For exquisite coastal views, enchanting rock pools and calm swimming spots, check out Moonee Beach, near Catherine Hill Bay. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Swansea, Moonee Beach is accessible from either the newly developed part of Catherine Hill Bay, or Munmorah State Conservation Area. Being a fairly secluded spot, the beach is not patrolled but offers a pristine coastal area with lots to explore.
There are a couple of ways to access the beach, but both are on foot, there is no direct road access. The most scenic option is the Moonee Beach Trail, 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.
The track begins at the summit of a hill and meanders down through beautiful coastal heath to the beach.
The trail is wide and relatively easy walking most of the way down, although it’s too rugged for pram or wheelchair access.
Take it slow along the way, there are so many beautiful wildflowers and coastal views to take in.
In the distance, you can see the housing estates at Catherine Hill Bay.
The trail continues for about 2km. Although it’s a fairly easy walk on the way down, the return trip is all uphill.
Families keen to maximise their time at the beach often send one adult back up to collect the car and drive it round to nearby Catherine Hill Bay, which provides easier access on the way out.
Moonee Beach is bound by a crescent-shaped beach, with lots of sand and waves to the north, and rock platforms and Flat Island to the south.
Heading south from the beach leads straight to the rock platforms.
The rock platforms are stunning, and host rock pools teeming with sea life.
The kids loved clambering over the rocks and looking for fish and crabs.
There is an amazing swimming spot between the rock platforms and the sandy beach at the southern end. This area is constantly flushed by the ocean but is completely calm and sheltered from the waves.
Families often swim here, with kids snorkelling around looking for fish. The water is shallow at first, but drops off quite quickly, so it’s best to swim alongside younger kids.
Please note: Moonee Beach is unpatrolled, so there are no lifeguards on duty so swim at your own risk. Take extra care when swimming, keep young or inexperienced swimmers close, and avoid swimming alone. Check conditions before heading out and always supervise kids closely around the rock platforms and swimming spot.
Just past the rock platforms is Flat Island. Although it isn’t actually an island (being connected to the land), it is a striking grassy peninsula jutting out from the beach.
A short clamber up a dirt track takes you to the top of the peninsula, and you can walk right out to the end.
This is a real highlight of the trip, the coastal scenery on either side of Flat Island is stunning, and it’s an easy walk for kids.
South of Flat Island is Ghostie’s Beach, which boasts some stunning sea caves. The caves are only accessible at low tide, so it’s worth checking tide times and planning a visit around them.
Moonee Beach is well worth a visit. To reach the beach without walking the Moonee Beach Trail, access is available from the southern end of Breakers Boulevard at Catherine Hill Bay, check Google Maps for access points. A short walk along a bush track is still needed to reach the beach, but it’s much shorter this way.
Good to Know
Amenities: There are no toilets or bubblers at Moonee Beach. If you want to walk the Moonee Beach Trail from Munmorah State Conservation Park, you will need to buy an $8 park entry ticket. Access from Catherine Hill Bay is free.
Distance: About 4km return if you walk the Moonee Beach Trail. Access is shorter via Catherine Hill Bay – perhaps about 500m (although there are varying access points from Catherine Hill Bay of different distances – check Google Maps before you depart).
Bring: Bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, and enclosed shoes for the walk down to Moonee Beach. If you want to explore the rock platforms and rock pools, take swimmers and some water shoes with you as there are oysters on the rocks.
Getting There: Access the Moonee Beach Trail via Snapper Point Rd in Munmorah State Conservation Area, or park on Breakers Boulevard at Catherine Hill Bay and walk along one of the beach trails.
For more information, visit the Munmorah State Conservation Area section on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Want to know about more local family walks or beaches? Check out our list of Family Walks or our guide to Best Family Beaches on Newy with Kids.
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