Bathers Way

Newcastle’s Bathers Way is one of the premier coastal walks in NSW, stretching 6km from Merewether Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north. Spectacular views abound from start to finish, from the stunning coastal panoramas at the top of Strzelecki Lookout, to the iconic stretch of sand leading up to Nobbys Lighthouse.  

Equally impressive is the area’s rich history, steeped in tales of shipwrecks and convicts, wartime defences, peacetime developments and the use of this land by the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples.  

The walk offers a rollercoaster journey of hills and descents, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a break at beach kiosks and cafes along the way, or pack a picnic and enjoy a slower pace. 

The Bathers Way is a key element in City of Newcastle’s coastal revitalisation priority project, which aims to provide facilities that attract people to live, work and play in Newcastle. 

View the Bathers Way Walk Map.

Highlights:

• Merewether Ocean Baths - largest ocean baths complex in the Southern Hemisphere, opened in 1935. 
• Merewether Beach - renowned for its world-class surf breaks and vibrant coastal atmosphere, is a favorite spot for both surfers and beachgoers
• Newcastle Memorial Walk - 450m walkway built in 2015 to mark the centenary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli
• Strzelecki Lookout - Offering breathtaking panoramic views of Newcastle's coastline, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography
• Shepherd Hill Military Defence Group - A crucial link in the city’s coastal defence system during World War II
• Bogey Hole - hand-hewn ocean pool, originally carved out by convicts for Major James Morisset, in 1819.
• South Newcastle Beach Skate Park - Accessible space designed for everyone, featuring the Hunter's first wheelchair-accessible skate bowl and offering stunning coastal views alongside Bronte Naylor's street art
• Newcastle Ocean Baths - historic seaside swimming complex, offering a unique saltwater experience with stunning ocean views and art deco architecture
• Soldiers Baths - a rough semi-circle of rocks visible at low tide on Nobbys Beach, was once a favored bathing spot for soldiers from Fort Scratchley, giving it its historic name.
• Grounded - bright red public art installation, commemorating the grounding of the MV Pasha Bulker, a 225m bulk carrier swept to shore during a violent storm on 8 June 2007
• Nobbys Beach - ideal for families and those learning to surf, while the beach pavilion, with its Art Deco arches and views to Nobbys Lighthouse and beyond, offers a great spot for photography, particularly at sunrise.