Belmont Baths is one of the easiest lake swims in the region to plan around a family day out. The shark-netted enclosure keeps the water calm and contained, there’s a jetty the kids will want to jump off all afternoon, and the shore has been upgraded to make getting in and out far easier than it used to be.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Quick facts
- Address: Brooks Parade, Belmont (cross street Maude Street)
- Patrolled: No
- Toilets and showers: Yes
- Shade: Sheltered picnic area next to the amenities block
- Parking: Limited on busy days, in the car park and along Brooks Parade
- Wheelchair access: Yes, ramp down to the water
- Nearest playground: Lions Park, 260 metres south
What’s in the water
The swimming enclosure is 70 metres long and 45 metres wide, fully netted for safety, with a 70 metre jetty running alongside it. There’s plenty of room to spread out even when it’s busy, and it’s a good spot for inflatables since the water stays calm inside the net line. Kids old enough to swim confidently love jumping off the jetty, while younger ones tend to stick closer to the sandy entry point.
Getting in and out of the water
Entry points include stairs and an accessible ramp, so there are options whatever your group needs. It used to be a bit rocky underfoot near the shore, but Lake Macquarie City Council completed a $35,000 upgrade to fix that.
The rocks at the entry have been replaced with sand, so wading in from the beach side is now far more comfortable for little feet. If you come in via the jetty instead, expect a mix of sand and seagrass underfoot rather than rock.
One tip locals swear by: if razor clams are a concern for you, wear old sand shoes, crocs or aqua shoes when you get in. It saves a lot of yelping.
Facilities and shade
The amenities block sits right in front of the baths, with sheltered picnic areas and decent tree shade nearby, useful on the days when it’s hot. It’s an easy setup for a few hours: swim, dry off under the trees, eat lunch, swim again.
Parking and getting there
Belmont Baths is at Brooks Parade in Belmont, on the corner of Maude Street. There’s a car park on site plus street parking along Brooks Parade, but both fill up fast on warm weekends and through the school holidays. If you can get there early, do.
Where to eat nearby
Good One café is right across the road if you want coffee or something to eat without packing it all yourself. There are more options a short drive away if you’d rather make a proper lunch stop of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are no lifeguards on duty. Keep an eye on kids in the water as you normally would at an unpatrolled swim spot.
Yes. There’s a ramp down to the water alongside the stair entry.
Lions Park playground is about 260 metres south of the baths, an easy walk if the kids want a play before or after swimming.
Not essential, but if razor clams are a concern, old sand shoes, crocs or aqua shoes make wading in more comfortable.
Yes, in the on-site car park and along Brooks Parade, though it gets tight on busy days. Arrive early on weekends and during school holidays.
More swim spots to explore
Belmont Baths is a great option, but it’s not the only one in the area. Check out our full guide to Newcastle’s best beaches and ocean baths for kids for more nearby options, or head to Belmont Wetlands if you’re after a change of scenery on the same trip.