Newcastle Civic Theatre
The Civic Theatre is of state significance.
Designed by prominent theatre architect Henry Eli White, the venue is regarded as one of the finest theatre buildings in New South Wales and is one of few surviving late 1920s Atmospheric-style theatres in the country.
At the heart of Newcastle’s Cultural Precinct, Civic Theatre Newcastle can be found on Hunter Street. It sits beside Newcastle City Hall and the University of Newcastle's city campus and is adjoining Wheeler Place.
The Civic Theatre is only a short walk to the Honeysuckle Foreshore, great hospitality precincts like Darby Street, and multiple accommodation offerings.
Ticket Office
The Civic Ticket Office is located inside the Civic Theatre Cafe, 375 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW Australia.
Opening Hours
Ticket Office Counter: Weekdays, 10am to 2pm and 1 hour prior to a performance.
Parking & Transport
Parking
You can find accessible parking with the City of Newcastle's accessible parking map.
There are a range of on-street and off-street parking options. On-street parking can be paid for at the parking meter or using the EasyPark app.
Public Transport
Trains, buses, light rail and a ferry service can all help you get to Civic Theatre, with accessible transport options to help everyone access the venue. An Opal Card, or a credit/debit card, allows easy access to all public transport ticketing throughout the City. Use trip planner or an app such as Opal Travel to plan your trip.
Train: All trains terminate at the interchange. From there you can take the Light Rail from the interchange or the 11 or 13 bus from Hunter Street
Ferry: The ferry connects Stockton to the city centre and can offer a pleasant final leg to arrive from Port Stephens locations, including the Newcastle Airport.
Light rail: The closest light rail stop is "Civic" and connects to destinations between The Interchange and Newcastle Beach, including the ferry terminal at Queens Wharf.
Bus: The closest stop, "University House, King St" (Stop ID 230048), is located just west of City Hall and is services by buses 11 (from Jesmond, University and Mayfield), 13 (from Glendale, John Hunter Hospital and New Lambton) and 23 (from Wallsend and North Lambton). The bus stop "Newcastle Art Gallery, Darby St" (Stop ID 230067) is serviced by bus 14 (from Swansea, Charlestown and Kotara)
Taxi
Two local taxi companies are Newcastle Taxis (131 008) and Newcastle Hire Cars (02 4960 1800).
Drop Off Zone
There is a 5 minute drop-off zone located 282 King Street (outside The Kingsley) approximately 150m to Civic Theatre.
Accessibility
The Civic Theatre is dedicated to being welcoming, accessible and inclusive for the widest possible audience. The venue provides a range of services and facilities to enable all visitors to attend performances in our heritage-listed venues. With advance notice, the venue can accommodate a range of individual needs and we strongly encourage visitors to notify team members of any individual needs at the time of booking.
To book accessible seating or discuss requirements including wheelchair, hearing, companion cards please contact the Ticket Office on 02 4929 1977 or email civicticketoffice@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
Wheelchair Access
No lift
Stalls accessible (ground floor)
Seating
Standards seats are 46cm between armrests. Larger seat available (56cm between armrests).
Accessible Toilets
Ground floor only.
Hearing Loop
Hearing Loop is available in the Civic Theatre. Please contact our Ticket Office for details on how to connect to the Hearing Loop.
Companion Cards
NSW Companion Cards are welcome at our venues. Tickets booked using a Companion Card must be booked via phone and collected at the Ticket Office.
Assistance Animals
Animals trained to assist people with disabilities are welcome at our venues. To ensure appropriate seating is allocated please advise your requirements when booking.
Accessible Parking
There is a 5 minute drop-off zone located at 282 King Street (outside Crystalbrook Kingsley), approximately 150m from Civic Theatre.
Accessible Parking spaces can be found at the following locations near our venues:
- Burwood Street: 5 spaces
- Auckland Street: 2 spaces
Spaces are also provided in the carpark behind the Newcastle Regional Library, accessed via Queen Street. Find other accessible parking locations: Newcastle Accessible Parking Map.
Read about Parking Permissions for Accessible parking permit holders.
Where to Eat
Civic Theatre Café
Open daily Monday to Friday 7:00am to 2.00pm and 1 hour prior to Civic Theatre performances.
The Civic Theatre Café is your local go-to for fresh, delicious, and affordable grab & go breakfast and lunch options in the Newcastle CBD. It's also the ideal setting to grab a quick bite to eat before a show. With aromatic brews by Glitch Coffee Roasters, an impressive selection of The Tea Collective handcrafted specialty teas and decadent house-made slices, you'll be wanting to come back time and again.
Civic Theatre Bar
Open one hour before a show. Soak up the ambience. Civic Theatre Bar is the perfect pre-show meeting place for friends ahead of your performance.