Park and ride to Nobbys Dawn Service

Newcastle's highly successful Park and Ride service will run free of charge this Anzac Day to help Novocastrians reach Nobbys for the final Dawn Service of the Centenary of Anzac commemorations.

Those wishing to pay respects at the biggest dawn service in Australia -- outside Canberra -- should consider Park and Ride from Broadmeadow amid disruption in the city from construction of the light rail.

Scenes from last year's service with the last portion of the 50,000-plus crowd yet to depart.

"I strongly urge Novocastrians to take advantage of the Park and Ride service to get to this year's Dawn Service," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Anzac Day 2018 marks the end of the Centenary of Anzac and we expect that will attract large numbers to both the Dawn Service and march, so it's very important to plan how to get into the city this year and bear in mind the disruption.

"I commend Keolis Downer for putting on the service to ensure the event runs smoothly."

Other transport options to consider are:

• Walking or cycling (for those who live close enough)
• Taking a ferry from Stockton from 3.30am onwards (every 15 minutes)
• Taking specialist Newcastle Transport bus services directly to Newcastle East (details below)
• Veterans can book their free Taxi Transport for the March with 13CABS by calling Jim before 2pm on Monday 23 April on 4940 5955 or email Newcastle.taxis@13cabs.com.au

Newcastle City Police District is working closely with Council and the local Anzac Day Committee to ensure a safe, smoothly run event following the recent loss of 500 car spaces along the Harbour and in the David Jones car park.

Chief Inspector Gerard Lawson is encouraging members of the public to think about their journey in advance for the dawn service and day-time commemorations.

"Historically up to 50,000 people have attended the early morning commemoration, which leads to significant traffic congestion," the Chief Inspector said.

"We anticipate that the loss of Hunter Street as a traffic corridor will further impact congestion and travel times and therefore recommend that people consider using the public transport and Park and Ride options that have been planned to ensure the minimum of delay to their travel."

Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop said Newcastle Transport would provide a number of public transport options across Anzac Day.

“We are pleased to provide Novocastrians with both the Park and Ride service and additional bus services on Anzac Day,” Mr Dunlop said.

"There will be free travel on public transport for veterans and their families.

"There will be minor changes to services during the Anzac Day March on King Street, with buses travelling on Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road instead of King Street between 9am and 1pm."

Motorists using the King Street car park should remember to exit left and head up Watt Street and over The Hill to avoid delays expected on King Street. Those using the Bolton Street car park are also asked to go over The Hill when leaving the city.

The traditional Anzac Day March from the mall to Civic Park will travel along King Street and not Hunter Street, where light rail is currently being built.

The Centenary of Anzac 2014 to 2018 has been an important period of national commemoration.

Marking 100 years since our involvement in the First World War, the Anzac Centenary is a time to honour the service and sacrifice of our original ANZACs, and the generations of Australian servicemen and women who have defended our values and freedoms.

Park and Ride and bus details:

What: Park and ride service operating from McDonald Jones Stadium to Queens Wharf return

When: 3.30am to 12.30pm every five to 10 minutes

Drop off and city departure area: Wharf Rd west of Queens Wharf Brewery

Additional dawn service bus routes from 3.15am to 4am and 6.10am to 6.35am

Route 13

Departures from Glendale 3.30am, 3.40am, 3.45am and 3.50am

Departures from Queens Wharf 6.15am, 620am, 6.25am and 6.35am

Route 11

Departures from Jesmond 3.40am, 3.45am, 3.50am, 6.35am

Route 23

Departures from Wallsend continues to Queens Wharf 3.40am, 3.45am, 3.50am and 4am

Departures from Queens Wharf 6.15am, 6.20am, 6.25am, 6.35am

ANZAC special event service departing Swansea Heads

Route 14S service to operate via Belmont, Jewells, Charlestown then Adamstown to Queens Wharf

Departing Swansea 3.20am, 3.30am, 6.25am and 3.40am

Departing Queen Wharf 6.15am, 6.20am, 6.25am and 6.35am

Customers to plan their trip or find out more about public transport on Anzac Day by visiting newcastletransport.info or by calling 131500