Where are you watching the NRL Grand Final?

Much like the rest of Australia, Newcastle is a sports-mad city. If you’re after a spot to watch the the State of Origin, the Knights in the NRL, the Jets in the A-League, or nearly any sport for that matter, keep reading for our guide to the best pubs, clubs, and bars showing live sport in Newcastle.

Adamstown Bowling Club

Adamstown Bowling Club has been the beating heart of Adamstown for nearly 100 years, and its laidback atmosphere and huge beer garden make it an ideal spot to watch a game on the big screens.
Where: 504 Glebe Rd, Adamstown

Argenton Hotel

After undergoing a huge renovation five years ago, Argenton Hotel has become a family-friendly meeting place for locals, and there’s plenty of screens around to watch the footy.
Where: 515 Lake Rd, Argenton

The Beach Hotel

What might just be one of the most iconic spots to enjoy a live sport match, The Beach Hotel offers up their waterside venue with all the big matches played out in their main space.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether

The Bennett Hotel

Located in the backstreets of Hamilton, The Bennett is home to a dedicated sports bar plus offers drink specials for all live Knights games.
Where: 146 Denison St, Hamilton

Commonwealth Hotel

When the sports bar at the Commonwealth Hotel is packed, you know you’re going to have a good time watching the game. There’s stacks of screens for you to watch while you enjoy a quality pub feed.
Where: 35 Union St, Cooks Hill

The Cricketer’s Arms Hotel

The Cricketer’s Arms Hotel has screens dotted throughout the pub, in the main areas as well as in the spacious beer garden. Keep an eye out for the pub’s food specials on game night.
Where: 61 Bruce St, Cooks Hill

The Cross Keys Hotel

Tighes Hill's new local hang out, the corner pub hotel has undergone a complete overhaul, and relaunched in February 2026 as the Cross Keys Hotel. Behind the transformation are hospitality duo, Corey and Kristy Crooks, the owners of Newcastle East's popular Grain Store, with a real focus on community. Watch sports on the pub's screens every night of the week.
Where: 1A Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill

The Crown and Anchor Hotel

Kick back at The Crown and Anchor Hotel and watch your team live and loud. This inner-city watering hole also has a cracking food menu, so make sure you grab a bite to eat.
Where: 189 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Del

This much-loved Darby Street pub is serious about sports. Whether they’ve opened up the second space upstairs for a big sporting match or you’re pulling up a chair in the dedicated sports bar downstairs, there’s plenty of screens to catch your favourite game.
Where: 134 Darby St, Cooks Hill

Dockyard

If you like your sport with a side of harbour views, the Dockyard is the place to be. Overlooking Newcastle’s working harbour, the open balcony is a great spot to settle in with friends and catch the action.
Where:  Unit 13/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

The Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington is the place to be for all things sport. Expect plenty of sport played live and loud throughout the pub, including NRL, NFL, netball, and more.
Where: 69 Regent St, New Lambton

General Roberts Hotel

The General Roberts Hotel has a friendly local vibe, with heaps of space for groups to sit and watch a game. It's also right near McDonald Jones Stadium, making it an ideal spot for pre- or post-game drinks.
Where: 258 Lambton Rd, New Lambton

George Darby Hotel

Sports fans can make themselves at home in the purpose-built sports bar, home to Newcastle’s longest television screen. 
Where: 21 Darby St, Newcastle

Grain Store

Head into Newcastle's original craft beer bar to get amongst the sporting action. Come NRL season, you can expect plenty of Knights fanatics at Grain Store. Plus, it’s become a bit of a hot spot for all things NFL.
Where: 64-66 Scott St, Newcastle East

Great Northern Hotel Newcastle

Located in the heart of Newcastle, Great Northern Hotel is all about live sport. The pub typically has food specials too – perfect for enjoying while you watch.
Where: 83-89 Scott St, Newcastle

