The Wickham Park Hotel – often called The Wicko – sits at 61 Maitland Road in Islington, Newcastle, a family-run pub that doubles as a live-music venue and offers bistro dining and accommodation. According to Wanderlog, it holds a 4.3 out of 5 rating from 795 Google reviews, reflecting its popularity among locals. This article pulls together the key details: opening hours, menu, events, prices, and what real reviewers have to say.
Last checked: 2026-09-26
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Address: 61 Maitland Road, Islington NSW, Australia · Opening hours: Sun–Tue 11:00 AM–10:00 PM; Wed–Thu 11:00 AM–12:00 AM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–2:00 AM · Facebook followers: 12,301 · Instagram followers: 3,200+
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-26.
Sources reviewed: Official property website (via published descriptions), social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram), local journalism (Hunter and Hunter, Newcastle Live, Newcastle Weekly), venue directories (Wanderlog, Zest, LocalVenue), and Apple Maps listing.
No on-site visit, no staff interviews, no independent price verification.
Weekend closing time: 2:00 AM (Fri–Sat) – 4 hours later than weekday closing · Facebook check-ins: 31,380 – indicating strong local foot traffic
At a Glance: Wickham Park Hotel
- 61 Maitland Road, Islington NSW 2296. Phone +61 2 4965 3201. (Wanderlog)
- 4.3 out of 5 stars from 795 reviews (aggregated on Wanderlog). (Wanderlog)
- Described as a long-standing home for rock music in Newcastle. (Hunter and Hunter)
- Hosted an Anzac Day 2026 program with Two-Up, barbecue, outdoor bar, and live music from 5:00 PM. (Newcastle Weekly)
| Attribute | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 61 Maitland Road, Islington NSW 2296 | Wanderlog |
| Phone | +61 2 4965 3201 | Wanderlog |
| Opening Hours | Sun–Tue 11AM–10PM; Wed–Thu 11AM–12AM; Fri–Sat 11AM–2AM | Clubs and Pubs Near Me |
| Google Rating | 4.3 / 5 from 795 reviews | Wanderlog |
| Live Music | Multiple nights per week (some sources say Fri–Sun, others say five nights) | Clubs and Pubs Near Me & Zest |
| Beer Garden | Spacious, with outdoor seating and stage area | Wanderlog |
| Accommodation | Pub-style rooms available (starting from around $80/night reported) | Zest |
| Anzac Day Event (2026) | Two-Up, barbecue, outdoor bar, live music from 5PM | Newcastle Weekly |
| Recent Ownership Change | New owners took over in November (year unspecified) and refreshed food & cocktails | Hunter and Hunter |
Wickham Park Hotel Menu
Bistro menu highlights
The hotel runs a bistro serving pub-style meals: schnitzels, cutlets, and burgers, according to a Zest venue listing. One reviewer on Wanderlog specifically praised a chicken schnitzel lunch special, while others noted the food quality can be variable.
Drinks and specials
After a recent ownership transition, the team introduced a rejuvenated cocktail menu, as reported by Hunter and Hunter. The beer garden – described by Wanderlog as large and spacious – is a popular spot for a pint. The hotel also has an on-site bottle shop for takeaway drinks.
The implication: classic pub grub with a refreshed drink lineup, but the mixed reviews suggest checking recent feedback before ordering.
Wickham Park Hotel Opening Hours
Bistro hours
The venue is open daily from 11:00 AM. Closing times vary: Sundays through Tuesdays at 10:00 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays at midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays at 2:00 AM, as reported by Clubs and Pubs Near Me. The bistro typically serves meals during these hours.
Live music schedule times
Music programming adds another layer of variability. One directory says live performances run Friday through Sunday, while another lists music five nights a week. The hotel’s Facebook page and Instagram feed (over 3,200 followers) often promote upcoming acts.
The catch: because schedules shift, confirming directly before a visit is wise.
Wickham Park Newcastle
Neighbourhood: Islington
The hotel sits on Maitland Road in the Islington suburb of Newcastle, just opposite Wickham Park. Its central position makes it a convenient stop for locals and visitors exploring the city.
How to get there
Street parking is available on surrounding streets (check signs for restrictions). The hotel is a short drive from Newcastle’s city centre, and rideshare drop-offs are straightforward on Maitland Road.
Why this matters: the location is easy to reach by car or rideshare, with parking usually findable on weeknights.
Wickham Park Hotel Photos
Interior and beer garden
The venue includes a large beer garden with outdoor seating and a dedicated stage area, according to Wanderlog. Indoor spaces also feature a performance area, making it a flexible venue for live music.
Live music stage
Both the indoor stage and the outdoor beer garden stage host regular live acts, as noted by multiple venue directories. Newcastle Live has named artists such as Grant Walmsley, Bryan McVernon, and Fish Fry who have performed here.
The pattern: the dual-stage setup means you can enjoy music regardless of the weather.
Wickham Park Hotel Reviews
Review aggregators
Wanderlog reports a Google review score of 4.3 out of 5 from 795 reviews. Positive comments highlight the atmosphere, staff friendliness, and the beer garden; some critics mention inconsistent food quality and service delays.
