Accessibility

Welcome to New Annual! We are committed to sharing groundbreaking contemporary art, dance, theatre, music, and experiences with everyone across Newcastle.

Each New Annual event is held at different venues across the city and presented by a diverse range of companies. Accessibility services, facilities, and physical layouts vary significantly between locations. We strongly encourage you to check the individual event listing and venue profile when planning your visit.

Date: Friday 25 September – Sunday 4 October 2026
Location: Vibrant mix of historic indoor theatres, contemporary galleries, and open-air public spaces across Newcastle (including Civic Precinct, Newcastle Museum, Museum Park, Foreshore, and beaches).

Event Types: To find events with accessibility services or features, go to the Events page and use the filter function at the top of the page. The filter provides easy access to sessions with Wheelchair Access, Assisted Sessions, Auslan Interpreted Sessions, Audio Description & Captioning, and Relaxed Sessions. 

Ticketing Contact: Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (02) 4929 1977 | National Relay Service (NRS) welcomed.

Feedback: We recognise that creating an accessible event is an ongoing journey. We update our site layout, training, and services annually based directly on customer feedback. If you have suggestions, experienced a barrier, or want to highlight an outstanding accessibility service, please email us at [email protected] or call (02) 4929 1977.

Each New Annual event is held at different venues across the city and presented by a diverse range of companies. Accessibility services, facilities, and physical layouts vary significantly between locations.
We strongly encourage you to check the individual event listing and venue profile when planning your visit. If you have specific accessibility needs, questions, or require assistance with your booking, please reach out to the New Annual event and ticketing team at (02) 4929 1977 or email [email protected] 

Downloadable Accessibility Guide coming soon. 

Event Accessibility & Content Warning Information coming soon. 

New Annual proudly supports the NSW Companion Card program.
Holders of a valid Companion Card are eligible for a second, complimentary ticket for their companion to all ticketed festival events.
How to Book: To ensure your seats are allocated together, Companion Card bookings must be made directly through our ticketing team by calling (02) 4929 1977 or emailing [email protected]
Please have your Companion Card number ready at the time of booking.

To help you find the creative experiences that best suit your personal preferences or access requirements, we have partnered with our presenting artists to provide clear accessibility information and content warnings for each event in our program. 

Physical Access

If the wheelchair symbol is displayed on an event listing, the venue features step-free pathways or mobility-aid access.
Because New Annual takes place across both permanent civic venues and temporary outdoor spaces, physical accessibility parameters vary by site. If you are a wheelchair user or require specific mobility seating (such as aisle seats or flat access), please contact our ticketing team on (02) 4929 1977 or email [email protected] so we can reserve the best available spaces for your visit.

Auslan Interpreting

If the Auslan symbol is displayed, the session features live Australian Sign Language interpretation provided by trained interpreters.
Auslan interpretation is scheduled for select, dedicated performance times rather than the full season run. Please check session details carefully before booking. To secure seats within the dedicated interpreter sightline block, please contact our ticketing team at (02) 4929 1977 or [email protected]

Closed Captioning

If the Closed Captioning symbol is displayed, text dialogue can be viewed personally by the patron via a dedicated hand-held device or mobile application during the performance. This service is available on select sessions only.

Audio Description & Tactile Tours

If the Audio Description symbol is displayed, the production features live, verbal commentary describing visual actions, sets, costumes, and facial expressions on stage. This commentary is delivered directly to the patron via a discrete personal headset.
Audio Description is available on select sessions and is frequently paired with a pre-show Tactile Tour (allowing patrons to touch key props and costumes on stage prior to the performance). Headsets are limited; please request yours with the box office at the time of booking.

Relaxed & Low Sensory Performances

If the Relaxed Performance symbol is displayed, the session environment has been adjusted to support sensory-sensitive patrons or those who prefer a less formal theatre environment.
During these sessions, auditorium lighting remains dimly lit, sudden or harsh sensory triggers (such as intense strobe lights or explosive sound effects) are reduced, and patrons are free to move, make noise, or enter and exit the space as needed.

