With its Art Deco facade, Newcastle Ocean Baths is an iconic swimming spot with lifeguard services provided 7 days a week all year round.
Newcastle Ocean Baths reopened to the public after an upgrade in December 2023 with works to improve the safety, water quality and accessibility. The project also included delivering significant improvements for people with a disability or low mobility, including ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool.
The lifeguard lookout is one of the first things you notice on entering the Newcastle Ocean Baths. It’s now integrated into the pavilion area.
From here, lifeguards can stay out of the sun or rain, yet keep an eye on swimmers in the ocean baths.
A new pump system has been installed and has the capacity to completely replace the water in the baths within six hours.
This is a significant improvement on the old system, which was dependent on tidal movement to refill the baths after cleaning. Newcastle Ocean Baths will be closed for cleaning every Wednesday.
The complex is divided into two areas – a general swimming area and a separate area for those wishing to swim laps, divided by a wider timber boardwalk.
The pool and promenade areas have been renewed. The key features such as the Art Deco curved stairs leading from the pool up to the pavilion area have been kept.
Also, the iconic bleachers have been restored and painted with the iconic teal colour.
There’s plenty of shade with a large structure.
There’s also increased accessibility into the Ocean Baths with ramps to both pools.
The site’s existing amenities and change facilities are open for swimmers, but there is work being done to prepare concepts for the future upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.
Good to Know
Patrolled: Yes
Toilets & Showers: Yes
Shade: Large shade structure at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Parking: Limited parking on busy days in parking lot and on Shortland Avenue.
Picnic Area: Located between Ocean Baths and Canoe Pool
Kiosk: A temporary kiosk has been set up that operates during the summer period.
Disabled Accessibility: Yes, concrete ramp down to both pools.
Nearest Playground: Foreshore Park is located 500 metres away from Nobbys Beach so you’ll need to walk around to it.