Newcastle Beach is Newcastle’s only true city beach close to the CBD and overlooked by high-rise apartments. However, this doesn’t detract from the appeal of this beach.
In fact, it’s a busy beach especially during the summer with both locals and tourists. You’ll often see office workers & tradies come down for a swim or a surf at lunch.
At a length of 650 metres, this beach stretches from the shallow pool in the north known as the Canoe Pool to South Newcastle Beach.
If you wish to swim, the patrolled area (red and yellow flags) is in front of the Surf Life Saving Club. Unlike Nobbys Beach which offers patrol year-round, Newcastle Beach is only patrolled over summer months.
There’s also a section called Shark Alley between the Canoe Pool and patrolled area. Even though, it’s unpatrolled, it’s popular with locals.
There’s plenty of seating both near the Surf Club and also on the Bathers Way, a coastal walk which passes by Newcastle Beach. (Bathers Way runs from nearby Nobbys Beach to Merewether).
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a few volleyball courts as well as plenty of space for a beach footy or cricket game.
If you need a feed, visit the kiosk at Newcastle Beach or South Newcastle Beach or head across the road for coffee and gelato at Estabar or lunch at Liquid Gold.
If you head south to South Newcastle Beach, you’ll spot seating area, toilets, a kiosk and a skate park.
Opened in August 2024 along Bathers Way pathway, South Newcastle Beach Skate Park is on two levels.
On the top level is the $1.8 million skate park. It features two sections. There’s the inclusive skate bowl, which is the Hunter’s first wheelchair-accessible (WCMX) skate bowl.
There’s also a terrain park for skaters, scooters and riders including wheelchair athletes of all skill levels, providing an alternative to the advanced-level facilities at nearby Empire Park.
Good to Know
Patrolled: Yes at Newcastle Beach during surf patrol season
Toilets & Showers: Yes
Shade: Shaded areas near the Surf Life Saving Club and undercover seating at South Newcastle Beach
Parking: Mixture of paid and free parking spots. Can be difficult to find parking during busy times
Picnic Area: Shaded under cover tables
Kiosk: Yes at Newcastle Beach and South Newcastle Beach
Disabled Accessibility: Yes
Nearest Playground: King Edward Park is located 500 metres away from Newcastle Beach up the hill.
For more information, visit City of Newcastle website