Assistance Animals

Certified guide dogs, hearing dogs, and registered assistance animals are welcome across all New Annual indoor theatres, galleries, and outdoor festival precincts. Please notify our team ahead of time if you require specific aisle seating to comfortably accommodate your animal.

New Annual features a vibrant mix of historic indoor theatres, contemporary galleries, and open-air public spaces across Newcastle. See the venues below to view its accessibility information, including street access, accessible parking, step-free pathways, public transport options, and amenity details. See the listings below for accessibility information at each New Annual venue. 

Address: 145 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: https://bartholomews.com.au

Transport & Parking

Public Transport: Conveniently located in the Newcastle CBD. The venue is a short walk from the Civic Light Rail stop on Hunter Street and local bus stops along King Street.

• Drop-Off Zone: Temporary passenger drop-off is available along King Street near the main entrance.
• Parking: On-street ticketed parking is available along King Street and surrounding block corridors. Off-street commercial parking stations (including Civic West Car Park) are located within walking distance.
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Venue Accessibility

• Wheelchair & Step-Free Access: Wheelchair accessible entry is available via the ground-floor laneway entrance.
• Internal Circulation: Flat, step-free access is provided across the main ground-floor event space.
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Amenities

• Restrooms: Accessible restroom facilities are available on-site on the ground level.
• Seating Options: A mix of high-top, standard table, and lounge seating is available. Contact the festival team in advance if you require reserved, accessible seating or flat-floor positioning.
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Contact & Enquiries

• Venue Enquiries: Reach out to Bartholomew's directly via their website or phone at (02) 4929 5110.

Address: 30 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle NSW 2300

Location & Surroundings: Located at the eastern end of Newcastle Beach, directly adjacent to the Newcastle Ocean Baths complex.

Transport & Parking: Small car park and street parking along Shortland Esplanade. Accessible parking is available nearby at the Newcastle Ocean Baths complex.

Site Accessibility:
Concrete ramps lead down to the pool concourse.

Features handrail support along access ramps.

Shallow, sandy-bottom wading pool designed for young children and families.

Amenities: Accessible public toilet facilities and shaded picnic tables are available in the adjacent Newcastle Ocean Baths complex.

Address: 30 Pearson Street, Charlestown NSW 2290

Transport & Parking: Multi-level car park with designated accessible/disabled parking spaces on every level near entrance doors. Direct bus interchange located outside the shopping centre.

Venue Accessibility:

Step-free, fully level access throughout all retail concourses via wide automatic sliding doors and elevators connecting all levels.

Complimentary wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters can be hired from the Customer Service Desk on Level 1 (near JB Hi-Fi).

Amenities: Accessible unisex toilets are located on all three main trading levels. Features include wide automatic doors, grab rails, low wash basins, and sharps disposal units. Parents' rooms are located on the top and lower levels.

Contact: Customer Service desk can be reached at (02) 4944 4333

Address: 290 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/city-hall/contact/accessibility

Transport & Parking: Dedicated accessible drop-off zone located ~150m away at 282 King Street (outside Crystalbrook Kingsley).

Accessible parking spaces are on Burwood Street, Auckland Street, and behind Newcastle Regional Library. The nearest light rail stop is Civic.

Venue Accessibility: Accessible entry is via the side entrances on Christie Street or Wheeler Place.

The elevator to Levels 1 & 2 is located near the Wheeler Place entrance (door width 830mm × depth 1550mm).

Seating in the main stalls has no armrests; standard gallery seats have 46cm spacing.

Step-free performance access to the stage for artists/presenters is facilitated via a MobiLift system.

Amenities: A unisex accessible toilet (right-hand transfer) is located on Level 1 (corridor left of the elevator).

Contact & Assistance: Tickets and accessible bookings are managed via Civic Theatre Ticketing. Call (02) 4929 1977 or email [email protected]
For physical assistance while inside the building, call the Commissionaires on (02) 4974 2950.

