With its rich coal mining history, framed by stunning beaches, and home to one of the oldest pubs in the Lake Macquarie area, Catherine Hill Bay is a State Heritage-Listed village treasured by locals. Spend a day here with the family, and you’ll soon discover why.
Step back in time by walking past the 19th century miners’ cottages, snap a picture in front of the iconic coal-loading jetty, or grab a drink or a meal at the historic Catho Pub. You can also enjoy a swim at Catherine Hill Bay Beach or explore the coastline with its extensive rock platforms and tidal pools.
Established as a base for coal mining in 1865, Catherine Hill Bay is the oldest continuous settlement in the Lake Macquarie area. Originally called the “Township of Cowper”, it was renamed in 1867 to commemorate the schooner “Catherine Hill” that ran aground during a powerful gale.
Although the last coal mine closed in 2002, the designation of Catherine Hill Bay as a State Heritage-Listed village in 2010 protects its unique status as one of Australia’s most intact 19th-century company towns.
Beaches
Catherine Hill Bay Beach
Pack the swimmers, towels, beach shelter and sand toys for a day out at pristine Catherine Hill Bay Beach. Catherine Hill Bay Beach is patrolled from September/October until April by Council Lifeguards and volunteers from Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club. Parking is available near the surf club, with a larger car park also located further along Flowers Drive.
With its stunning views, it’s not hard to see why this beach was named, by Tourism Australia, as one of “Australia’s 101 Best Beaches.”
Moonee Beach
South of Catherine Hill Bay Beach, you’ll discover the natural beauty of Moonee Beach, a long, unspoilt stretch of sand perfect for family adventures. Access to Moonee Beach is by foot, via the “Beach Access” track at the end of Hooey Street.
Moonee Beach is unpatrolled, so swimming is not recommended, however, it’s a fantastic spot for young explorers!
The unique rock formation at Flat Rocks Point, at the southern end of Moonee Beach, creates a naturally sheltered wading area and rock pools that are protected from the waves and absolutely teeming with fascinating sea life – perfect for little ones to splash and play safely. Read more about Moonee Beach.
Ghosties Beach
For a slightly longer, picturesque walk, continue south from Moonee Beach, cross the small sand dunes, and you’ll arrive at the pristine sands of Ghosties Beach. We recommend this walk for older kids (or younger ones who are keen walkers!) who enjoy beachcombing and a bit of adventure.
Ghosties Beach boasts some stunning sea caves, often referred to as the Rainbow Caves due to the colourful mineral stains (red, purple, orange) on the inner walls.
Please note: Tide and swell are crucial to cave access. The caves, although spectacular, are only accessible and safe to enter at very low tide and during low swell conditions. However, we urge caution. During all conditions, waves can surge unpredictably and dangerously into the caves, posing a serious safety risk, so always check the tide and swell forecast before you visit.
History
Catho Pub
A visit to Catherine Hill Bay wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Historic Catho Pub. Established in 1875, it’s recognised as the oldest pub in the Lake Macquarie LGA.
Stay for an old-school bistro meal, or a coffee and cake, and soak in the friendly atmosphere. Be sure to check out the walls – they’re lined with historic photos of the area.
The Catho Pub is popular on weekends with car clubs, social motorcycle groups and day trippers. It’s also a top spot for families as the outdoor area features a fenced kid’s playground, a large grassy space, and plenty of shade.
Historic Coal-Loading Jetty
The coal-loading jetty at the southern end of Catherine Hill Bay Beach is a powerful reminder of the suburb’s coal mining history. Built in the 1870s to avoid the Lake Macquarie sandbar, coal was shipped from the jetty until 2002.
The current concrete and steel structure, built in 1974, is actually the third jetty and, like the long-term residents of Catherine Hill Bay, has seen many changes throughout its history. The original jetty, built in 1873, was lost to fire, and the second, built in 1890, was severely damaged by a cyclone.
Having survived all this, the Catherine Hill Bay Jetty is now nearing the end of its life. Maintenance stopped in 2019, leading to its deterioration. With the NSW Government now proposing its removal, this iconic piece of history may, sadly, soon be gone.
Read more about the removal of the Catherine Hill Bay jetty here.
Miner’s Cottages
Take a walk around the village and explore the heritage-listed miner’s cottages, the defining feature of Catherine Hill Bay. Built by the Wallarah Coal Company between the 1890s and 1920s, most of the cottages have been lovingly renovated by private owners, protecting their original facade and uniform streetscape. Together with the pub, they make up the Catherine Hill Bay Cultural Precinct – the oldest group of buildings in the City of Lake Macquarie.
Playgrounds
Village Playground, Headland Reserve
The Village Playground at Headland Reserve is a beautifully designed space that opened in early 2025.
Featuring natural elements and wide paths, the playground offers climbing and balancing structures that all ages will love. Kids can enjoy the swings (a regular, baby/toddler, and group swing), a spinner, and a balancing “surfboard.” Complete with picnic benches and a water fountain, it’s a lovely place to stop for a play and a rest.
Don’t forget to take in the stunning coastal views while you’re there – you can see the jetty and the coastline sweeping all the way to Newcastle.
Roy McDougall Park Playground
Ideal for toddlers/preschoolers, this smaller playground located on the corner of Flowers Drive and Northwood Road features a climbing structure with a slide and a fireman’s pole, as well as both regular and baby/toddler swings. Two unique bouncies pay tribute to the past: one is shaped like a coal-loading cart and the other, an antique car. Tall gum trees provide shaded areas to sit and escape the sun.
Rockpools
On a low to mid tide and a low ocean swell, explore the rockpools located to the north of Catherine Hill Bay Beach.
The walk to these amazing natural pools is demanding, but the reward is worth the effort. The pools boast crystal-clear water in shimmering shades of blue and green. While the approximately one-hour return hike is not for the faint-hearted, experienced hiking kids aged 8 and up should be able to manage, provided they are confident navigating trails and rocks. Read more about exploring the Catherine Hill Bay rockpools.
Walks
Catho Coastal Walkway
Stay tuned for information on the progress of the Catho Coastal Walkway. In 2025, construction begun on the southern headland section, which will eventually extend north past the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club and, when completed, will extend for 3km from Middle Camp in the north to Moonee Beach in the south. The walk will include signage on the history of the area. At this stage, no firm timeframe has been given for completion of the project.
Moonee Beach Trail
Hiking families will enjoy the 4km return Moonee Beach Trail, a picturesque walk that takes you past wildflowers and coastal views.
The trail is accessed from Snapper Point Road in Munmorah State Conservation Area. The trail is quite easy to find using Google Maps but isn’t well signposted from the road, so drive slowly to find it. There is a small car park area at the start of the track and park entry fees are $8 per car per day.
Catherine Hill Bay is the perfect place for a memorable family day out, offering much more than just a pristine beach. It’s a place to step back in time and relax, allowing you to learn a little about the region’s history while enjoying the genuine, unhurried feel of this unique coastal village.
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