Beach culture is alive and well in Newcastle and tourists to Australia are discovering that it is well worth a stop on the way north from Sydney to Queensland to enjoy the laidback lifestyle on the city’s excellent beaches. Far less crowded than their Sydney counterparts, Newcastle beaches have the added bonus of being only minutes walk or ferry-ride from the city centre.
Stockton Beach
The town of Stockton is a two minute ferry ride across Newcastle Harbour, with fares only $2.10 for adults and $1 for children. Some highlights of Stockton Beach include:
- Wreck of the Signa – a Norwegian bulk carrier that ran aground in 1974
- Sand dunes accessible by 4WD vehicles. A permit is required, prices start at $10 for a three day pass and they are sold at numerous service stations and caravan parks in the area. For details contact Port Stephens Council on +61 2 49800255
- Walking path along the breakwater.
- Excellent views back towards Newcastle
Horseshoe Beach
Located off the Nobby’s Beach car park, Horseshoe Beach is not a surf beach, but a sandy strip on the harbour, sheltered by the breakwall. Popular with horse trainers, and a council-approved leash-free zone for dogs, Horseshoe Beach is not good for swimming.
Nobby’s Beach
Images of Nobby’s Beach flashed around the world in 2007 when the bulk carrier Pasha Bulker ran aground during heavy seas, and the crew was dramatically airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service. An excellent surf beach, Nobby’s Beach is also popular with families. The breakwall running from the carpark to the lighthouse at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour is an excellent place for an early morning walk or jog. Up the hill from the beach is historic Fort Scratchley. The site is currently closed to the public as it undergoes extensive refurbishment, but it is still worth a walk up to take in the views over the city and ocean.
Newcastle Beach
A walk around the Bathers Way from Nobby’s Beach to Newcastle Beach takes in some excellent rock pools around an area popular with snorkelers and divers, as well as the art deco Newcastle Ocean Baths. Newcastle Beach itself is the home to the city’s annual international surfing competition Surfest, thanks to its excellent surfing conditions and proximity to the city centre. Some more highlights include:
- Skate park at the southern end of the beach
- Children’s paddling pool at the northern end
- Patrolled seven days a week
Newcastle beach is also walking distance to the Bogey Hole. In 1820, the Commandant of Newcastle ordered his own personal swimming hole be cut into the rock face by convicts. The Newcastle Greek Orthodox community hold their annual Epiphany celebrations at the Bogey Hole.
Both Nobby’s Beach and Newcastle Beach have good kiosks as well as shower and toilet facilities, and are patrolled by council lifeguards and volunteers from the Surf Lifesaving Association.
Beach Safety Information
As with all surf beaches in Australia, it is important to check the current surf conditions and safety warnings of Newcastle beaches before swimming or surfing. This can be done online at coastalwatch.com. Rips and undercurrents, bluebottle jellyfish and even sharks are all common dangers off Newcastle beaches. Beach patrols are NOT 24-hour, and it is inadvisable to enter the water when there is no lifesaver on duty. For more information on beach safety, see the Surf Life Saving Association website.
Whether a local or visiting Newcastle, the city beaches have something to offer everyone.
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