Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Alanna Tomazin

New Newcastle venue where you can legally throw axes and drink alcohol

A sneak peek into Maniax in Newcastle
Newcastle Herald journalist Alanna Tomazin tries her hand at axe throwing at Maniax in Newcastle. Picture by Marina Neil

When I walked into work on Thursday morning the last thing I thought I'd be doing was getting to throw an axe for fun.

Yes, you read that right.

Ahead of Newcastle's newest "axe-perience" I was invited along to the soft launch of Maniax.

It's a custom-built licensed venue that allows you to throw axes and drink alcohol.

Now, to some that might sound like a recipe for disaster and the fact I needed to sign a waiver that read bold words like 'my death' or 'physical or mental injury' had my heart beating out of my chest.

But as I walked through the doors on King Street, I was immersed into a world of fun and ready to let my hair down.

The atmosphere was giving Game of Thrones vibes with a warrior throne, horns, shields, axes, helmets and fur-hides setting the scene.

All I could think was 'wow this is pretty cool'.

The spread of select salami, cheese and crackers paired with a viking inspired cocktail from the bar and later a slice of pizza, was to die for - just kidding though, no axes were thrown at me.

A sneak peek at the food options. Picture by Marina Neil

I watched as "axe-pert" coaches threw these shiny, sharp-edged axes on wooden targets in the six quick chuck lanes, while mentally preparing myself to give it a go.

We had a safety speech and one coach gave us a rundown of the anatomy of an axe in his simplest words.

"We have a handle and a DO NOT handle."

Viking inspired cocktails were a hit. Picture by Marina Neil

I admired his satirical take on a dangerous garden tool.

And then it was my time to shine.

My first ever Maniax experience was - insane...ly FUN!

You can choose a small or large axe to throw so I went with what seemed the safer option.

I had my turn in a group lane which has two targets and you can throw with friends.

ACM journalist Alanna Tomazin at Maniax Newcastle. Picture by Marina Neil

The adrenaline was pumping through me. I gripped the handle, placing the axe behind my head and took a step forward and launched.

I hit it! .

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Sure I had a few terrible shots but in the end, I got the swing of it.

What an odd activity, bringing me so much joy?

Once I felt like the queen of axe throwing I challenged Newcastle Knight's player Tyson Gamble to a duel.

Newcastle Knight's Tyson Gamble is Maniax Axe Throwing Newcastle's official ambassador. Picture by Marina Neil

He's Maniax Axe Throwing Newcastle's official ambassador and let's just say, I put him to the test but in the end, he got me.

Overall it was a crazy, unique and iconic experience I won't ever forget and I'll definitely be back.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Join the discussion in the comment section below.

Find out how to register or become a subscriber here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.