pukara Estate Lamb Rump, Grilled Chicken Supreme, Wagyu Skewer, and Spanish Chorizo, accompanied by sides of Chimichurri, House Pickles, Panzanella, and Crispy Potato. Fridays feature a Spanish-influenced seafood Paella Share Banquet, bringing the vibrant flavours of Spain to the Hunter Valley with premium seafood and bold spices, complemented by handpicked Spanish wines and sangria.
Thursday's popular Pasta Night offers exceptional value with three courses for $39 per person, featuring dishes like Potato Gnocchi with Pistachio and Basil Cream, Lemon Whipped Ricotta, and Mascarpone and Spinach Tortellini with Caccio E Pepe. The menu consistently highlights their expertise in live-fire cooking through dishes like Iron Bark smoked lamb shoulder, smoked brisket ragout pappardelle, and their signature ceviche.
The family-run nature of the restaurant adds a personal touch that guests immediately notice. James' wife handles coffee service, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere from the morning’s first cup, while his son's contributions to the menu demonstrate the next generation's growing culinary passion. The team grows their own herbs, sources honey from the Briar Ridge estate and has ambitious plans to expand their vegetable gardens in 2025, furthering their commitment to sustainable, local ingredients.
Estancia Osteria has quickly become a cornerstone of the Mount View community,
collaborating with local businesses to enhance the area's appeal.
"We're in good company with Bistro Molines just up the hill," James notes.
"Mount View Estate has built new villas accommodating up to about 40 people, and there's a new restaurant just across the road for large weddings. The local boutique wineries are starting to work together to attract more people to the Mount View area, and we're all hoping to establish it further as a must-visit destination slightly different from central Pokolbin."
The restaurant welcomes all types of guests, offering lawn games, abundant birdlife, and pet-friendly amenities. They take pride in accommodating dietary needs and allergies, creating bespoke menus when necessary. The atmosphere remains calm and welcoming, with Gabriel noting,
"We cook silently, with minimal talk. It creates a peaceful environment that diners truly appreciate."
Looking ahead, the team has exciting plans for growth. They're expanding their wine list to include more local producers and enhancing the dining space with better climate control, fans, and additional windows. Their 2025 plans include launching innovative farm-to-plate events featuring beef sourced from local cattle farmers within just two weeks of processing, further strengthening their ties to the local agricultural community.
Estancia Osteria is open Wednesday to Sunday, offering breakfast on weekends and dinner from Thursday to Saturday. For reservations, phone 4060 9048 or visit www.estanciaosteria.com.au/book-a-table
There is nothing more beautiful or eye-catching when you’re driving through the rural landscapes of the Hunter Valley than spying the colourful hot air balloons of Balloon Aloft peacefully floating across the sky as the sun rises. Your thoughts turn to the lucky ones in the basket, enjoying a bucket list moment or a special occasion. Perhaps you remember your own experience with fondness, or maybe you add it to your own wish list, but just spotting them in the sky makes your day a little bit better.
Balloon Aloft is now Australia's largest hot-air balloon company, flying out of the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Camden, Byron Bay and Burketown, and was recently inducted into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame for Adventure Tourism. They also won two Gold awards, one for Adventure Tourism and the other for Excellence in Accessible Tourism. This recognises the company’s success in providing ballooning experiences for those in a wheelchair, or those with other accessibility issues.
Director Matthew Scaife says that winning the awards was a wonderful recognition of his staff's passion and hard work in the business, with many of them having been with him for 15 to 20 years.
“We all consider ourselves fortunate to be working in ballooning,” said Matthew.
“There’s a joyfulness in our work because we become part of other people’s special occasions and happy experiences. The recognition the awards gave us this year was much appreciated by the whole team, who love what they do and work hard for it.
“Our operation here in the Hunter Valley has become the go-to destination for ballooning in Australia. Along with wine, ballooning experiences are now one of the major reasons for visitation to the region.”
Balloon Aloft is very much a family company. Matthew has been flying since he was six years old and grew up with it being a central part of his life. The company has been in operation for over 44 years and plays a leadership role in the industry.
“It’s not just about passengers and flying,” said Matthew. “We are innovators too. We will go to the manufacturers with ideas on how we want our balloons to be built. A good example is the accessible balloon basket. The first one was built ten years ago, but it was very restrictive. We’ve improved the design so that now it’s much more accessible and can fly in most conditions, unlike the original version.”
