Ready to soak up the salty air and coastal views? This beach-themed itinerary is part of our Winter Family Day Out series, free and fun adventures around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter suitable for autumn and winter days.
This one’s perfect for winter when you want to be outdoors, move your body and maybe spot a whale or two! The stretch between Strzelecki Lookout and Merewether Ocean Baths is packed with things to see and do, and most of the route is stroller and scooter-friendly (apart from the steps at the end of Newcastle Memorial Walk).
Whether you walk it all or dip in and out by car, there’s something here for every family.
Start your day with the epic views from Strzelecki Lookout, a popular spot for hang gliders and an incredible vantage point over the coastline. On a windy day, watch as hang gliders run off the cliffs to catch the thermals.
Next, head onto the Newcastle Anzac Memorial Walk. This coastal walkway was built to honour local World War I soldiers and includes a striking steel sculpture featuring their names.
Along the way, enjoy sweeping views across the city and ocean – and in winter, keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales.
Fun Idea: Bring paper and pencils and make rubbings of the names along the Memorial Walk. It’s a quiet way to connect with history and get creative.
The Anzac Memorial Walk is 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.
From here, you can go down the series of clifftop steps linking it to the Bather’s Way on Memorial Drive.
Continue down to Bar Beach, where you’ll find a skate park for the big kids and a lookout that’s perfect for dolphin spotting. There’s also a kiosk nearby if you need snacks or a warm drink.
There’s Empire Skate Park if the kids want to stop for a skate or scoot as well as a hit wall. For younger kids under 5, the Empire Park Playground is ideal with age-appropriate play equipment.
From Bar Beach, walk south up and over the headland to Dixon Park. It’s a short steep walk but you’ll be rewarded with views south over Dixon Park Beach and Merewether Beach. If you feel like a rest, there are picnic tables and a bubbler at the top of the hill.
Walk down the hill past Dixon Park Beach Surf Club and you’ll see a large grassed area and parking lot, Dixon Park. It’s a the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean views while your child plays in the fenced Dixon Park playground.
If the weather’s cool, keep walking (or drive) to the stunning Merewether Ocean Baths. Even if it’s too cold to swim, this massive ocean pool complex is well worth a visit – it’s the largest in the Southern Hemisphere! Kids will love seeing the waves crash over the edge and you’ll love the views.
Hot Tip: From May to November, this is prime whale-watching territory. Look for the spouts of water along the horizon – they’re easier to spot than you think!
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Winter Family Day Out: Newcastle’s East End
Winter Family Day Out: Stockton