There’s something quietly extraordinary about a festival that not only survives but thrives - growing year after year without losing its soul. In a landscape where even major events have fallen by the wayside, The Gum Ball has done the opposite. It has deepened, expanded, and embedded itself into the cultural fabric of regional New South Wales, located in the bush, on the property of Dashville in Lower Belford.

There's a question that has delighted children for more than two decades, and this July it's coming to life on stage right here in Newcastle. Where is the Green Sheep? - the iconic picture book by Mem Fox and illustrator Judy Horacek - is being adapted for the very first time as a full theatrical production, and Civic Theatre Newcastle is one of the first stops on its Australian journey.

Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes — one of the most beloved musicals of the '80s is heading to Civic Theatre Newcastle this May, and it's bigger, bolder, and more electric than ever.

Stories have a way of staying with us, especially those filled with a little chaos, a lot of imagination, and just enough silliness to feel unforgettable.

Tickets for the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 are on sale now, with two of New South Wales’ most celebrated steam locomotives confirmed to headline this year’s ARTC Rail Program.

This winter, treat yourself to a luxurious, cozy getaway to the nation’s capital at Jamala Wildlife Lodge right in the heart of Canberra. This exclusive, world-class accommodation boasts 18 African-inspired suites, a 4-course gourmet dining experience and opportunities to make lifelong memories for the whole family.

Young people from the Place Based Abilities Program share their knowledge, curiosity, and passion for the natural world.

The chill in the air means the action is only heating up at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, where world-class ice hockey and unforgettable skating sessions come together under one roof to keep the Hunter Region entertained all season long.

Chipmunks Playland & Café Belmont is a large indoor children’s play centre located at 1 High Street, Belmont, on the site of the former Belmont Bowling Club. The venue was fully repurposed and refurbished into a two-level indoor playland and café, designed for children aged 0–11 years.

As Newcastle Fringe Festival rolls into its second decade, something has quietly shifted. This is no longer a homegrown, determined start-up proving its worth. Nor is it a novelty on the cultural calendar. Newcastle Fringe has grown up, and in doing so, it has become something rarer and more powerful: a festival the city can genuinely claim as its own.

Entering its fourth year, the Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival has evolved into a vibrant celebration of fresh storytelling, with playwrights contributing new work from across Lake Macquarie and the wider Hunter region, as well as America, New Zealand and beyond - all competing for a share of the $1,900 prize pool.

Hunter Drama is set to start its 2026 season with a bang and a whole lot of glitter. Once Upon A One More Time brings together rebellious princesses, girl-power storytelling, and the irresistible hits of pop superstar Britney Spears for a night of theatrical fun at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle, from 9–19 April.

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium is more than just a rink. It's a community hub where families, friends, and sports fans come together. From the heart-pounding excitement of Australian Ice Hockey League games to the joy of birthday celebrations and the fun of public skating activities, there's something for everyone at HISS!

There’s something energising about listening to young people talk about the stories that shape them. In the latest episode of The Placed to Speak podcast, produced through the Place Based Abilities Program, a group of passionate participants explore where “good writing meets great fantasy and visual media”. What unfolds is thoughtful, funny and surprisingly insightful.

A long time ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, the Hunter Valley was a land of volcanoes and untamed wilderness. Every Easter school holidays, Hunter Valley Gardens brings that ancient world back to life with its annual Mega Creatures event. And in 2026, the adventure takes a whole new level.