A go-to guide to Newcastle’s best beaches

Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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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

surfers in the water off 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

two surfers enjoying a morning in the water off Nobbys Beach, Newcastle
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

Merewether Ocean Baths in Newcastle, NSW
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.

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Horseshoe Beach

an aerial view of people enjoying at Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle
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 in Newcastle, NSW
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

an aerial view of the southern end of Stockton Beach and Newcastle City
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 in Newcastle, NSW
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
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.
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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.