The Best Beaches in Newcastle, Australia

Discover the best beaches in Newcastle, Australia, from family-friendly to iconic surf beaches, ocean baths to hidden gems. Dive into Merewether Beach, Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, Nobbys Beach… and thank us later.

Avid surfers have long held a love for Newcastle – there are six beaches within easy reach of the Central Coast city, and even more a short drive away. But Newcastle’s beach culture goes above and beyond its epic waves. In fact, it’s home to a five-kilometre coastal walk known as the Bathers Way,  linking legendary stretches of sand – all of which are patrolled by lifeguards – that appeal to families, swimmers, paddleboarders and even dolphins. When you’re ready to dive in, here’s where to take the plunge… with plenty of tips on what to do before and after your beach outing.  

Why: Nobbys Beach is a great all-rounder, offering surf ideal for beginners (and lessons via Newcastle Surf School), as well as calm pockets of water that are great for families. This is the northernmost point of the Bathers Way, and dolphins are a frequent sight. Just as calm is the water in the Soldiers Baths, a large and protected rock pool at the southern end of Nobbys Beach. 

Eat: Pack a barbeque lunch to have in the adjoining park, which offers plenty of facilities to grill up a storm. Drop in to Swell @ Nobbys kiosk for a coffee, milkshake, freshly made muffin or something more filling - the burgers here get rave reviews.

Do: Stroll along the breakwall past the iconic Nobbys Lighthouse for spectacular views along the coast. Pause to look for dolphins and whales during migration (May through November). Nobbys Beach is adjacent to historic Fort Scratchley, where you can take tours of tunnels that were built 200 years ago. From here, stroll down to Foreshore Park, spanning 11 hectares and replete with a playground for kids, skate park and refurbished outdoor fitness facilities.

It’s a short walk from Nobbys Beach to the Honeysuckle Foreshore, where you can jump on a cruise with CoastXP, offering thrilling whale-watching experiences from June through November. Or hire an eBike from Flash E-Bikes Newcastle, near the Foreshore Park, and pedal south toward Lake Macquarie along the Fernleigh Track.

Tip: There’s parking available in the Foreshore Car Park, but the city’s Light Rail also drops you off nearby at Newcastle Beach from the centre of Newcastle. 

Why: Just a short walk from Nobbys Beach to the south is Newcastle Beach, a long stretch of sand that draws surfers and board-riders from around the country (the break at Shark Alley is legendary). There are changing rooms and amenities available beside the beach. Stroll north along the sand to reach the postcard-perfect Newcastle Ocean Baths, which has a history dating back more than 100 years and features a gorgeous Art Deco facade. The adjoining Canoe Pools are popular with kids. And then to the southern end of the beach you can swim at the Instagrammable Bogey Hole, carved into a rock platform at the base of Shepherds Hill.

Eat: Watch resident dolphins play in the waves while you enjoy breakfast or lunch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach. Think toasties, burgers, hot chips and excellent coffee, with a view. Just across the street sits the Novotel Newcastle Beach. You don’t have to be staying here to make the most of Bistro Dalby, dishing up favourites from breakfast (the buffet is epic) through dinner. You can also drop in for sunset drinks at the bar, buffet breakfast at Bistro Dalby (Novotel Newcastle Beach) or sunset drinks at the bar.

Do: Fitness fanatic or just want to have sandy fun with friends? Make the most of  the beach volleyball nets, available for all to use. The South Newcastle Beach precinct features a brand new skate park, with views over the water. It’s also accessible to wheelchairs. 

Tips: If you don’t want to be far from the waves, check in to the Novotel Newcastle Beach, overlooking this long stretch of sand. If you’re staying in town (the Mercure Newcastle is centrally located), leave the car behind and catch the light rail here - it leaves from outside your hotel and drops you off directly in front of Newcastle Beach. 

Why: Wedged between Newcastle Beach to the north and Merewether Beach to the south, Bar Beach offers unbroken views along the sand and to the headlands of the south. You’ll see plenty of boards on the beach thanks to a popular surf break. There’s also an ocean pool to the north, for calmer swimming conditions.

Eat: Swell has another kiosk at Bar Beach, where you can grab takeaway bites to enjoy on the sand or order breakfast and lunch favourites and pull up a chair overlooking the waves. Pack a picnic lunch and spread out a rug in adjoining Empire Park, which comes with plenty of shade. 

Do: Empire Park is well-equipped with facilities for kids, including a playground, tennis courts and a tennis wall so you can practice your swing. Just BYO balls and racquets. The adjoining Bar Beach skate park has some of the best bowls and skate facilities in the country. Bar Beach is also a great starting point for the Newcastle Memorial Walk, opened in 2015 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. It’s lined with humbling steel sculptures of soldiers. From the Strzelecki Lookout, there’s a long bridge leading to another stunning lookout. There’s also a stairway that connects to the Bathers Way, if you’re looking for a longer walk. 

Tip: While Bar Beach itself is relatively small, you can stroll south along the sand all the way to Merewether Beach. Come at sunset for great photo opportunities as the last of the day disappears, and make the most of free parking.  

Why: Surfers, rejoice! The waves at Merewether Beach (a National Surf Reserve) are legendary, and draw avid board riders throughout the year. The sand is particularly busy during Surfest, an annual event that has become the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Whenever you visit you can look forward to amazing coastal views and plenty of action. The long Mereweather Ocean Baths are located toward the south of the sand, and offer calm swimming conditions for kids (in a separate pool) and those wanting to do laps. The beach comes with plenty of amenities, too, from toilets and showers to changing rooms.   