The Greenroof Hotel

Hamilton local The Greenroof Hotel has plenty of screens inside and out where you can catch live sport.
Where: 71 Tudor St, Hamilton

Harrigan’s Cameron Park

Harrigan's Cameron Park has become a popular spot since its opening in September 2023, thanks to its tasty pub grub, events offering, and sports bar. The pub has plenty of massive screens where you can watch your favourite sport.
Where: George Booth Dr, Cameron Park

Hotel Jesmond

Sports fans are set at Hotel Jesmond, with a dedicated sports bar and huge screen in the beer garden. If you’re a uni student, Hotel Jesmond is conveniently located just a five-minute drive away from the Callaghan campus.
Where: 182 Newcastle Rd, Jesmond

The Lucky Hotel

Soak up all the excitement on game day at The Lucky Hotel. This inner-city pub is a favourite for its buzzing atmosphere and quality pub grub.
Where: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle

The Nags Head

There’s plenty of TV screens at Adamstown’s The Nags Head Hotel, so you won’t miss a second of the action on game day.
Where: 272 Brunker Rd, Adamstown

Lyrique Bar

Lyrique Bar is a dedicated sports bar, so you can expect to catch all your favourite sports at this inner city venue.
Where: 185 Hunter St, Newcastle

Mary Ellen Hotel

Are you a Merewether local? Watch NRL, AFL, and more on the screens in the Front Bar at the Mary Ellen Hotel.
Where: 51 Railway St, Merewether

Maryville Tavern

This pub tucked into the backstreets of Maryville is a local gem. With screens in the front bar and the beer garden, there’s always a lively atmosphere for sporting matches at Maryville Tavern.
Where: 71 Lewis St, Maryville

The Oak Tighes Hill

With a projector, and a big screen, The Oak in Tighes Hill is the place to be. Keep an eye out for match day food and drink specials!
Where: 207 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill

Premier Hotel

Premier Hotel shows all major sporting events live, so you won’t miss any action.
Where: 1 Brunker Rd, Broadmeadow

The Prince of Merewether

This rather iconic watering hole in Merewether is a go-to for all kinds of patrons including passionate sports enthusiasts. Enjoy all the key live sport and race day events in their dedicated downstairs sports bar.
Where: 1 Morgan St, Merewether

Stag and Hunter Hotel

The Stag and Hunter Hotel may be known for its dedication to live music, but it’s also a fun spot to watch a game. Catch teams like the Knights, Matildas, and all UFC matches.
Where: 187 Maitland Rd, Mayfield

Surly's BBQ

With more tv's than you can count, the American style tavern is geared up for watching any and every type of sport you can imagine. The two storey's brings the atmosphere and makes for the ideal sports watching venue.
Where: 231 Hunter St, Newcastle 

Sydney Junction Hotel

Settle in right in front of the big screens at Sydney Junction Hotel. Catch NRL, AFL, UFC, NFL, and more.
Where: 8 Beaumont St, Hamilton

Toronto Hotel

Toronto Hotel knows what’s up when it comes to sport. Grab your spot in the covered beer garden in front of the big screen, ready to cheer on your team.
Where: 74 Victory Pde, Toronto

Warners at the Bay

Warners at the Bay is home to a spacious sports bar, so there’s plenty of room to kick back and enjoy the game.
Where: 320 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay

Warners Bay Hotel

Warners Bay Hotel recently underwent a massive renovation, and the refreshed pub makes for a lovely spot by the lake to watch your favourite sport.
Where: 5 John St, Warners Bay

Wests

Considering Wests own the Knights, it makes sense that all Wests venues make for prime NRL viewing if you can’t get to a game. Support the Knights and catch plenty of other sporting codes live and loud at all Wests venues.
Where: New Lambton | Cardiff | Mayfield | Newcastle West | Nelson Bay

Wickham Park Hotel 

Islington’s long-standing watering hole has a mighty big screen out in the courtyard which is always playing the big games live.
Where: 61 Maitland Rd, Islington

Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!