Local media coverage
Hunter and Hunter called the pub “a long-standing home for rock music in Newcastle,” while Newcastle Live lists specific local acts that have played there. The Anzac Day 2026 program reported by Newcastle Weekly shows the venue’s role in community events.
The bottom line: the hotel is generally well-liked, but food opinions vary – check recent reviews before dining.
Wickham Park Hotel Prices
Bistro pricing range
The hotel does not publish its menu prices online, so exact bistro costs are not available from the sources we reviewed. Based on the typical pub-bistro description – schnitzels, burgers, cutlets – prices are likely in line with other Newcastle pubs..
Drink specials
The venue promotes cocktail specials and has an on-site bottle shop, but no specific pricing was found. A reported room rate of $80 per night (from Zest) should be confirmed directly, as it was not independently verified.
The trade-off: without published prices, calling ahead or checking the venue’s social media for specials is your best bet.
Wickham Hotel Events
Weekly live music
The hotel’s own promotional material, echoed by Newcastle Live, states it aims to provide “the best live music in the whole of Newcastle.” Acts include rock, blues, and original local music, with performances spanning multiple nights each week. Directional claims vary between three and five nights, so the schedule is best checked directly.
Special events
Beyond regular music, the venue hosts special community events. In 2026, it ran an Anzac Day program with Two-Up, a barbecue, and an outdoor bar, with live music starting at 5:00 PM. The hotel also shows live sport and runs a punters’ club, according to Hunter and Hunter.
Why this matters: the pub functions as a genuine community hub, not just a place to drink.
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 61 Maitland Road, Islington NSW 2296 | Wanderlog |
| Phone | +61 2 4965 3201 | Wanderlog |
| Opening Hours | Sun–Tue 11AM–10PM; Wed–Thu 11AM–12AM; Fri–Sat 11AM–2AM | Clubs and Pubs Near Me |
| Google Rating | 4.3 / 5 from 795 reviews | Wanderlog |
| Live Music | Multiple nights per week (Fri–Sun or 5 nights depending on source) | Clubs and Pubs Near Me & Zest |
| Beer Garden | Spacious, outdoor seating and stage | Wanderlog |
| Accommodation | Pub-style rooms (from ~$80/night reported) | Zest |
| Bistro | Pub meals – schnitzels, burgers, cutlets | Zest |
| On-site Bottle Shop | Yes | LocalVenue |
| Ownership | New owners from November (year unspecified); refreshed food and cocktails | Hunter and Hunter |
Location and Getting There
The hotel is at 61 Maitland Road, Islington NSW, adjacent to Wickham Park. Situated in a residential suburb, it is easily reachable by car (street parking available) or rideshare. The nearest bus and train options are within a short walk.
Similar Hotels and Pubs in Newcastle
If you’re exploring options beyond The Wicko, two other well-covered venues in the region include the Wallaby Hotel, which also emphasises live music and dining, and the Great Northern Hotel in Teralba, known for its family-friendly menu.
Our Pick: Who Will Enjoy The Wickham Park Hotel Most
- Live music enthusiasts – With multiple weekly performances and a dual-stage setup (indoor and outdoor), this pub is a prime spot for catching local rock, blues, and roots acts.
- Local pub-goers – Its community hub feel, sports screening, and punters’ club make it a go-to for regulars.
- Diners seeking bistro food – The bistro serves classic pub meals; if you’re after schnitzels and burgers, this is reliable.
- Weekend visitors to Newcastle – Accommodation on-site and late-night hours on Friday and Saturday make it convenient for a weekend stay.
What to watch: The food reviews are mixed, so check recent feedback before ordering. Contact the venue to confirm live music schedules and room availability.
“The Wickham Park Hotel pride themselves on providing Novocastrians with the best live music, beer and friendly and entertaining staff and patrons in the whole of Newcastle.”
— Wickham Park Hotel, Venue promotional statement reproduced by Newcastle Live
“For many years the venue … has been a home for rock music in Newcastle.”
— Hunter and Hunter, Local editorial publication
weddingwire.com, weddingwire.com, theknot.com, wickhampark.org, travelocity.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Wickham Park Hotel?
Sunday to Tuesday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday to Thursday 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM.
Where is Wickham Park Hotel located?
61 Maitland Road, Islington, New South Wales 2296, Australia.
Does Wickham Park Hotel have live music?
Yes, it offers live music multiple nights per week. Sources differ: one says Friday through Sunday, another says five nights a week. The venue is known for rock, blues, and original local acts.
How many Facebook followers does Wickham Park Hotel have?
According to its Facebook page, the hotel has 12,301 followers and over 31,380 check-ins (data collected during research).
When was the last article written about Wickham Park Hotel?
Hunter and Hunter published a feature in June 2024 covering the new ownership and refreshed offerings.
Is there a bistro at Wickham Park Hotel?
Yes, the hotel has a bistro serving pub-style meals such as schnitzels, cutlets, and burgers.
Sources
- Wanderlog – Wickham Park Hotel profile
- Hunter and Hunter – The Wickham Park Hotel feature
- Newcastle Live – Local original music guide
- Newcastle Weekly – Anzac Day spots 2026
- Clubs and Pubs Near Me – Wickham Park Hotel listing
- Zest – Wickham Park Hotel venue page
- LocalVenue – Wickham Park Hotel details
- Publocation – Wickham Park Hotel listing