Get a flying start to the 2023 Newcastle Williamtown Air Show this weekend by planning your journey.
Transport for NSW's Acting Regional and Outer Metropolitan Deputy Secretary Roger Weeks said attendees are encouraged to use public transport getting to and from the Air Show on Saturday, with extra train, bus, ferry and light rail services scheduled.
"Catching public transport into the Newcastle CBD is highly recommended on Saturday, with heavy traffic expected and road closures in place," he said.
"Extra trains, buses and frequent ferries will run throughout the day to help get crowds of around 80,000 to and from the flying show event at the Newcastle foreshore."
Mr Weeks said motorists are encouraged to leave their car at home on Saturday.
"If people have to drive they should consider using the park and ride option at McDonald Jones Stadium. Parking at the stadium is limited," he said.
Mr Weeks reminds spectators they can find a prime spot to park at Stockton and watch the displays from there.
Sunday arrangements are slightly different, with attendees required to pre-purchase an entry ticket that will provide access to the park and ride from Bourke Street, Raymond Terrace or RAAF Base parking.
"We encourage visitors to be mindful of crowds and heavy traffic if parking at the RAAF Base and to allow for extra travel time," Mr Weeks said.
Mr Weeks said heavy traffic is expected on Sunday and he urges motorists travelling to the airport to allow plenty of extra travel time.
"We want everyone to have the best weekend at the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show, so we urge motorists to plan ahead, allow plenty of extra travel time, arrive early, and carpool where possible," he said.
Motorists should expect delays and allow additional travel time around the RAAF Base at Williamtown and Newcastle Airport and in particular Cabbage Tree Road, Tomago Road, Nelson Bay Road and Richardson Road.
Medowie Road will be closed between Nelson Bay Road and Richardson Road from 6am on Sunday, reopening at 5pm.
In other news:
For public transport information and bus service changes, visit transportnsw.info and Newcastle Airshow - Newcastle Transport.
For road closures visit www.livetraffic.com.
Bus
- Additional bus services will run on Routes 11, 12, 13 and 14 on Saturday, November 18.
- Additional Route 12 services will operate between Wallsend (Wallsend District Library, Bunn Street) and Newcastle (Customs House). Normal timetable services will continue to operate to Merewether Beach. From these services, you can connect to light rail services to Newcastle Beach at Newcastle Interchange
- Route 23 will end at Customs House due to road closures. Make sure to plan your bus trip ahead of time and check signs at stops.
Park and Ride
- Park and ride shuttle buses will be available on Saturday, November 18 from McDonald Jones Stadium and run at 10 minute intervals from 7.30am throughout the AM and PM sessions.
Ferry services
- Additional ferry services will run from 7am to 7pm on Saturday. Ferry services will operate to the regular timetable outside of these times.
Light rail services
- Light rail services will run every 7.5 minutes from 7am to 7pm on Saturday, November 18.
- Newcastle Light Rail runs between Newcastle Interchange and Newcastle Beach making stops at Honeysuckle, Civic, Crown Street and Queens Wharf along the way.
- Newcastle Beach platform is the best stop to access viewing areas.
Train
- Additional trains will run from Sydney, the Central Coast and on the Hunter Line to get to and from Newcastle. Trains will be busy particularly along the Hunter Line and people are encouraged to allow extra travel time during peak periods.
