Last updated: February 8, 2023
Officially opened in April 2015, the Newcastle Memorial Walk is a picturesque 450 metres long bridge and boardwalk, dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers from the First World War.
Several viewing platforms along the way give visitors great views of Newcastle, its beautiful beaches, and the coastline.
The Newcastle Memorial Walk is one of many attractions and activities in our guide to the best things to do in Newcastle.
How to Get There
Limited parking is available at the Strzelecki Lookout, where the Newcastle Memorial Walk officially starts (see map location).
There is street parking available on Memorial Drive. Alternatively, you can try to find a parking spot in the large Bar Beach car park further down the road. That way, you can do the Memorial Walk from south to north.
Public transport is, of course, also an option. Bus route 21 connects to the Memorial Walk from Newcastle CBD, The Junction and Hamilton Station.
The closest bus stop is located on High Street, only a short stroll away from the start of the walkway.
Map
The official address of the Newcastle Memorial Walk is:
24 Memorial Drive, The Hill, NSW 2300.
Here is a map of the walk:
Newcastle Memorial Walk
The Newcastle Memorial Walk was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC’s landing at Gallipoli, but also the commencement of the steel industry in Newcastle.
The Newcastle Council and BHP Billiton shared much of the total cost of the design and construction of this beautiful addition to Newcastle’s coastline.
BHP Billiton established their first steel-making facilities in Newcastle in 1915, the same year our allied forces arrived in Gallipoli.
This is one of the reasons why 64 tonnes of solid steel were used to build the 160 metres long bridge.
Because of its vulnerable location right next to the ocean in a strong wind area, it was necessary to use the most durable materials to make the bridge as robust as possible.
The boardwalk on top of the bridge is decorated with steel silhouettes of soldiers. They are engraved with thousands of family names of men and women from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley who served in the Great War.
You will also find interesting panels with more information about the war and listings of locations where other battles have taken place.
Strzelecki Lookout
The 450 metres long Memorial Walk consists of two main sections. The first section starts at the popular Strzelecki Lookout and takes you over the bridge to the next major viewing platform.
The second part of the walk is a stairway that connects the Memorial Walk to the Bathers Way and Memorial Drive.
The Bathers Way is a 6 km long coastal walk that goes from Nobbys Lighthouse in the north to Merewether Ocean Baths in the south.
If you’re visiting from outside Newcastle, it’s recommended to go and explore (parts of) the Bathers Way, as it rivals the Bondi to Coogee walk in Sydney.
The Newcastle Memorial Walk also offers visitors the most amazing 360-degree views across the city, the beaches, and the ocean.
What’s more, the walkway is lit after dark allowing it to be opened 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Pram and wheelchair access extends to the Trip Point lookout towards the end of the boardwalk. From there, the Memorial Walk links back to Memorial Drive via 138 stairs.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the walkway. They will need to use the footpath below along Memorial Drive.
Watch this video to get a good impression of how the Newcastle Memorial Walk was constructed:
