Nobbys Beach will again become the centre of summer sport and celebration when the sixth annual OSMAC Beach 5s Newcastle Championship and UGL Beach 5s Australia Day Festival returns this Australia Day long weekend.
Staged from Saturday 24 January to Monday 26 January, the three-day extravaganza is expected to deliver fast-paced beach sport, entertainment and community-focused festivities.
In fact, the organisers have confirmed the tournament is officially sold out after reaching record-breaking team registrations.
More than 50 sides will compete in the modified rugby game, across Men’s Premiers, Men’s Social, Open Women’s and Under 17/18 Boys divisions.
Sunday, however, spotlights the next generation of talent, with boys’ and girls’ youth categories – from under 12s through to under 16s – participating in the junior competition held inside the inflatable area.
The festival will reach its peak on UGL Australia Day, Monday 26 January, when former Newcastle Knights and NSW State of Origin player Kurt Gidley returns to Nobbys Beach.
The local sporting star is chasing a historic fifth consecutive title with his Knights Legends squad against the Talk2mebro All Stars in the All-Star Legends Charity Match.
Newcastle rock outfit Wayward Kings will also perform at the beach, launching the official Beach 5s Australia theme song Gimme 5 as part of the finale.
Off the sand, fans have the chance to meet the game’s biggest names, with the popular Meet the Legends marquee returning on Australia Day ahead of the All-Stars 11am kick-off.
The event will also continue its strong community focus, supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) in 2026 to help raise vital funds and awareness for brain cancer research.
Beach 5s Australia and New Zealand director Peter Hickey said the tournament’s continued growth reflected both the popularity of the format and Newcastle’s appeal as a host city.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge also admitted council was thrilled to support the event’s return.
“Now in its sixth year, this tournament showcases the very best of Newcastle,” he said.
“From our stunning beaches to legendary athletes and the incredible work of the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“The event celebrates community and inclusivity while also delivering significant tourism benefits, attracting visitors who can enjoy everything our city has to offer.
“It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the Australia Day long weekend in true Novocastrian style.”
Spectators can enjoy the event free of charge across all three days at Nobbys Beach.
Beach 5s event program
Saturday 24 January | 9am – 5pm
• Men’s Premiers / Men’s Social / Women’s Division / Under 17/18 Boys
Sunday 25 January | 8am – 4pm
• Youth Divisions – Under 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16 Boys and Girls
Monday 26 January – Australia Day | 9am – 2pm
• Beach 5s Youth Exhibition Games – Liam Gallagher Memorial Trophy
• Beach 5s Indigenous Youth Girls Exhibition Games
• Open Indigenous Women’s Beach 5s
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