Address: Cnr King Street & Darby Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located nearby on King Street (near Auckland Street) and along Laman Street. Light rail stop Civic is within 250m.

Site Accessibility:

Fully open public park featuring wide, paved concrete pathways across the grounds.

Gently sloping paths connect the lower lawns (King St) to the upper fountain terrace and war memorial sections.

Flat ground-level access into surrounding cultural buildings (Newcastle Art Gallery, City Library).

Amenities: Public seating benches are distributed along pathways. Bike racks with U-rails are situated near the pedestrian crossing on King Street

Address: 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/visit/accessibility

Transport & Parking: A 5-minute accessible drop-off zone is located at 282 King Street (outside Crystalbrook Kingsley, ~150m away). Designated accessible parking spaces are located nearby on Burwood Street (5 spaces) and Auckland Street (2 spaces), plus spaces in the car park behind Newcastle Library (via Queen Street).

Venue Accessibility: The Stalls level (ground floor) is fully wheelchair accessible. Note: There is no elevator to upper levels (Dress Circle). Standard seats measure 46cm between armrests; larger seating options (56cm or 80cm between armrests) are available.

The Ticket Office is accessible via a lift on the Hunter Street side (Level UG). Mobility aids cannot be stored inside the auditorium during performances for safety reasons.

Amenities: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located on the ground floor. Booster seats are available for children aged 5 and under. Note that the venue does not offer cloakroom facilities.

Sensory & Audio/Visual Access: Equipped with Auracast Assisted Hearing technology throughout the venue. Receivers (compatible with headphones or neck loops) can be collected from the Ticket Office.

Open captioning/subtitles are available on select performances.

Sensory guides for the theatre space are currently in development.

Contact & Tickets: NSW Companion Cards are welcomed; companion tickets must be booked via phone and collected at the Ticket Office. Assistance animals are permitted with prior notice. Contact the Ticket Office at (02) 4929 1977 or email [email protected]

Address: 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/visit/accessibility

Transport & Parking: Drop-off zone at 282 King Street; accessible parking on Burwood St and Auckland St.

Venue Accessibility: Step-free entry is provided via an accessible lift located to the east of the main stairwell.

Wheelchair seating is available in selected designated rows. Auditorium seats have no armrests.

Stage, backstage areas, and dressing rooms feature step-free access options.

Amenities: Accessible toilet amenities are centrally located on the foyer level. Mobility aids cannot be stored inside the auditorium during showtimes.

Sensory & Audio/Visual Access: Equipped with Auracast Assisted Hearing systems (receivers available at the Ticket Office).

Advance content warnings are provided for strobe lighting, haze, or special effects.

Contact & Tickets: NSW Companion Cards accepted. Contact Ticket Office at (02) 4929 1977 or building staff at (02) 4974 2950.

Address: Cnr Laman St & Auckland St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: Accessible street parking available along Auckland Street and Laman Street.

Venue Accessibility:

Main entrance and foyer are step-free.

The Harold Lobb Concert Hall is accessed via an internal ramp located to the left of the main entrance.

Accessible seating spaces are reserved for wheelchair/mobility aid users and companions. Seats with single-step access are available for patrons with limited mobility.

Amenities: Accessible toilet facility available within the foyer.

Contact: Accessible seating enquiries via email at [email protected] or phone (02) 4921 8900.

Address: Ocean Street, Merewether NSW 2291

Transport & Parking: Large off-street car park adjacent to the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club with designated accessible parking spaces.

Site Accessibility:

Paved access paths run along the coastal Bathers Way promenade directly past the beach and surf club.

Level access to the upper parklands, grass reserve, and sheltered picnic tables.

Direct sand/beach access is via concrete steps or beach access tracks (steep incline).

Amenities: Accessible public toilets, outdoor showers, picnic shelters, and a kiosk are situated inside the beach pavilion building.

Address: King Street (between Auckland St and Burwood St), Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: 5-minute accessible drop-off zone outside 282 King Street (Crystalbrook Kingsley).

