From calm swimming spots to famous surf breaks, here’s your guide to sand-hopping around Newcastle’s best beaches.
How many cities in the world can claim a cosmopolitan urban centre that’s fringed by beautiful beaches, epic surf and historic ocean baths? Australia’s second-oldest city, Newcastle, can. While its dynamic neighbourhoods boast an ever-increasing roster of outstanding accommodation and dining spots, its coastline has provided a constant source of beauty for swimmers, surfers and sunbathers alike.
Newcastle Beach
Newcastle Beach is one of the most favoured surf spots in Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)
The city’s main beach is a people pleaser. Newcastle Beach, wedged between cliffs and rock pools, is a 600-metre stretch of sand that is well patrolled during summer. It’s also home to the city’s iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, which provide a calm pool for swimming laps as well as a shallow tidal pool for kids. Beach-goers will find keen surfers riding the ‘Southie’ break and permanent volleyball nets that call for friendly games in the sunshine.
Nobbys Beach
Morning views don’t get much better than this. (Image: Destination NSW)
Created by the convict-built Nobbys Breakwall, which was constructed to make Newcastle’s Harbour safe for ships, Nobbys Beach is a popular place for families and amateur surfers. Often frequented by dolphin pods, it’s also home to Soldiers Baths, where snorkellers can seek out macro marine life. Walk along the breakwall to the still-active 1854 Nobbys Lighthouse, an iconic landmark of the city and the start of the five-kilometre Bathers Way, a scenic pathway that’s become one of the best things to do in Newcastle.
Merewether Beach
The Merwether Ocean Baths were built in 1935. (Image: Destination NSW)
At the other end of Bathers Way, Merewether Beach is home to the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere. Built in 1935, the Art-Deco Merewether Ocean Baths comprise lap lanes as well as a shallow pool for languid dips. The beach is a famous spot for riding waves and plays host to Australia’s largest surf festival, Surfest . While only a short distance from the city, the suburb has the chill factor dialled up and is a relaxing spot for a beachside break.
Horseshoe Beach
Horseshoe Beach is a haven for families and is dog friendly. (Image: Destination NSW)
On the harbour side of Nobbys Breakwall, Horseshoe Beach is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. An excellent base to launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, the beach is right by the bustling Newcastle Harbour and Nobbys Lighthouse. You will also see small keelboats flitting about the harbour, which you can learn to sail yourself with the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (operating from Wickham).
Bogey Hole
The Bogey Hole is one of the city’s best spot to swim. (Image: Time Out)
Hand-hewn by convicts in 1819 for the personal use of the long-serving commander of Newcastle, Major James Morisset, the Bogey Hole is one of the earliest known examples of a purpose-built ocean swimming pool. Accessed by a staircase at the bottom of King Edward Park. the turquoise waterhole is idyllic for a refreshing dip and has become an Instagrammer hotspot. The swell can be dangeorous on big surf days, so it’s best to visit when conditions are calm.
Stockton Beach
Stockton Beach is bordered by Newcastle City on the right. (Image: Destination NSW)
Just north of Newcastle, the famous Stockton sand dunes are the largest shifting dunes in the southern hemisphere, stretching for 32 kilometres along the coast. Set within the Worimi Conservation Lands , this ethereal landscape is a magnet for adventurers who come here for surfing, sandboarding and quad biking. View this desert-like landscape on a sunset session with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides.
Dudley Beach
Dudley Beach is perfect for a secluded swim. (Image: Lake Macquarie City Council)
At the other end of the Newcastle coast, south of Merewether, you’ll find one of the last surviving pockets of coastal rainforest in Glenrock State Conservation Area . It’s hard to fathom you’re just a few kilometres from Newcastle city when standing on the Dudley Beach, where you may only spot a handful of keen surfers or sunbathers on the sand. Cool off here after a bush walk through the surrounding protected wilderness, but remember, this is an unpatrolled beach.
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.
Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.
Winter on the NSW South Coast
Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.
Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.
See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)
Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.
Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.
Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)
Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.
Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.
End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .
Sleep by the harbour.
Winter on the Mid-North Coast
A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.
First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.
Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)
Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.
Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.
Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)
The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.
Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.
At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.
Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.
Winter on the Central Coast
On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.
The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.
Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.
Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.
If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.
Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.
Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.
Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.
Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)
Winter in Wollongong
Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.
If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.
Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.
Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)
Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.
The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.
Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)
As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.
Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.
