Newcastle Food MonthAround Newcastle
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We’re big fans of Newcastle at Time Out. Located a little over two hours north of Sydney, the seaside city boasts pumping surf and pristine ocean pools – including the largest in the Southern Hemisphere – and a vibrant township, minus the traffic. The region is the birthplace of some seriously talented chefs (hello, Josh Niland and Brett Graham), and boasts a cracking food and wine scene. It’s also home to Newcastle Food Month – a month-long celebration of the best things in life: great food, booze and your people.
The good news? Newcastle Food Month is returning for its sixth year, with the festival kicking off early this time on March 28 and extending all the way until April 30. This gives you a generous 34 days spanning the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day weekend and the April school holidays to taste your way around the area. If it’s been a while between visits – or if you’re due for a weekend getaway – Newy this April is where it's at.
MasterChef alumnus Reece Hignell has just been announced as its newest Ambassador. Reece joins long-standing NFM Ambassador Jessica Farchione, and together, they will champion the town's thriving food scene.
Things kick off with a brand new signature event, Sounds Bites. It will see Newcastle’s top chefs teaming up with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre on March 28 at Newcastle racecourse for a day of exceptional food, top drops and live music.
The Autumnal Garden Party is so good, it's one twice – on April 11 and 18 at the historic Customs House. It's a long lunch of elevated plates that celebrate the season. A selection of Feature Events will also return. We're talking masterclasses, pop-ups, degustations, food trails and more. Be warned, they sell out quickly.
And yes, Plate Dates, Newcastle’s favourite $30 meal-and-drink, is also back. Buy a gift card for one (or more) of them now – they're a perfect Christmas stocking stuffer, if we do say so ourselves. Need somewhere to stay? Newcastle’s first five-star hotel Crystalbrook Kingsley, centrally located on King Street, is a great choice. There are also heaps of boutique options to suit every budget.
Find out more about Newcastle Food Month here.
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