5 accessible parking spaces at the corner of King St & Burwood St.

Bus stop "University House, King St" (Stop ID 230048) services routes 11, 13, and 23.

Precinct Accessibility: Continuous paved footpaths with tactile ground surface indicators at pedestrian crossings connecting City Hall, Civic Park, and University House.

Address: Laman Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

Event & Temporary Infrastructure Note:

• Outdoor Event Venue: Laman Street operates as an outdoor street activation zone. For scheduled festival programs and events, full or partial road closures are implemented.
• Temporary Event Amenities: Dedicated temporary event infrastructure: including temporary accessible toilets, event staging, safety barriers, will be brought on-site specifically for event durations.

Transport & Parking: 4 accessible parking spaces on Laman Street outside the Newcastle Art Gallery and Newcastle City Library. One-way vehicle access from Darby Street.

Precinct Accessibility: Flat, wide concrete footpaths lined with fig trees. Direct level access to Newcastle Regional Library, Civic Park, and the Newcastle Art Gallery.

Address: Wright Lane / Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located at the Wright Lane car park. Accessible drop-off point at the Visitor Information Centre on Hunter Street (~150m away). Light rail stop Civic is within 100m.

Site Accessibility:

Fully open public precinct with wide, smooth paved paths and a flat loop track (approx. 95% paved, 5% grass).

Dual wheelchair-accessible entries via Wright Lane/Hunter Street and Workshop Way.

Amenities: Bike parking racks, shaded tree canopies, and lawn seating areas.

Address: 1 Laman St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/accessibility

Transport & Parking: Continuous accessible pathways, drop-off points, and nearby accessible street parking on Laman and Auckland Streets.

Venue Accessibility: Fully accessible multi-level facility featuring elevator access and automatic internal doors.

Lowered reception counters at the box office and gallery café. Complimentary wheelchairs are available to borrow.

Amenities: Accessible toilets are located on every floor level. Permanent rest seating and drinking water are available.

Sensory & Audio/Visual Access:
Digital Guide ("Nancy"): A 24-stop ground floor tour delivering audio, written descriptions, and Auslan-interpreted videos via personal device / QR codes.

Tactile Architectural Integration: Features custom architectural scale sculptures by artist Fayen d'Evie around the original 1977 floating staircases. These act as tactile navigational boundaries and incorporate braille and touch-based versions of key artworks.

Assistive hearing loops and audio description services are provided.

Contact & Assistance: Companion Cards are accepted and assistance animals are welcomed. If you require support with mobility or have any access-related questions, please contact the Gallery team by calling (02) 4974 5100 or emailing [email protected].

Address: 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: newcastlemuseum.com.au/visit/accessibility

Transport & Parking: Continuous accessible pathways connect public transit points to the museum entrance. Nearby accessible parking and drop-off points are available.

Venue Accessibility: The Museum is on a single floor; all entrances, galleries, and exhibition spaces are fully wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly.

Minor internal building ramps connect individual historic exhibition spaces.

Wheelchairs, fidget tools, magnifying sheets, and ear defenders are available to borrow (advance booking required).

Amenities: Wheelchair-accessible toilets are located on the ground floor in the Newcastle Story and Supernova exhibition areas.

Features a dedicated Lift and Change facility (Changing Places standard) equipped with an adjustable-height change table and ceiling hoist near the McIntyre Theatrette.

Sensory & Audio/Visual Access: A Univox SmartLoop hearing loop system is installed at the main information desk.

Hosts dedicated low-sensory Quiet Hour sessions. The museum is naturally quietest late afternoons on weekdays during school terms.

Contact & Tickets: Free entry for visitors and Companion Card holders. Accredited assistance animals wearing official jackets are welcome. Contact [email protected] or 02 4974 1400 with enquiries.  

Address: Laman St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: newcastlelibraries.com.au/connect/visit/our-accessible-libraries

Transport & Parking: Accessible parking spaces are provided in the carpark directly behind the library (accessed via Queen Street).

