Manhunt Newcastle 2026 - Grand Final

Manhunt Newcastle 2026 hits the Newcastle Harbour on Saturday 24 October, with the Grand Final taking place aboard the MV Calmer. It's hosted by the entertainment act Bad Boys Afloat, and they've billed the whole thing as 'The Ultimate Ladies Night Out'.

If you're not familiar with how it works, Manhunt is a competition that looks at confidence, charisma, personality and stage presence rather than a modelling contest. They welcome men from all walks of life — tradies and business owners, emergency services workers, teachers, nurses, fitness professionals, chefs and entrepreneurs. The judging runs across three categories: Formal Wear, Lifestyle Wear and Gym Wear, and the contestants are marked on their personality, confidence, audience engagement, presentation, charisma and stage presence. The finalists are competing for a A$3,500 cash prize pool, with A$2,000 for the winner, A$1,000 for second and A$500 for third.

The night itself is a cruise. The MV Calmer is a three-level superyacht with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, including an open-air sky deck, and the ticket includes a buffet meal, drinks package, dancing, games and live entertainment. It's run by All Event Cruises, who specialise in private charters and ticketed harbour events.

General Admission is A$105.60, and that's for audience members only — it doesn't enter you into the competition. The cruise runs from 8:00pm to 11:00pm, with check-in starting from 7:30pm at the Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal on Wharf Road in Newcastle.