It's the Easter long weekend in Newcastle, and the calendar is packed! Highlights include the thrilling Gresford Billy Cart Derby on Saturday and the family-focused Knights NRL match on Sunday. Don't miss the Easter egg hunts happening across the region.
See our top picks
Easter Sunday Free Kids Activities
Shoal Bay Country Club
Free Easter Bunny visit, egg hunt, disco, and games in Shoal Bay on Sunday afternoon.
Model Newcastle: Big Stories, Little Things (Exhibition)
Newcastle Museum
An excellent indoor attraction with hands-on models to keep kids busy at the Museum.
Easter at Hunter Wetlands Centre
Hunter Wetlands Centre
Perfectly timed Easter morning fun with nature play, crafts, and a dedicated Bunny Trail for under 5s.
· April 4
9: Head to Shortland for an Easter morning packed with fun. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny, tackle the Bunny Trail Adventure for prizes, jump on the castle, and enjoy guided nature walks.Perfectly timed family fun with crafts, jumping castles, and nature play, all centred around Easter.
: Drive an hour out of town for this rural spectacle! Watch homemade billy carts race down the steep main street. There will also be markets and food stalls to enjoy trackside.An exciting, unique local tradition perfect for a big morning out. Spectating is free for families on a budget.
DUNGOG RODEO : Celebrate Easter with bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and a grand finale of bull riding. This is a genuine country rodeo event.A great way to experience local country culture over the holiday weekend.
: Visit the Gardens for their Mega Creatures display and join the Hoppity Hollow Hunt to find chocolate surprises. Note that the hunt is an add-on to general entry.Combines the amazing Mega Creatures event with a specific Easter hunt activity on Saturday.
: Oakvale is open all Easter weekend with extra family fun planned, including chocolate treats. Perfect for animal lovers who want a full day trip.A reliable destination for families that is definitely running Easter activities both days.
: Head south for Ploddy's big Easter Fair! If your kids love reptiles and wildlife, this is a full day of holiday entertainment just an hour from Newcastle.A popular, ticketed destination event running the entire weekend, offering a guaranteed day out.
NEWCASTLE EASTER FAIR : It's running all long weekend! Head to the Racecourse for four days of carnival rides and hands-on activities aimed squarely at families celebrating Easter.It's the largest local Easter-specific event featuring rides and activities over both Saturday and Sunday.
: Experience the dinosaurs and creatures lit up after dark at the Night Safari. This runs every weekend during the holiday period, including Saturday night.This is an awesome spectacle combining dinosaurs with the magic of lights after sunset, running on Saturday night.
: The traditional circus is in town with the wheel of death, high wire acts, and plenty of clowns. It's running all weekend under the bigtop at Richardson Park.A classic family outing that offers a concentrated burst of entertainment for all ages.
· April 5
5NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS V CANBERRA RAIDERS (VOICE FOR MINING FAMILY DAY) : Catch the Knights take on the Raiders at home for the Voice For Mining Family Day. Get the kids wearing their hi-vis gear to celebrate local industry!A fantastic Sunday afternoon outing for families keen on live sport.
GLOUCESTER EASTER DUCK RACEFREE : Head to Gloucester for a fun, relaxed Sunday morning watching hundreds of rubber ducks race down the river. There's a Rotary BBQ and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids too.It's free to attend and features a unique duck race combined with an egg hunt.
FREE : Enjoy a free afternoon featuring a reptile show, facepainting, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Great for keeping the little ones entertained.A multi-activity free event on Sunday, appealing to toddlers with reptiles and face painting.
FREE : Head to Shoal Bay on Sunday for a dedicated 12-2pm slot featuring an Easter Bunny visit, Egg Hunt, disco, and games. This is part of their larger school holiday program.The specific inclusion of the Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt makes this a must-do free event on Sunday for younger kids.
FREE : Parents can enjoy a boozy brunch while the kids are entertained from 12-2pm with an Easter egg hunt and drawing competition. The brunch itself is ticketed.Offers parents a chance to relax slightly while kids participate in organised, free activities mid-day Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
1: Explore detailed miniatures celebrating Newcastle's history. This exhibition includes playful, hands-on experiences perfect for keeping kids engaged indoors.An excellent indoor option for Saturday that directly relates to local history via models and miniatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Newcastle this weekend?
There are several free options available this Easter weekend: the Gloucester Easter Duck Race on Sunday morning, the Family Fun Day at Salamander Hotel on Sunday afternoon, and dedicated Free Kids Activities (including an Easter Egg Hunt) at Shoal Bay Country Club on Sunday afternoon.
Is there anything on Saturday that involves rides?
Yes, the Newcastle Easter Fair at the Newcastle Racecourse runs all day Saturday and features thrilling carnival rides and activities designed for families.
What's happening outside the main city area this weekend?
For country fun, check out the Gresford Billy Cart Derby on Saturday morning, or head to Dungog for the Dungog Rodeo on Saturday. Animal lovers can visit Oakvale Wildlife Park or the Australian Reptile Park for special Easter events.
