Blackbutt Reserve

💚 It's a bittersweet day for the Blackbutt Kiosk which has opened its window for the last time.

From humble beginnings selling cans of drink from an esky in a replica 'Pioneer Cottage' in the early 2000's, the Blackbutt Kiosk has been serving the community (and treats for our animals) ever since.

City of Newcastle would like to thank all of the volunteers who have worked in the kiosk. Furthermore, a massive shout out to the Blackbutt staff, both past and present, that worked behind the scenes so the kiosk could operate seamlessly.

The Kiosk will close to permit construction on our new Multipurpose Community Facility and Café.

During construction, the Blackbutt volunteers will still be present in the reserve, available to provide directions and information on our resident cuddly critters.

To learn more about the Multipurpose Community Facility and Café visit: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/blackbutt-reserve-multipurpose-community-facility-and-kiosk

📷 Liz Alder, Blackbutt Volunteer

We're excited to announce the construction of our new cafe and environmental education space!

As part of a $3 million community-focused project set to get underway next month, our multipurpose community facility will provide an enhanced experience for the more than 150,000 people who visit our beautiful 182-hectare nature reserve each year.

The facility will replace the existing temporary kiosk and will include a cafe with an undercover dining and seating area, as well as a multipurpose space where community and school groups can gather, hold events or learn about the environment.

We can't wait to bring this project to life! Construction begins in March.

For more information visit: https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/latest-news/multimillion-dollar-community-facility-coming-soon-to-blackbutt-reserve?fbclid=IwAR2JXKniIJXjAIZHK8G0KQRmGznyLCA_rXQQg-6RYNJuMg0GdCRn_5XuYWU

📷Kingston Building director Matt Howard, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, CN Assistant Project Manager Rachael Evans, Councillor Margaret Wood, Blackbutt and Natural Areas Manager Andrew Staniland at Blackbutt Reserve.

Free event with booking required. Email [email protected]

Learn about local birds with Birdlife Australia Ecologist as we stroll along easy bushland trails. Practice your twitching and participate in the then enjoy coffee and breakfast together.

Binoculars provided. Please bring water and wear appropriate footwear.

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers at Blackbutt Reserve.

More than 300 City of Newcastle volunteers have been recognised for their invaluable contribution to the community as part of National Volunteer Week.

Volunteers were treated to a special morning tea at Newcastle Museum this morning, in appreciation of the more than 7,900 hours they've dedicated to the city over the past 12 months.

People from all walks of life volunteer their time, skills, and passion at City of Newcastle facilities and various locations across the city including Newcastle Libraries, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery, Fort Scratchley, Civic Playhouse and Landcare sites.

Volunteers provide much-needed support to ensure the success of major events such as the New Annual festival and contribute their knowledge and expertise to countless committees and community groups throughout the year.

Thank you to all our volunteers for your incredible contribution to making our city a better place.

From the Staff and Volunteers at Blackbutt Reserve, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Christmas/New Year Trading Hours
Wildlife exhibits - open 10am to 4.30pm daily except Christmas Day
Picnic areas/playgrounds - open 7am to 7pm daily
Office - closed from Friday 23 December to Tuesday 3 January

Saturday reptile shows are cancelled due to staff shortages, we apologise for the inconvenience. Wildlife exhibits are open from 10am to 4.30pm for your enjoyment. 🦚

So many inquisitive children all over Australia tuned in yesterday to watch and ask their questions with Abbey showing off Blackbutt's reptiles. We even had a preschool join in too!

What a wonderful experience to work with the Starlight Foundation Team to provide this unique experience to children nationally. 🐍

John Hunter Children's Hospital is live streaming TODAY at 2pm with the amazing animals from Blackbutt Reserve! Captain Starlight gets totally wild with a blue tongue lizard, an olive python, an eastern long-neck turtle, and a bearded dragon!

Watch and comment live on Starlight’s Facebook here:https://www.facebook.com/events/801483814470501
Stream the YouTube feed on Starlight TV here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzeP8Ash9Xs

We are currently experiencing issues with our incoming calls to the office, please email [email protected] if you would like to make a booking or have any enquiries. We apologise for the inconvenience.