Blackbutt Reserve-Shelters and Encounters Booking Form

For shelter hire bookings and critter encounters please complete the booking form below. Our office staff will be in contact with you to confirm your booking, if you have any further enquiries please phone the office Monday to Friday between 8am and 3pm on (02) 4904 3344 or email us at blackbuttadmin@ncc.nsw.gov.au

Find out more about our shelters and hire fees.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Public Liability Insurance is required if you are hosting a major event, using professional caterers or having an amusement device such as jumping castle or face painter. Please provide a Certificate of Currency from your organisation’s insurers who certify at least $20 million public liability coverage for this event and have noted the 'City of Newcastle' as an interested party on the certificate. This insurance policy also contains a cross liability clause.

In the event of cancellation you will be required to advise our office by giving at least 24 hours' notice prior to event start time, in order to receive a $50 refund. If you provide less than 24 hours' notice there will be no refund. Our policy is the $140 application fee applicable to this booking is non-refundable. You may reschedule to a date within 3 months of original booking date, provided that 24 hours' notice has been given.

Full payment for shelter hire and critter encounter (if applicable) will be taken upon the Blackbutt Reserve Office confirming the booking.

Booking enquiry forms are only processed Monday to Friday. Forms need to be submitted at least 5 days prior to the required booking.

Critter encounters

Available on weekends for approximately 45 minutes in the Wildlife Arena at 11:45am or 1pm - book your preferred time on the booking form below.

This is a hands-on learning experience and the opportunity to meet, learn about, and interact with native animals. Each child also receives an activity sheet to go in search of the animals with parents/carers on the boardwalk.

Critter encounter will be discounted to $160, if you are booking a shelter - maximum 30 participants).

The Blackbutt Reserve office will be in contact to confirm availability and arrange payment.
$160 (birthday parties, small gatherings - maximum 30 participants). For large events please call the office for a price on 4904 3344.


Protecting your privacy

City of Newcastle is committed to protecting your privacy and takes reasonable steps to comply with all relevant legislation. The information is collected by us for the purpose of processing your request. Your personal information will be stored in accordance with relevant legislation and will only be accessed by authorised staff. If you do not provide information, we may not be able to process your request. Your information can be checked for accuracy by contacting us on (02) 4904 3344.