Discover seven of Newcastle’s best beaches and ocean pools, from lively spots with great facilities to quieter, more secluded escapes.
One of the many advantages of living in Newcastle is the city’s access to some of the finest beaches along the New South Wales coastline.
Beyond its stunning beaches, Newcastle also boasts several magnificent ocean pools, offering family-friendly swimming in picturesque surroundings.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the top seven beaches and ocean pools to visit during your next trip to Newcastle, the second-most-populated city in NSW.
Find all of the below beaches in this interactive map.
Check out our guide covering the best things to do in Newcastle for an action-packed long weekend away.
1. Horseshoe Beach
Horseshoe Beach is a haven for dog lovers. Situated next to Macquarie Pier, this beach offers the perfect spot for your four-legged friend to take a dip while you enjoy views of the harbour.
A favourite among pet owners, Horseshoe Beach allows dogs to roam off-leash, making it ideal for some tail-wagging fun. Plus, the nearby car park adds a touch of convenience.
If you’re up for a stroll, you can wander through Camp Shortland, follow Macquarie Pier to the breakwater, or climb up to Nobbys Lighthouse.
For more dog-friendly spots in the Newcastle area, check out the council’s list of leash-free areas.
2. Nobbys Beach
Nobbys Beach is a scenic spot on the ocean side of Macquarie Pier, nestled between Nobbys Lighthouse and the base of Fort Scratchley.
A favourite with both locals and tourists, this beach is actually man-made, created from sand sourced from nearby quarries during the construction of Macquarie Pier.
The beach is patrolled and offers changerooms and a kiosk conveniently located along the boardwalk. For those planning a full day out, there are shaded picnic areas with tables.
Parking is plentiful nearby, but if you’re using public transport, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Newcastle Beach Light Rail stop.
3. Newcastle Beach
Newcastle Beach is a stunning and conveniently located spot, just a stone’s throw from the Newcastle CBD.
In summer, you might catch a local surf competition, as this beach is well-loved by surfers for its excellent surf break.
For swimmers, Newcastle Beach offers two great options. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers, providing a safe spot for those who enjoy the waves. Alternatively, for calmer waters or young children, the historic Newcastle Ocean Baths next door is a fantastic choice.
If you’re up for a walk, head to the southern end of the beach, where you can follow the path to the Bogey Hole, a charming little ocean pool loved by locals.
Getting to Newcastle Beach is a breeze, with ample beachside and street parking, plus a convenient 5-minute walk from the Newcastle Beach Light Rail stop.
4. Susan Gilmore Beach
Susan Gilmore Beach takes its name from an American ship that sank off the Newcastle coast in 1884.
Despite its sombre history, this stretch of sand is a great finisher to the Newcastle Memorial Walk, showcasing the area’s dramatic coastline. Alternatively, you can park at the Bar Beach car park and enjoy the breathtaking views from above.
While this beach isn’t well patrolled for swimming, it’s perfect for finding a peaceful spot on the sand. If you’re keen for a swim, Bar Beach is just a short 1-2 minute walk away.
5. Bar Beach
If you’re after a beach with a livelier vibe, Bar Beach is the place to be.
It starts with the great view from the car park at the top of the hill. From there, you can either find a peaceful spot near the rock pools at the northern end or dive into the waves on the other side of the rock wall.
Near the heritage-listed Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club, you’ll find a kiosk where you can grab a bite to eat and relax in the shade. Conveniently, there are also changing rooms and toilets located nearby.
6. Merewether Beach
Merewether Beach is a fantastic spot to catch a summer sunset. While the beach is a favourite among locals and visitors, it’s also famous for being home to the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere.
The Merewether Ocean Baths offer a stunning space for swimming laps or simply splashing around, with plenty of room for everyone. Overlooking the beach is the Merewether Surfhouse, where you can enjoy a fancy dinner or casual drinks with a view of the sand and surf.
There’s parking available near the beach, though it can get busy on weekends and summer days. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the Jefferson Park stop on Frederick Street, right in front of The Beach Hotel.
7. Glenrock Beach
Also known as Burwood Beach, Glenrock Beach is a wild and beautiful stretch of sand, accessible only via two tracks. The beach is particularly picturesque where the sand meets a small lagoon.
The longer route to this secluded spot is via the Yuelarbah Track, a 6.8 km circuit that begins in Whitebridge.
For a quicker option, head to Hickson Street Lookout and take the steep but relatively short walk down to Glenrock Beach. Take a quick stop at the top to admire the view, and maybe catch a hang glider making their launch from this beautiful spot.
