Three times the Geordies rattled the woodwork, but in fairness never really produced the quality to warrant a win.
Marlon Harewood, Kevin Nolan and Peter Lovenkrands were the unlucky trio as Bristol City held out under considerable pressure.
Newcastle had two early shouts for a penalty turned down while sandwiched in between Nicky Maynard forced Steve Harper to hang on to a 20-yarder.
United tore City apart after nine minutes when the new strike partnership of Lovenkrands and Harewood carved open the Bristol defence.
Lovenkrands lifted the ball through for Harewood who beat Dean Gerken, only to see his effort crash against the post and Nolan's follow up was blocked.
Harewood should really have buried the chance and it was to cost Newcastle three valuable points.
Gerken played a blinder and that after only making the starting eleven following a warm-up injury to regular keeper Adriano Basso.
Wayward passing and the lack of midfield penetration saw Newcastle ultimately lose their way as the first half petered out.
Just before the hour mark Gerken denied Newcastle with two stunning saves.
First of all he beat away a close-range Danny Guthrie volley and followed up by clawing out a header from Nolan.
At this stage the Bolton goal enjoyed a charmed life and the woodwork twice prevented Newcastle from going in front.
Lovenkrands powered a close-range header on to the bar and Nolan did exactly the same from the follow-up, before Lovenkrands curled the ball wide.
Referee Graham Salisbury then denied Newcastle what appeared to be a stonewall penalty when substitute Jamie McCombe cleaned out Harewood as the big defender turned to get away from him.
Substitute Andy Carroll then had two good chances as Newcastle staged a late rally, but the smile across the face of Gary Johnson at the final whistle emphasised just how much a point meant to his side.