Eat: Whether you’re dining in the restaurant, grabbing something to go from the kiosk or enjoying sunset at the beach bar, Merewether Surfhouse never fails to impress. Views aside, the food here is awesome, revolving around Australia’s freshest seafood. For something more casual, grab a coffee, smoothie, acai bowl or cold-pressed juice from local favourite Blue Door Kiosk. Or head to legendary The Beach Hotel, an institution here since 1886. Depending on the occasion, there are a number of dining spaces to choose from - the pub, chilled-out Larrie’s and upscale Peregrin.   

Do: You can walk along the sand from Merewether to Glenrock State Conservation Area, if the tide is low. Or, bring your mountain bike to explore scenic trails, and hiking shoes to pad along various trails carving through rainforest to waterfalls. Many come here to fish or launch their hang gliders off cliffs. If you want to know all the best vantage points, sign up for a guided walk with Geotrail and Nature Tours. Located between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach, Dixon Park is on the Bathers Walk Trail. There’s a playground for kids, plus an off-the-leash area for dogs.   

Tip: Check out fossils in the bluffs near the Merewether Baths - endless entertainment to be had for kids in the rock-pools.  

Why: Tucked away on a small bay overlooking the estuary where the Hunter River meets the Pacific Ocean, Horseshoe Beach is a Newcastle Gem. It’s a short walk from Nobbys Beach, and is also pet friendly, so you can let your dog off the leash to have a swim. The crescent shape of Horseshoe Beach means that it’s protected from big Pacific swells, making it the ideal spot for families as well. 

Eat: From Horseshoe Beach you’re in easy walking distance of a number of great restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking Newcastle Harbour. Head to Queens Wharf Hotel for million-dollar-views, live entertainment, and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to drink and dine. Iconic Scratchleys enjoys a similar outlook, serving some of the most epic seafood platters you’ll find in Newcastle.

Do: The calm conditions at Horseshoe Beach make it ideal for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling. You’re also just a short walk from the epic views and historic underground tunnels of Fort Scratchley.

Tip: If you want seclusion, this is the place for you – it’s much less crowded than other Newcastle beaches. 

Why: Just a 35-minute drive of Newcastle, the 26 beaches and bays of Port Stephens await. Among the most popular include the aptly named Sunset Beach, particularly spectacular at the end of the day; white-sand Wanda Beach, where calm waters make it ideal for families and fishing; and Anna Bay and Birubi Beach, gateways to the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Stockton Sand Dunes.

Eat: There are endless opportunities to dine with a water view in Port Stephens. Dine alfresco on the deck at the Little Beach Boathouse or grab fish and chips to eat on the sand from John Dory’s Takeaway. If you’re indecisive, you’ll love BFarm by Murrays which is part brewery, part distillery and part wine cellar door. There are multiple ways to wine and dine, from picnics to high tea and meals in the restaurant.   

Do: When you’re not splashing, head to the Stockton Sand Dunes for a fast-paced thrill. Here, Indigenous-owned Sand Dune Adventures operates quad-bike tours over Worimi Conservation Lands. While you zip around these enormous dunes, you’ll be able to discover the Aboriginal history of the area, as well as learning how to find fresh water and bush tucker.

Native animals are in full focus at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, where you can spot these marsupials in their natural habitat and discover what the centre is doing to help protect and care for them – there’s an on-site hospital for injured animals – as well as the environment they call home.

Tip: Port Stephens is a major hub for dolphin and whale watching cruises, the latter during migration from May through November. 

You can’t get much get closer to the sand than when you check in to Novotel Newcastle Beach. Contemporary rooms are spacious and light-filled, and many come with views over the waves. You’re also within walking distance of dozens of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and shops.

The Mercure Newcastle is just a 10-minute walk from Nobbys Beach. When you’re done on the sand, stroll back to your Newcastle accommodation via the bustling Honeysuckle Waterfront with all its cafes and restaurants. Then, check into sleek, refurbished rooms or take another dip in the pool.

The Ibis Newcastle is a short walk away, close to the Newcastle Harbour and the Honeysuckle Light Rail line, which takes you straight to Newcastle Beach. If you want to be within easy reach of Glenrock Park and surrounding beaches, check in to Mercure Charleston, giving you easy access to both Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. 

Some of the best beaches in Newcastle include Nobbys Beach, Newcastle Beach, Bar Beach, Merewether Beach and Horseshoe Beach. 

Most of the best beaches in Newcastle are suitable for families, with calm waters to swim in, surfing schools, calm ocean pools, adjoining playgrounds and skate parks, and Surf Lifesavers watching over the beach. 

The best beaches in Newcastle for surfing include Newcastle Beach and Merewether Beach. Mereweather Beach hosts the largest surfing championship in the Southern Hemisphere; Surfest. 

There is plenty of free parking around Newcastle’s best beaches. There’s also public transport available. 

Nobbys Beach is one of Newcastle’s best beaches for beginner surfers, and there is a surf school that runs classes here. 

Newcastle’s Horseshoe Beach has a section of sand where you can let your dog run off-leash. 

Newcastle’s best beaches are popular year-round. During winter, there are whale-watching opportunities (May through November). The weather and water is warmer at other times of the year, when Newcastle’s best beaches are at their busiest. 

All beaches are patrolled during the summer swimming season from 28 September 2024 until 27 April 2025. Nobbys, Bar and Merewether Beach are patrolled all year round.

If you’re heading to the beach in Newcastle, be sure to pack SPF50+ sunscreen, a hat, your swimsuit, towels, sunglasses and any essentials you might need for a sand picnic.