NEWCASTLE TRANSPORT GUIDE

We can’t wait to welcome you to Strummingbird Newcastle. Chances are, the time you’re planning to arrive and leave will be a similar time to everyone else. To make your day as cruisy as possible, make sure you’re across the best ways to get to and from the festival below.

Best way to get to and from Strummingbird: Light Rail or Bus

Getting There:

The easiest way to get to and from Strummingbird is via public transport, taking either the light rail to Newcastle Beach or the following bus routes to Newcastle (Watt Street):

• Route 11: Charlestown to Newcastle via Jesmond
• Route 13: Glendale to Newcastle via Cardiff & John Hunter Hospital
• Route 14: Swansea Heads to Newcastle via Belmont, Charlestown & Kotara
• Route 21: Broadmeadow to Newcastle via Merewether
  

You can also take Route 23: Wallsend to Newcastle East via Lambton & Newcastle Interchange and get off at Scott Street.

If travelling from Stockton, there are regular ferry services between Stockton Wharf and Queens Wharf.

Getting Home:

Taking the light rail from Newcastle Beach is the quickest way home. Buses along Watt Street are also available, or you can return to Newcastle Interchange by bus, light rail, or on foot.

There will be additional bus services running at the end of the night to get you home faster! 

MOTM Coach Transfers

Getting There: MOTM buses will be running bus routes to get you to and from Strummingbird with ease. 

Pre-booking is essential and tickets will be available up until Wednesday 14th October – You can see a full list of MOTM routes and book your transfers HERE.

Getting Home: MOTM buses will depart from the same location as you were dropped off, so head back there at the end of the night. Look for the sign that corresponds to your drop off location and jump in the queue!

Buses will leave shortly after the event finishes and won’t wait around for stragglers, so don’t wait too long to make a move.

RIDESHARES/TAXIS AND DROPOFF

Getting There:

If you’re getting dropped off in a car, taxi or rideshare, head to our designated drop off area along Wharf Road, just before the Watt Street roundabout. From here, there is a short walk to the festival entry. 

Please encourage your driver to only use the dedicated drop off and pick up locations – these designated areas are in place to reduce road congestion and keep pedestrians safe!

Getting Home:

We strongly recommend heading home via public transport. Alternatively, car, taxi, and rideshare pick up will be available in the same location as drop off, so head on back to Wharf Road at the end of the night. 

Driving

There is no event day parking available for Strummingbird Newcastle. We recommend using public transport or MOTM coach transfers to get to and from the event.

Road Closures

There are road closures around Newcastle Foreshore in the following locations:

Travel Tips

• Plan ahead to make sure you know where you’re heading and you’ve got enough time for your journey so that you’re not rushing to get in and see your fave acts
• Follow the signs and directions of event staff, traffic controllers, and New South Wales Police in and around the festival, and treat staff with kindness and respect – everyone wants to get you into and out of the festival as quickly and safely as possible! 
• Make a note of where you’ve been dropped so you know how to get home when the festival ends
• Tapping out early is the best way to beat the rush. If you’re sticking it out til the end, take your time making your way to the exit. Lots of food vendors and market stalls will stay open for a little longer to help re-energise you for the trip home

NEWCASTLE