With organisers expecting up to 100,000 people to attend the 2023 Newcastle Williamtown Air Show, the message is simple: plan your journey.

In fact, co-hosts City of Newcastle (CN) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) believe this weekend’s high-flying extravaganza could claim the mantle as the largest single day event in the region’s history.

So, Transport for NSW’s acting regional and outer metropolitan deputy secretary Roger Weeks urges locals and visitors alike to prepare their travel arrangements beforehand.

On Saturday 18 November, from 10am to 12.30pm and again from 1.30pm to 4pm, formation and aerial exhibitions will feature the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra, to name a handful, as well as air ace Matt Hall, in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

Family-friendly activities such as rides, face painting, food trucks, static RAAF displays and roving entertainment are also planned, with free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton.

That means extra train, bus, ferry and light rail services will come into play.

“Catching public transport into the Newcastle CBD is highly-recommended on Saturday, with heavy traffic anticipated and road closures in place,” Mr Weeks said. 

“The additional services will run throughout the day to help get crowds of between 80,000 and 100,000 to and from the event at the Newcastle Foreshore.

“So, motorists are encouraged to leave their car at home on Saturday.

“But, if people have to drive they should consider using the Park & Ride option at McDonald Jones Stadium, although parking at the venue is limited.

“We also remind spectators they can find a prime spot to park at Stockton and watch the displays from there.”

Mr Weeks said Sunday’s arrangements were a little different.

“Attendees are required to pre-purchase an entry ticket that will provide access to the Park & Ride from Bourke Street (Raymond Terrace) or RAAF Base parking,” he explained.

“So, we recommend visitors to be mindful of crowds and heavy traffic if parking at the RAAF Base.

“We’re also suggesting motorists, who are 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.

“But, we urge people to plan ahead, allow plenty of extra travel time, arrive early and carpool where possible.”

For public transport information and bus service changes, visit transportnsw.info and Newcastle Airshow – Newcastle Transport.

For road closures, go to www.livetraffic.com.

Weekend options

Bus

• Additional bus services will run on Routes 11, 12, 13 and 14 on Saturday 18 November
• 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 & Ride

• Park and ride shuttle buses will be available on Saturday 18 November 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 18 November
• Newcastle Light Rail runs between Newcastle Interchange and Newcastle Beach making stops at Honeysuckle, Civic, Crown St 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

For more news stories:

• Record crowd predicted for Newcastle Williamtown Air Show
• Relief for Port Stephens oyster farmers at hand
• Newcastle kicks financial goal with Origin hosting role

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