Go for a swim at the Bogey Hole, one of Newcastle’s most loved (and oldest) swimming spots. This tidal ocean rock pool below King Edward Park is a great place to cool off and soak up some local history at the same time, best suited to families with older, confident kids.
Good to Know
- Address: York Drive, King Edward Park, Newcastle NSW 2300 (also listed as Shortland Esplanade on the NSW Heritage Register, given its position along the same headland)
- Cost: Free entry
- Patrolled: No
- Toilets & Showers: No. Nearest toilets are in King Edward Park, nearest showers are at Newcastle Beach
- Shade: Shaded areas near the cliffs
- Parking: Limited. Try York Drive, or park at the top of The Terrace and walk down
- Picnic Area: Shaded picnic tables partway up York Drive
- Kiosk: No. Nearest cafe is Eddie’s at the top of King Edward Park
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair or pram accessible, steep steps down to the pool
- Nearest Playground: King Edward Park
A Piece of Newcastle’s Convict History
The Bogey Hole is thought to be the oldest surviving European construction in Newcastle, carved from the sandstone cliffs between 1819 and 1820 by convict labour. It was built on the orders of Commandant James Morisset for his own private use and was originally known as Commandant’s Baths.
The pool was later enlarged to its current size by Newcastle Borough Council in 1884, and the wider public gained access from then on. The name “Bogey Hole” comes from a Dharawal word meaning “to bathe,” and you’ll sometimes see it spelled Bogie Hole or Boggy Hole. The site was added to the NSW State Heritage Register in 2003.
What to Expect
Steps lead down from King Edward Park to the pool and a swimming platform cut into the rock. It’s a stunning spot, but the ocean here is unpredictable.
Waves can wash over the pool with little warning, even on days that look calm from above, so keep a close eye on kids near the edges and avoid leaving bags or towels too close to the water. Tying belongings to the stair railing, or packing them in waterproof bags, is the safest bet.
Because of the slippery rocks and occasional swell, the Bogey Hole suits families with older, more confident swimmers rather than toddlers or non-swimmers. There are no lifeguards on duty, so this isn’t the spot for a casual, unsupervised dip.
Getting There & Parking
The Bogey Hole sits on the lower part of King Edward Park, off York Drive in Newcastle. Parking is limited nearby on York Drive, or you can park at the top of The Terrace and walk down through the park. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring King Edward Park or walking the Bathers Way.
Nearby for Families
Combine your visit with a play at King Edward Park, just above the Bogey Hole, or continue along the Bathers Way coastal walk to Shepherds Hill and Strzelecki Lookout. For an easier swim with younger kids, the Canoe Pool and Newcastle Ocean Baths are a short drive away and far more sheltered.
See more spots like this in our guide to Newcastle’s Best Beaches & Ocean Baths for Kids, or browse our Top 15 Things to Do in Newcastle with Kids for more ideas nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s on York Drive, at the lower end of King Edward Park. It’s also listed as Shortland Esplanade on the NSW Heritage Register, since it sits along the same stretch of coastline.
It’s best suited to older, confident swimmers. The rocks are slippery and waves can wash over the pool unexpectedly, so close supervision is essential and it’s not recommended for toddlers or non-swimmers.
It was carved from sandstone cliffs by convict labour between 1819 and 1820, making it one of the oldest surviving European structures in Newcastle. It was enlarged in 1884.
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at the Bogey Hole.
Parking is limited on York Drive. You can also park at the top of The Terrace and walk down through King Edward Park.
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