Australia is famous for it’s beaches, and Newie has some of the best. Bri Porter ranks the best beaches Newcastle has to offer.

Newcastle is known as one Australia’s hotspots for some of the best beaches in the world. From fine golden sand to stunning blue waves, Newcastle is by far one of the best spots to experience a great day at the beach. With over 10 different beaches to choose from, how do you pick the right beach for you? Well let’s look at the top 4 in Newcastle and see what features each has to offer.

Newcastle Beach

Newcastle beach is a popular hotspot for the locals and tourists. Newcastle beach boasts a pristine coastline and has something for everyone. It is located a short walk from the tram stop, making very convenient for people to access if they’re coming from out of town and avoiding the stress of finding a car park in the CBD.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

Newcastle has many eateries to choose from such as The Kiosk situated on the beach if you’re after the classic, fish and chips. Or if you’re feeling like a more hearty lunch, located in the stunning Newcastle East, is Edmonds and Co, just a short walk from the beach. Although, nothing beats an ice cream from East End Ice Creamery on a hot summer’s day.

The Ocean Baths is a beautiful historic site. Built in the 1920’s, the baths pavilion showcases an Art Deco design. It features two stunning pools, one designated for general swimming and the other for swimming laps. From the baths there are stunning panoramic views from Nobbys to Newcastle Beach. The canoe pool, besides the Ocean Baths, features a shallow wading pool, perfect for small children and families. Enjoy a nice afternoon splashing and swimming or building sandcastles.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

The Bogey Hole is a hidden treasure and a must-see attraction. Originally constructed around 1820, it was hand cut by convicts for Major James Morriset, Commandant of Newcastle. It was not until 1863 that it was open for public use. Following in 1884, The Newcastle City Council started construction enlarging the bogey hole to seven times its original size, deepened it, installed an iron safety rail, bridges, stairs and ledges were cut into the rocks.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

It’s a picturesque view beyond compare; buried into a cliff, swimmers can expect to see coastline views extending to all of Newcastle and beyond. In front, endless views of the ocean to the horizon, with the occasional crash of waves against the rocks.

Nobby’s Beach

Nobby’s is a classic. The long stretch of golden sand and smooth ocean blue waves is a sight like nothing else.

Walk, jog or ride a bike along the break wall if you want to explore Newcastle a little further. On the break wall, you’ll see panoramic views of of Stockton to Newcastle.

Nobby’s has a reputation for being the safest beach in Newcastle. For beginner surfers, this beach is definitely the one to go to. A patrolled beach with gentler tides, this beach will be the perfect place to smash the surfing basics.

During summer, the beach can get busy so if you’re after an isolated spot walk further down the long stretch of sand towards the break wall.

For a photographer, Nobby’s is a dream. The stunning ocean and the cotton candy skies make it the perfect shot.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

Bar Beach

One of Newcastle’s most popular beaches would have to be Bar Beach – and for good reason. Boasting incredible coastal views, a shallow swimming area for children, rock pools which are deep enough to dust off the old snorkelling gear for, and free parking. Bar Beach is definitely a Novocastrian favourite.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

A main attraction right next to bar beach is the ANZAC Walk. The 450m long ANZAC Walk was built in 2015 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 1915. The bridge itself stands 160m from the beach below and is made of stainless steel – a tribute to the commencement of steel making in Newcastle in 1915 as well. The walk itself cost $4.5 million to build and is worth every penny as it provides uncontested views of the coastline, city, and up into the hunter valley as well.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

Bar beach also has its own kiosk, a skatepark metres from the beach itself, and plenty of space to spread out across the sand to work on your summer tan (sunscreen is always a must!) Check out Bar Beach for a one-of-a-kind Newcastle beach experience.

Merewether Beach

Merewether is always popular. You’ll witness locals walking their dogs along Bather’s Way, surfers making their way out into the waves, parents playing with their children and the smiles on people’s faces while they’re having coffee while soaking up the views at the beachside café. The water is somehow always a perfect temperature. This beach is home to the international professional surfing contest, Surfest.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

Further down the beach promenade is Merewether Ocean Baths. The baths are known as the largest in the Southern hemisphere. They are patrolled and cleaned weekly to ensure pristine swimming conditions.

Image courtesy of Shannon Hartigan

There is nothing quite like a late afternoon dip in the baths.

All images used with the permission of Shannon Hartigan. Check out Shannon’s gallery online, or visit 91 Hunter Street, Newcastle East NSW.