newy.com.au – Stop locations have been announced for a free evening shuttle linking Newcastle’s East End, Civic precinct and Honeysuckle, ahead of a six month trial starting on 2 October 2026.
The bus will run on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm to 11pm. Stops include Noahs, Grain Store, Novotel, The Grand, Ship Inn, QT, Tower Cinemas, The Del, Newcastle West, The Dockyard Honeysuckle, Rydges Honeysuckle, Customs House.
East End Collective Incorporated, the business group behind Newcastle East, has secured funding through the NSW Government’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown Grant Program to launch the service.
The collective expects a full loop to take about 30 minutes. The courtesy bus is intended to help locals and visitors move between accommodation, dining and entertainment venues across the three precincts.
“This is not just a party bus,” collective chair Lukas Thodas said.
“We’re working closely with local accommodation providers and hospitality venues to create a seamless experience. Visitors can check in on a Friday or Saturday, hop on the bus, explore the precinct, and hop off at one of our entertainment or dining venues.”
Maddison, from Noah’s on the Beach, welcomed the planned service.
“We are really keen to be involved because we can see the benefit to our guests.”
The trial is scheduled to continue through March 2027. If it proves popular, the collective says it will seek further funding and sponsorship to keep the shuttle running beyond the trial.
Passengers can find the announced stops on the group’s shuttle route map where you can track the bus’ live location..