Launched a year ago, the new accessible balloon has been an enormous success. Made by Australian ballooning manufacturer Kavanagh Balloons, it enables wheelchair users to access the balloon basket via a specially designed door.
It offers customised seating for up to four passengers and two harnesses for passengers with higher accessibility needs to ensure that all passengers are safe and secure during their flight.
“There’s almost no limitation now in terms of accessibility. It’s been amazing. We’re also slowly adding some of the accessibility elements, such as seats, to our regular balloons. We have vision impaired people who fly with us. Their experience is very interesting; it's all about their other senses. The only sensitivity we have is that of noise. Sometimes those who may be neuro-divergent may be unable to remain quiet and peaceful for our other passengers. In these cases, we recommend getting a group together for an exclusive flight where the disturbance won’t matter.”
Accessibility and inclusion are also critical components for responsible and sustainable tourism, to which Balloon Aloft is deeply committed. Balloon Aloft is the first balloon ride operator to complete Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, which measures how well they address the four pillars of sustainability and is the first step before progressing to global best practice sustainability standards through one of Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs.
“We want to do our bit to reduce our environmental impact. We have partnered with
Greenfleet to offset all carbon emissions, and we utilise rainwater and solar energy. We also actively promote the incredible work of Sea Shepherd as a Proud Sea Shepherd Ambassador, working to protect marine life and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our planet for future generations. I fly the Sea Shepherd balloon all over the world for them, and it’s always such a positive experience.”
This desire to make a difference has also led Balloon Aloft to work with Yagurli Tours, an Indigenous-owned business operated by the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples of Burketown (Moungibi) located on the Albert River in the Gulf of Carpentaria in far North-West Queensland.
Beginning four years ago, Balloon Aloft worked with Yagurli Tours to run balloon flights over Australia’s largest salt pan and the Albert River. This one-of-a-kind experience allows passengers to drift peacefully above the vast Gulf Savannah, offering unparalleled views as they learn about the region from the Traditional Custodians of the land. The experienced Gangalidda and Garawa crew share the rich cultural heritage of the land and point out landmarks steeped in tradition.
“This operation helps the town from a visitation perspective as well as providing employment for the young indigenous people so there’s a reason to stay in Burketown, no
need to move away for work. The scenery is spectacular, especially the largest salt flats in Australia!”
Here in the Hunter Valley, Balloon Aloft flies seven days a week, weather permitting, with one-hour flights taking off at sunrise and flying over the spectacular vineyards and picturesque landscapes of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury or Broke at the height of 2000 feet or more. Back on land, passengers celebrate with a sparkling wine tasting and gourmet breakfast at Peterson House and Restaurant Cuvee and receive a complimentary digital photo album as a record of their special event. The whole experience
takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and prices start at $319 per person. Exclusive flights are also popular, particularly with loved-up couples –perhaps to pop the question or celebrate a private moment in their lives. Exclusive flights are available from $2200.
Balloon Aloft has put the Hunter Valley on the map for reasons other than wine. Together, the two complementary industries make for sensational experiences, whether you’re a local or a visitor from further afield. Don’t wait for a special occasion; the chance to float high above an awe-inspiring landscape is enough reason to book your flight! Visit www.balloonaloft.com.
Tamburlaine Organic Wines has built a reputation as a trailblazer in the Australian wine industry. Pioneers in organic viticulture, their journey is marked by bold ideas and innovation. This year, their 2023 Reserve Orange Syrah became the first organic wine to win the prestigious NSW Wine of the Year at the NSW Wine Awards—a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.
Mark Davidson, Tamburlaine’s Managing Director and Head of Grape and Wine Production has spent more than half his life shaping the winery’s identity. A Newcastle native, Davidson’s journey from psychology graduate to organic wine pioneer was anything but conventional.
“The Hunter Valley was an important wine destination,” Davidson recalls of his early visits. Intrigued by the region’s potential, he purchased a vineyard in the late 1980s. Alongside like-
minded individuals, he helped rebrand the area as ‘Hunter Valley Wine Country,’ fostering its growth as a premier wine destination.
Tamburlaine’s transition to organics began as an experiment. “It was trial and error,” Davidson admits. Motivated by a desire to reduce chemical dependency, he explored sustainable alternatives long before they became mainstream and questioned traditional practices.
