Nobbys Lighthouse, NewcastleCredit: Destination NSW
Aerial of Nobbys Lighthouse and Hunter River in Newcastle.
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Newcastle, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, may not be the biggest city in New South Wales, but it takes home a lot of other records. Australia’s second-oldest city, it’s also the state’s busiest sea port. Small wonder that life here revolves around the water, whether that’s surfing, cruising, swimming in historic ocean pools or spotting dolphins offshore while tackling along epic coastal trails. And then there’s the cosmopolitan city centre, with its charming neighbourhoods wedged between historic sites. Here are 10 experiences that reveal Newcastle through its great outdoors.
Take a dip in Bogey Hole
New South Wales has its fair share of legendary ocean baths, but none are quite so important to the state’s — indeed, the country’s — history as Bogey Hole. Thought to be the oldest of its kind in Australia, this ocean-fed swimming pool was cut into the rocks off Newcastle’s Shepherds Hill by convicts in 1819. The gem-like pool of clear turquoise water is the perfect perch to enjoy sweeping views over the city’s coastline — just arrive early in summer to secure a scenic spot.
Get cultural in Cooks Hill
If you’re seeking a dose of Newcastle culture, be sure to add bohemian Cooks Hill to your itinerary. This inner-city suburb is a delight to explore on foot, its leafy streets lined with grand Victorian terrace houses and timber cottages, as well as landmark art institutions. Top of the list is the Newcastle Art Gallery, which curates more than 6,000 works, alongside smaller galleries, the city’s library and bookshops you’ll want to linger in.
Explore the Honeysuckle precinct
A former derelict industrial area along the Newcastle main waterfront is reinvented as the buzzing Honeysuckle precinct. Walk, cycle or rollerblade along foreshore promenades and through open squares, then find a cool café or restaurant to refuel at while gazing over the busy harbour.
Step back in time at Fort Scratchley
Built in 1882, Fort Scratchley was Newcastle’s first line of defence for almost 100 years. Today, the historic site in Newcastle East has been transformed into a museum. Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace, wandering through a network of underground tunnels and grabbing a photo with the fort’s cannons, still standing guard.
The Bogey Hole, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
The Bogey Hole, Newcastle
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The Bogey Hole, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
The Bogey Hole, Newcastle
Nobbys Beach and lighthouse, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Nobbys Beach leading up to Nobbys Lighthouse on the south entrance of the Port of Newcastle.
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Nobbys Beach and lighthouse, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Nobbys Beach leading up to Nobbys Lighthouse on the south entrance of the Port of Newcastle.
Catch a wave at Nobbys Beach
Whether you’re a surfer or a swimmer, or just like to hang out on the sand, you’ll love Nobbys Beach. This Newcastle institution is one of the city’s safest, with wave conditions to suit all watersports enthusiasts, from bodyboarders to beginner surfers to experts on the breaks — you can even take lessons to find your feet. Before leaving, grab a coffee from The Kiosk, right on the edge of the sand.
Jump on a tram
Back in the 1920s, Newcastle residents would get about on a glossy maroon tram. It was eventually decommissioned, but rebuilt in 1994, and now the famous tram takes visitors on a scenic 1.25-hour ride around the city. Jump aboard at Queen’s Wharf to discover beaches, parks and historic sites, with commentary en route.
People-watch at Merewether Surfhouse
Merewether is to Newcastle what Bondi is to Sydney — gorgeous beach, beautiful people, cool places to see and be seen. Grab a windowside table at Merewether Surfhouse, a restaurant/café/pizza kitchen/cocktail bar that has some of the best views in town. Set aside a whole afternoon — you won’t want to leave.
Cruise around the harbour
Newcastle is the busiest sea port in NSW. That means a lot of ships (and a lot of action) on the harbour, 24 hours a day. Hop on a ferry for the brisk 5-minute journey across the Hunter River between Stockton and Queens Wharf, or take in the spectacle from one of the Nova Cruises or Moonshadow Cruises ships (the latter depart Port Stephens, to the north), to enjoy a longer tour around the water.
Stretch your legs on the Bathers Way
One of the state’s most exhilarating coastal trails, the Bathers Way stretches six clifftop kilometres, from Nobbys Headland in the north to the Merewether Baths in the south. When you’re not gazing out to see (look out for migrating whales from May through November) you’ll pass some of Newcastle’s most important historic and natural sites on land. Bring your swimming costume and break up your walk with a few refreshing swims along the way.
