(City of Newcastle)
Newy 87.8 FM – More than 35,000 cruise tourists will be invited to explore Newcastle's east end under a new initiative aiming to capitalise on a record-breaking cruise season expected to inject $7 million into the local economy.
The Passenger Experience Project will run a 24-seater shuttle bus every 20 minutes from the Visitor Information Centre to the corner of Hunter and Watt Street, where passengers can explore boutique businesses, galleries, cafes and restaurants.
It is one of 16 projects sharing $925,000 through the latest round of City of Newcastle's Special Business Rates (SBR) program.
The 113,561-tonne Crown Princess sailed into Newcastle Harbour as the first of 18 cruise ships scheduled to visit between October 2026 and April 2027.
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the project would ensure the arrival of cruise ships generates a new level of economic opportunity for east end businesses.
East End Collective chair Lukas Thodas said Destination NSW data shows cruise passengers spend an average of $197 onshore per person. Around 20 local businesses are already onboard, offering special cruise passenger deals.
The project draws on models from Darwin and Port Adelaide, where similar programs dispersed cruise visitors into retail precincts and lifted local spending.
The latest SBR funding round will also support a New Lambton Fair in May 2027, the return of the Halloween-themed Wallsend Frights and 10 new monthly "Hot Shots" community events in the western suburbs.
Special Business Rates are collected from businesses in Newcastle City Centre / Darby Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, New Lambton and Wallsend.
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