The Newcastle Memorial Walk, also known as the Newcastle Anzac Walk, is one of the most spectacular spots in Newcastle, so put this on your list of must-see places.
Bring the family (but not your dog) and go for a walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk and enjoy coastal views while celebrating history. The Newcastle Memorial Walk at Strzelecki Lookout was built in 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Anzac Landing and the commencement of steel making in Newcastle.
This coastal walk located on The Hill is a powerful commemoration to local soldiers who fought in the First World War and a beautiful spot to enjoy our city. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s a spot worth visiting in Newcastle.
Strzelecki Lookout: Where to Find It
The walk starts at Strzelecki Lookout on The Hill, one of Newcastle’s oldest and highest suburbs. This is where you’ll find the car park and the start of the walkway, and it’s the same lookout locals have used for generations to take in the coastline, now home to the Memorial Walk as well.
The Anzac History Behind the Walk
The Anzac walk features steel silhouettes of Anzac soldiers engraved with 3,860 family names of almost 11,000 known Newcastle and Hunter Valley men and women who enlisted during World War I.
It’s touching to see people looking for their relatives’ names on the listing of those who served and leaving flowers behind.
The 450 metre cliff top walkway also features history panels with information about different aspects of the conflict, as well as listing the geographic place names of various conflicts.
The Views From Anzac Walk & Strzelecki Lookout
And of course, we have to mention the magnificent views. From the walkway, there are 360 degree views of Newcastle from the coast to the city. The views towards Bar Beach, Merewether and beyond are simply divine and show off our beautiful coastline.
Built with 64 tonnes of stainless steel and costing $4.5 million, the walkway is a spectacular addition to the Newcastle coastline and is popular with locals and visitors alike. Thanks to BHP Billiton and Newcastle Council for contributing $3 million and $1.5 million respectively.
Practical Info: Access, Hours and Getting Down to Bar Beach
The walk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the path is lit during the evenings. Just be aware of your personal safety after dark.
The walk is also pram and wheelchair accessible from the Strzelecki Lookout section, enabling you to travel all the way to the viewing platform before looping back to the car park. Please note that dogs are not allowed on this walk.
If you don’t have to loop back, you can go down the series of clifftop steps linking it to Bather’s Way on Memorial Drive and head down to Bar Beach, where you can continue on toward Merewether. See our full Bar Beach to Merewether family day out for a route that combines both.
Between June and November, the elevated position also makes this one of the better whale watching spots in Newcastle. Check out our whale watching guide for the best times and other nearby vantage points.
The Walkway That Whistles
Interestingly, the Memorial Walk also whistles. One of our readers, Heidi, mentioned that her mum lives nearby and has noticed on windy days, the walkway hums and whistles. Her mum beautifully describes it as the “Spirit of the Anzacs.” A very fitting tribute indeed.
FAQs About the Newcastle Memorial Walk
FAQs About the Newcastle Memorial Walk
The walkway is approximately 450 metres, which takes most people 15 to 20 minutes at an easy pace. Allow longer if you want to stop and read the history panels or search for a family name.
Yes, the walk is pram and wheelchair accessible from the Strzelecki Lookout section through to the viewing platform. You’ll then need to turn back as there are steps down to Bar Beach.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Memorial Walk.
Parking is available at the Strzelecki Lookout car park on The Hill.
There are cafes and takeaway options a short drive away along the Bar Beach and Merewether strip, so it’s easy to combine the walk with breakfast or lunch nearby.
Sunrise and sunset both offer stunning light for photos, and 360 degree views on a clear day from the coast to the city. The walk is also open 24 hours, though it’s worth taking care of your personal safety after dark.
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