Take to the water at Lake Macquarie
Travel 40km south of Newcastle to discover Lake Macquarie, which spans a mind-blowing 30km of coastline and is twice the size of Sydney Harbour. It’s also the largest saltwater lake in the southern hemisphere, so there’s plenty of space for uninterrupted swimming, boating, fishing or just relaxing on golden sandy beaches. Then lace up your shoes and trek through rainforest to the cool mist of waterfalls.
Note: The Newcastle Art Gallery is currently closed for major refurbishments and will reopen in 2024.
Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle
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Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle Credit: Destination NSW
Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle
Aerial, Lake Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking the scenic coastline and beaches near Lake Macquarie.
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Aerial, Lake Macquarie Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking the scenic coastline and beaches near Lake Macquarie.
Blue Pool, BermaguiCredit: Destination NSW
The scenic Blue Pool on the Bermagui coastline.
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You’ll find spectacular ocean pools dotted along the southern coastline of New South Wales. These handmade pools, fed by the ocean’s waves, are often built into the rocks near beautiful sandy beaches, can be hidden away along the coastline and are enjoyed mostly by locals. Ocean pools are great for kids learning how to swim, lap swimming and for a dip on the days when the waves are a little too big for your liking. Here’s where to find an ocean pool on the coast south of Sydney.
In the Illawarra
You’ll find many spectacular ocean pools in the Illawarra area, from south of the Royal National Park all the way through to the popular seaside town of Kiama. These include lovely pools at Coledale, Bulli, Towradgi, Port Kembla and North Wollongong.
Take the road through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and onto Coalcliff Beach, where the ocean pool is set against a dramatic backdrop of the escarpment.
Nuns Pool, at Flagstaff Point in Wollongong, is one of the oldest in the state, dating back to the 1830s. (The title of oldest ocean pool goes to the Bogey Hole in Newcastle, north of Sydney. It was built by convicts in 1819.) Located below the lighthouse, the Nuns Pool (formerly known as Chain Baths and used by the nuns of St Mary’s convent) sits in a small, sheltered cove and is accessed via a narrow path chiselled into the sandstone.
Further south at Kiama, the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool offers a safe swimming spot near the area’s famous blowhole, the largest in the world, on a headland near the town centre. This beautiful, hand-cut pool is an irregular shape and has a varied depth and rock bottom – it was also once a men-only bath. You can also take the 15-minute walk around Kiama Harbour from the blowhole to Black Beach Reserve. Here you can do 50-metre laps in the Olympic-size Continental Ocean Pool.
A 15-minute drive south of Kiama is the tiny coastal town of Gerringong. Head down to Gerringong’s Werri Beach for a swim at Ourie Ocean Pool, at the southern end of the beach. This rectangular pool, carved into a flat rock shelf, has a smooth concrete bottom and is perfect for a summer’s day dip.
Bulli Rockpool, Bulli Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over Bulli Rockpool, Bulli.
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Bulli Rockpool, Bulli Credit: Destination NSW
Sun setting over Bulli Rockpool, Bulli.
Ourie Pool, Gerringong Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic aerial over Ourie Pool off Werri Beach, Gerringong.
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Ourie Pool, Gerringong Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic aerial over Ourie Pool off Werri Beach, Gerringong.
From the Illawarra to the Shoalhaven
Drive an hour further south into the Shoalhaven region and seek out Huskisson Sea Pool at Huskisson. This coastal town has a rich shipbuilding heritage, which you can explore at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum after your swim.
A 45-minute drive south of Huskisson brings you to Mollymook, where you’ll find the South Coast’s famous Bogey Hole, a natural rock pool on the headland south of the beach. There’s also a lovely ocean pool at Ulladulla, a five-minute drive further down the coast.
On the Sapphire Coast
One of the state’s most famous ocean pools is found at Bermagui, a little over five hours by car from Sydney, on the Sapphire Coast. Bermagui’s Blue Pool is revered as one of the prettiest, filled with azure-hued water fading to turquoise and green. At 50 metres long it makes for a great lap-swimming pool and there’s also a shallow wading pool, ideal for kids, just next to the pool.
One of the southernmost ocean pools on the NSW coastline is the Aslings Beach Rock Pool, a hidden gem carved into the pink-and-white cliffs at Aslings Beach in Eden, a six-hour drive from Sydney. It’s only a short walk from town, but its low profile makes it hard to spot from further down the beach. Make your way over the rocks from the beach and take a dip at low tide before the waves have a chance to deposit any seaweed.
Blue Pool, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
The picturesque Blue Pool situated along the Bermagui coastline.
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Blue Pool, Bermagui Credit: Destination NSW
The picturesque Blue Pool situated along the Bermagui coastline.
Aslings Beach Rock Pool, Eden Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden.
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Aslings Beach Rock Pool, Eden Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden.