Swim at Blacksmiths Beach, Lake Macquarie’s Family-Friendly Beach

Take the kids for a swim at Blacksmiths Beach, the most family-friendly stretch of the nine miles that make up Nine Mile Beach in the Lake Macquarie region. Sitting at the southern end, it’s sheltered a little by the Blacksmiths Breakwater, making it a solid choice for a relaxed beach day with younger kids.

Good to Know

• Address: Blacksmiths Beach, Blacksmiths NSW 2281
• Cost: Free entry
• Patrolled: Yes, from the September/October school holidays through to April. Check the Lake Macquarie City Council website for current patrol details
• Toilets & Showers: Yes, indoor and outdoor
• Shade: Shaded areas near the Surf Life Saving Club
• Parking: Plenty of free parking near the Surf Life Saving Club
• Picnic Area: Shaded, undercover tables, plus a grassy area
• Kiosk: No, but there’s a takeaway food shop across the road from the beach car park
• Accessibility: Yes
• Nearest Playground: Blacksmiths Playground, near the Surf Life Saving Club

What Makes Blacksmiths Beach Family-Friendly

Home to the Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club, Blacksmiths Beach has a wide, sandy stretch of sand and nearby indoor and outdoor showers, everything you need for an easy swim with kids. The headland you can see in the distance is Redhead Bluff.

While you’re there, stop for a photo at the well-known Blacksmiths mural on the side of the surf lifesaving club, it’s become a bit of a local landmark in its own right.

If the kids need a break from the sand, there’s a grassy area for a picnic and a small playground nearby.

Not keen on packing a picnic? The takeaway food shop across the road from the beach car park has you covered.

Beyond the Beach

Walk down to Blacksmiths Breakwater to watch boats moving in and out of Swansea Channel, it’s a genuinely good spot for kids to spend a while just watching the water traffic.

If you’ve got smaller kids, it’s also worth walking around to Grannies’ Pool, a tidal pool that’s perfect for the under-5s.

4WD Access and Camping Rules

Registered 4WD vehicles are permitted within Belmont Wetlands State Park for access to Nine Mile Beach. Permit sales are only available online, and the funds have gone towards self-composting, waterless toilet blocks at the park entry and at Third Creek, useful to know if you’re planning a longer day out.

Camping is available at the Belmont Wetlands State Park Campground, with the entrance at 119 Kalaroo Road, Redhead. You don’t need a 4WD to get in, standard 2WD vehicles can access the campground through the main entrance.

A few things worth knowing before you book:

• Sites cost $40 (off peak), $50 (peak periods) or $60 for a premium site, all unpowered
• Maximum 4 people and 1 vehicle per site
• Camping and camper trailers are permitted, but caravans are not allowed under local government regulations, and sites aren’t suited to Winnebagos or RVs
• Check-in is from 1pm, check-out by 10am
• The park is pet-friendly, provided owners follow the Park’s Pet Policy
• The turf is still establishing, so some sites can be soft. Consider this with your camping gear, and let your tyres down before driving onto sites to reduce turf damage

For bookings and full terms, visit the Belmont Wetlands State Park camping page.

Getting There & Parking

Blacksmiths Beach is easy to find and there’s plenty of free parking near the Surf Life Saving Club, a welcome change from some of the busier Newcastle beaches closer to the city.

Nearby for Families

Combine your visit with a swim at Grannies’ Pool, just around the corner or venture a bit further to explore the caves at low tide at Caves Beach, and see more family-friendly coastal spots in our guide to 20 of Newcastle’s Best Beaches & Ocean Baths for Kids.

Frequently Asked Questions