Venue Accessibility:

Access ramp and automatic doors at the main entrance.

Multi-level internal movement is supported via accessible elevators.

Amenities: Accessible toilet facilities and baby nappy change tables are available.

Sensory & Audio/Visual Access: Features an integrated hearing loop, a dedicated Quiet Room, and noise-cancelling headphones available for visitor use.

Contact & Assistance: Assistance animals are welcomed. For digital or physical accessibility arrangements, contact staff at [email protected] or 02 4974 5300.

Address: 30 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: On-street parking and small dedicated parking lot with designated accessible bays.

Venue Accessibility: Ramped concrete access leading down into the saltwater pool area.

Specially designed access ramp allows visitors to maneuver mobility chairs directly toward and into the water.

Handrails provided along main access ramps.

Amenities: Accessible unisex toilets and change facilities on-site. Lifeguard lookout integrated into the main pavilion. Temporary summer kiosk available.

Address: 53 Bull Street (Cnr Bull St & Darby St), Cooks Hill NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: On-street parking along Bull Street and Darby Street.

Venue Accessibility:

Ground floor bar and terrace area have a single step at the main entrance door.

Dining and bar areas on the ground level are flat once inside.

Note: Upper accommodation floors are strictly accessible via stairs only.

Address: 90 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Website: thelockup.org.au/visit/

Transport & Parking: Designated disability street parking is available directly at the front of the venue on Hunter Street.

Venue Accessibility: Gallery entry is free. Step-free access is provided via a ramped main entrance.

The majority of the heritage site is accessible to visitors with mobility aids, utilizing internal access ramps.

Features a lowered service counter at the entry desk and accessible exhibition space.

Seating throughout gallery spaces is limited; visitors requiring seating can request moveable chairs from staff.

Amenities: Accessible unisex toilets are located on the main level.

Sensory & Visual Access: All video installations include captioning options. Digital information and guides can be accessed on personal mobile devices.

Contact & Enquiries: Companion Cards are accepted for paid public events. Assistance animals are welcome. Contact the team at (02) 4925 2265 or [email protected] 

Address: Civic Park, King St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport: Accessible parking on King Street & Darby Street
Accessible Seating: In the Spiegeltent, the General Admission seating is wheelchair accessible.  If you require a space reserved for a wheelchair or other mobility device, please email [email protected] with your full booking details after you have booked. 
Amenities: Yes
Captioning & Subtitles: N/A
Contact for Assistance: If you require assistance when you are in the venue, please get in touch with Front of House staff.

Address: Northumberland House, Cnr King St & Auckland St (Entrance off Auckland St), Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: Limited street parking on Auckland and King Streets. Accessible parking bays nearby on Auckland St.

Venue Accessibility:

Fully wheelchair accessible with ramp access at the entry off Auckland Street.

Level exhibition spaces throughout the gallery floor.

Amenities: Accessible unisex toilet facility on-site.

Contact: Reach gallery staff at (02) 4921 5255 or email [email protected]

Address: Wheeler Place (between Civic Theatre & City Hall), Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking:

Adjacent to Civic Light Rail stop on Hunter Street.

Accessible parking bay on Hunter Street near Wheeler Place.

5-minute drop-off zone nearby at 282 King Street.

Site Accessibility:

Fully paved, wide outdoor pedestrian plaza with step-free level access throughout.

Connects Hunter Street to King Street and provides step-free side access into Newcastle City Hall and Civic Theatre.

Amenities: Nearby accessible toilets are available within the ground floor foyer of the Civic Theatre and City Hall during venue operational hours.

Address: Cnr King St & Auckland St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Transport & Parking: Bus stop "University House, King St" (Stop ID 230048) right outside. Accessible street parking on Auckland Street.

Venue Accessibility:

Step-free street entrance with wide automatic entry doors.

Elevator access servicing all operational levels.

Connected via internal walkways to the neighboring Watt Space Gallery (Northumberland House).

Amenities: Fully accessible toilet facilities located inside the main ground foyer.