Highlights of the Newcastle Coastline
He’s a guide to our favourite spots along the Newcastle coastline, and a few of the special characters you are likely to encounter along the way!
Merewether Ocean Baths
The Merewether Ocean Baths is the largest ocean baths complex in the southern hemisphere. It’s an absolute hit with locals in summer!
Dixon Park Beach
Dixon Park is situated between Merewether Beach and Bar Beach along the Newcastle coastline. It’s popular amongst local surfers, kite surfers and is a great patrolled beach during the warmer months!
Bar Beach
Voted Newcastle’s #1 beach by our guests. Bar Beach is a great destination for a swim, visiting the sheltered rock pools or as a picnic destination on the hill as the sun sets!
Bottlenose Dolphins
Year-round, Newcastle’s resident bottlenose dolphins patrol the coastline. Some of the exciting moments we’ve witnessed include when they are feeding or have newborn calves by their side!
The ANZAC Memorial Walk
Constructed in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and the commencement of steel making in Newcastle in 1915. Arguably the ANZAC memorial walk has some of the best views over Newcastle!
The Bogey Hole
Being the oldest ocean pool on the east coast of Australia, The Bogey Hole was originally hand-hewn out of a wave cut rock platform by convicts for Major James Morisset in 1819. Nowadays it is on the state heritage register and is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal swimming baths!
Humpback Whales
Between the months of June and November each year, thousands of humpback whales pass the Newcastle coastline on their annual migration north from Antarctica to Tropical North Queensland. On their way, we’re fortunate to see plenty of acrobatic displays, and even catch the glimpse of their newborn calves!
Newcastle Beach
Centrally located amongst the Newcastle CBD, Newcastle beach is a popular choice for locals. It is also often where Newcastle’s resident bottlenose dolphins like to hang out. Newcastle beach is best enjoyed with a coffee or gelato overlooking the ocean!
Newcastle Ocean Baths and Canoe Pool
Located next to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the canoe pool is perfect for families. The canoe pool is said to have been built next to the mysterious ‘map pool’ in 1939. Originally, the two pools were constructed as paddling pools for children and sailing of small canoes as well as for the protection of the Newcastle Ocean Baths in rough seas! Image by @wiltliving
New Zealand Fur Seals
New Zealand? Why not “Newcastle Fur Seals”. Long-nose Fur Seals, or New Zealand Fur Seals as they’re called regularly frequent the Newcastle coastline, primarily throughout the cooler months of the year. The seals can often be seen fishing near Nobbys or Newcastle Beaches, or sun baking on one of the nearby buoys or ships rudders!
Nobbys Headland and Lighthouse
Originally an island, having not joined the mainland until 1846. Nobbys headland was nearly twice as tall as its current height. Nobbys nowadays the site features an active signal station and a lighthouse that’s been in operation for over 150 years and is open to the public on weekends!
See all of these incredible highlights on our Adventure Tour!