“We weren’t trying to be trendy; we just wanted to nourish the soil and produce better wine.” Over time, Tamburlaine became a leader in organic viticulture, with a commitment to purity and soil health at its core.
Davidson believes that the industry needs to adapt to the changing needs of consumers. “The greatest and most controversial innovation in the early 2000s was the screw cap. There’s only a tiny minority in Australia that aren’t screw caps today. Europe and old-world wines are still stuck in the traditions. In Australia, we have overcome that and are able to deliver a better
product more consistently. It was an enormous revolution.”
Initiating another revolution, Tamburlaine has introduced one of their most striking innovations - the use of flat, rectangular recycled PET bottles for their Lizard Drinking range. These lightweight, eco-friendly bottles, made from 100% recycled Australian PET boast a low carbon footprint, are fully recyclable, and offer practical benefits such as durability and portability.
“These bottles align with modern lifestyles, combining convenience with quality.” The Lizard Drinking brand—available in Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Merlot, and Shiraz—is a humorous nod to the Australian idiom ‘flat out like a lizard drinking.’
Tamburlaine has also made significant strides in the burgeoning low and no-alcohol wine market. Collaborating with Adelaide University, they’ve refined their Jack Squat zero-alcohol wines and developed a unique 4.5% alcohol
offering called Half Cut. “It’s not a beer or cider, but it fits the same profile,” Davidson notes. “With no added sugar and a focus on balancing flavours, these products cater to health-conscious consumers while maintaining a satisfying palate. There’s an opportunity to expand into a larger market with major retailers selling our Jack Squat range of zero alcohol wine products.”
Tamburlaine’s success is rooted in research and development. From experimenting with vegetable proteins for vegan wines to eliminating sulphur for a purer product, their innovations address diverse consumer preferences. This adaptability is evident in their broad product range, which includes everything from sweet to dry and smooth to bubbly, all the reds, whites and rosés, the everyday wines to the special occasion reserves, all backed up by a multitude of awards proving the quality of the ranges. When asked what his favourites are, Davidson points to two varieties he’d like to see take off.
“I’d like people to rediscover my favourite Gewürztraminer Riesling – crisp, dry, delivers hugely – similar to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. And I’d love to see people warm to our Grenache; it’s a young red wine style that is aromatic, soft, subtle, and very approachable.”
Tamburlaine has also ventured into distilling with their Herding Cats gin range. This endeavour, born from a “happy accident,” uses organically certified botanicals. Producing their
own neutral spirit, Tamburlaine is one of the few true grape-to-bottle gin producers in Australia, with three distinct gins, all crafted on-site.
“The challenge keeps me young and motivated,” says Davidson, who remains deeply involved in advancing organic practices and exploring new technologies, including reducing the need for heavy machinery on the farm – to have a “lighter touch on the environment”. Tamburlaine’s achievements, a very successful result at the Orange Wine Show and their historic win at the NSW Wine Awards validate
their pioneering efforts. “It’s good to see organic wines gaining the credentials they deserve. I was thrilled for the whole team; it’s a great achievement.”
“We want people to appreciate how seriously we’ve dedicated ourselves to making high-quality wine.”
By staying customer-centric and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Tamburlaine Organic Wines continues to set the standard for the future of winemaking. Visit www.tamburlaine.com.au today!
Discover the Penfolds experience at Ben Ean with one of the biggest collections of back vintage Penfolds wines for sale. We’re also the only location outside Magill Estate, South Australia, o ering tastings of the iconic Penfolds Grange. Come try this iconic wine today!
Still tasting from “Our Wine Families To Yours” Still House Wines, Petersons Wines, Savannah Estate, Weerona Wines, Neil McGuigan Wines, Lisa McGuigan and Gunpowder.
OPENING HOURS
MON – SAT 9AM–5PM, SUN 10AM–5PM 02 4993 3701 cellardoor@benean.com.au
Ben Ean is also availble for Weddings, Events and Corporate Functions. Contact us to find out more.
Event O ce Hours: 7 DAYS 9AM–4PM 02 4993 3700 | events@benean.com.au
OPENING HOURS
Lunch MONDAY–SUNDAY 11am–3pm
Dinner THURSDAY–MONDAY 5:30pm–8:30pm 02 4993 3705 baume@benean.com.au
The Deck Café and Gartelmann Wines have become one of the most popular stops in the Hunter Valley. Easily identifiable by the famous Magpie as you drive down Lovedale Road, there are several delectable reasons to explore everything on offer here. Owned and operated by Matt Dillow, Chef/Restaurateur, Managing Director of Gartelmann Wines and President of the Lovedale Business Chamber, the estate is an exercise in ‘how to be successful’.
Dillow has been running The Deck Café for 13 years and purchased Gartelmann Wines in 2020 from founders Jan and Jorg Gartelmann, who established the cellar door and boutique winery in 1996. Since then, the café and cellar door have gone from strength to strength through the expansion of the spaces, development of the grounds, creation of new wines, winning new awards and offering more in terms of idyllic country food and wine experiences for all the family.
“When I first laid eyes on the estate, I fell in love with it and knew that one day I would own it,” said Matt. “I adore the bushland setting with the dam and outdoor seating that we’ve extended over the time I’ve been here. I want to continue the legacy that Jan and Jorg have left, and I think we’re doing that by focusing on quality and the relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere that so many enjoy.”
The Deck Café showcases a tapas-style menu and is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, with locals’ nights for dinner once a month and private functions as booked. It’s become a favoured spot for family gatherings and local events, including the Lovedale Long Lunch. Matt’s extensive experience, the focus on locally sourced fresh ingredients and the handmaking of all bread, sauces and pasta onsite make for first-class dining.
When asked about the secret to his success, Matt says he’s just a chef turned business owner.
“I look after the property, make it inviting for people to visit. We care about the environment and our gardens. My animals, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, geese, ducks and especially my two beautiful Alpacas, bring so much joy to a family day out.
“Perhaps one of the biggest secrets to success is my staff. We constantly have staff meetings, training days, and outings where we bond, and every year, we go away for three nights together. It’s an investment, and I’m pretty proud of what I’ve created. I believe in training the next generation.”
Matt’s food empire extends well beyond the café. He creates and sells the aptly named Matt’s Produce – this best-selling gourmet range includes Apple Balsamic Glaze, Rosemary and Parmesan Oil, Olive Tapenade, and so much more. He runs regular cooking classes, including Spanish Paella, Classic French or Italian and Kids in the Kitchen. Perhaps the ultimate food experience offered by Matt is his range of annual Food Tours to Tasmania, South Australia, Margaret River, Italy, Spain and Malta. Every trip sees approximately 20 people per tour travel with Matt, indulging in extraordinary culinary delights, taking cooking classes, exploring history and culture and visiting local markets, farms, and wineries. They are already taking bookings for 2026.
“I have a saying,” said Matt.
“You come as friends but leave as family, and this applies all across my business."
Family is a definite focus with Matt continuing the Gartelmann Wines tradition of naming wines after family members and the cellar door featuring a brand-new family portrait by artist Tanya Loviz. Operations Manager Jim Smith, who began his 20-year career at Tulloch Wines and oversees almost every aspect of
the business's wine production, believes that Gartelmann Wines has its own style.
“We believe in creating wines that are palate pleasing and food friendly. It’s a balance between creating wines that have the complexity to win awards but are also immediately drinkable with softer tannins and no need for cellaring.”
Building on tradition and making a great brand even better has seen the team branch out into new varietals, creating the Artisan Range of small-batch boutique wines that sit between the Reserve and Premium ranges.
The 2024 Gartelmann Del's Picpoul, named after Matt’s youngest sister, has won several awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2024 NSW Wine Awards. A Rhone varietal with fruit sourced from the Central Ranges, it’s renowned as the wine to enjoy with oysters.
“Winning awards is wonderful recognition for the team, but it’s also a way for us to see where we sit amongst our peers. We know we’re doing great when we provide award-winning quality at affordable prices,” said Jim.
The grapes are meticulously sourced from the Lower and Upper Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Rylstone, Canowindra and Orange regions of New South Wales. A new release that the team are excited about is the 2024 vintage of the Gartelmann Isabella’s Barbera, an Italian varietal with fruit grown in Orange. In terms of the classics, the 2024 Gartelmann Benjamin Semillon has recently won several awards, including the Best 2024 Semillon Trophy at the 2024 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show. Similarly, the 2024 Gartelmann Jessica Verdelho won the Best 2024 Verdelho Trophy at the 2024 Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show and is widely recognised as the most popular wine sold at Gartelmanns.
There are always new events being planned at the estate, and in March 2025, the highly anticipated ‘From the Vault’ will take place on Friday, 14 March, for members, showcasing a range of Trophy and award-winning wines from the past ten years of Gartelmann winemaking, with an exceptional menu to accompany this vertical tasting.
For those visiting the cellar door, there are a number of different tasting options available, including Blending Masterclasses, standard, extended and reserve wine tastings and the recently added ‘Build your Own Charcuterie Board’ option to accompany your tasting.
Matt’s work as the President of the Lovedale Business Chamber means that he is always supporting other business owners in the region to help drive visitation for all. This year, the Chamber is planning a Taste of Lovedale, a family- and pet-friendly food and wine festival kicking off at Wandin Estate in March and returning for a spring event at Saltire Estate in October.
If you only have time to visit one estate in the Hunter Valley, you can’t go wrong with the Deck Café and Gartelmann Wines, right in the heart of Lovedale, where you will be warmly welcomed and made to feel like one of the family.
Our restaurant located at the Tempus Two winery, in the heart of the Hunter Valley, has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.Whether dining inside the minimalist Asian themed dining hall or on the outside undercover terrace overlooking the vines and an architecturally designed amphitheatre, Oishii has become a “must dining experience”. The fast take away options are delicious.
Open 7 days for Lunch and Dinner. Takeaway available 7 days.
Roche Estate, Hunter Valley Corner of Broke Rd & Mcdonald Rds, Pokolbin 02 4998 7051 | www.oishii.com.au
JAPANESE & THAI RESTAURANT
Our menu is a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcase the best of Asian cooking. From the fiery spices of Thai curries to the umami-rich flavors of Japanese rice bowl, each dish is a masterpiece crafted with precision and passion.
Open 7 Days 10AM–10PM
WHERE TO SHOP
THINGS TO SEE & DO AFTER DARK
FOOD & DRINK
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
WHERE TO SHOP
THINGS TO SEE & DO AFTER DARK Explore
Maitland is set to become the Hunter's ultimate summer destination, with an exciting lineup of events and activities that showcase the city's unique blend of heritage charm and contemporary vibrancy.
The launch of What's On Maitland, a comprehensive summer events calendar, marks the beginning of a season filled with memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. Available on the My Maitland website, this guide spotlights an array of free and familyfriendly activities that capture the city's dynamic community spirit.
"This summer promises to be extraordinary in Maitland," says Mayor Philip Penfold.
"We've curated a diverse program that brings our community together and welcomes visitors to experience the best our city has to offer. From a magical Christmas movie night under the stars at Maitland Regional Sportsground to capturing precious moments with Santa at The Levee, there's something for everyone to enjoy."
The summer calendar features signature events, including the eagerly anticipated New Year's Eve celebrations along the picturesque Hunter River and the popular Free Art January
at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. These events complement the city's year-round attractions, creating a perfect blend of special occasions and everyday adventures.
Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and immerse themselves in Maitland's distinctive offerings. The Levee Central Maitland buzzes with contemporary shopping and dining experiences, while the historic streets of Morpeth and Lorn charm visitors with boutique stores and local culinary delights. Families seeking outdoor recreation can enjoy the city's modern aquatic centres or explore the premier Harold Gregson Reserve sport and entertainment precinct.
"What makes Maitland special is our ability to combine rich heritage with modern experiences," Mayor Penfold explains.
"Whether you're browsing our boutique shops, participating in library activities, or enjoying our outdoor spaces, you'll discover why Maitland is the perfect summer destination."
To plan your summer adventure and explore the full calendar of events, visit www. mymaitland.com.au/whats-on-maitland. Make this summer unforgettable in Maitland, where community spirit meets seasonal celebrations.
If it’s boutique, delicious & unique...
Escape the ordinary, explore the Hunter River’s hidden gem.
FOOD & DRINK
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
WHERE TO SHOP
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Open Lunch and Dinner Daily
House made fresh pasta and traditional regional specialties created by Chef Stefano Grano
Two hour Bottomless Spritz & Graze 12-6pm and Happy Hour 3-5pm
