Newcastle Ocean Baths

Newcastle Ocean Baths are over 100 years old and needed substantial upgrades to the pavilions, pools, and promenades to continue to provide benefit to the community.

We are committed to retaining the aesthetic of the Inter-war striped classical / art deco façade of the baths as well as the iconic bleacher seating, while also improving public amenity through provision of more shade, disability access, seating, and new public changerooms with hot water showers.

The revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths is being delivered in two stages.

Stage One: Pools and promenade areas

In Stage One we prioritised upgrades to the pool area to improve safety and accessibility for all users. This included remediation to the pools, lower promenade and pump upgrades. After considerable engagement with the community, the final design for Stage One was finalised in August 2021 incorporating the art-deco inspired circular stairs, bleachers and retaining the popular boardwalk.

Following completion of Stage One the pool re-opened for swimming on Thursday 21 December 2023.

A big thank you to all who attended our return to swim celebration.

The existing change facilities located in the southern pavilion building reopened in line with the recommencement of swimming. The change rooms and public amenities are open from 5.30am to dusk. The upgrade of these facilities is part of Stage Two of the project.

Lifeguard patrol hours are between 9am and 5.30pm Monday to Sunday, except during 
periods of pool cleaning. The schedule for pool cleaning is available here.

Watch a short animation, below, to view key features of the final design.

 

You can also view an overview of how the new pump system works and read about the key considerations for the design of the pool promenade and sand floor.

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of CN's Fred Ash building helped fund the Stage One upgrade, along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Above: The newly restored bleachers and new diving blocks, with the new timber boardwalk in the foreground.

Above: The restored circular stairs, shade structure and seating adjacent to the pool.

Above: Bathers and sunbakers enjoying the newly restored bleacher seating.

Stage Two: Pavilions

In 2023 we asked the community for feedback on preliminary floorplan options for these spaces. 

In late 2023 we appointed an experienced Principal Design Consultant to deliver the concept design of Stage Two. 

Between 17 June and 5 August 2024, we invited the community to help shape Stage Two of the project. Visit our have your say page to see the concept plans, learn more about the activities that were undertaken, and read answers to frequently asked questions.

Related news

• November 2024 - Newcastle Ocean Baths' nomination on State Heritage register
• March 2024 - Visitor numbers surge as community embraces revitalised Newcastle Ocean Baths
• December 2023 - Splash into summer at reopened Newcastle Ocean Baths
• December 2023 - Swimmers to return to Newcastle Ocean Baths
• November 2023 - Newcastle Ocean Baths pump tests signal progress toward swim-ready water
• September 2023 - City of Newcastle takes next step towards final stage of Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade
• May 2023 - Have your say on the revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths
• December 2022 - Coastal projects take shape heading into 2023
• November 2022 - Newcastle Ocean Baths turns 100
• February 2022 - Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade to begin 14 March
• October 2021 - Residents and visitors set for one more summer splash before Newcastle Ocean Baths' upgrade
• August 2021 - Newcastle Ocean Baths pool design finalised
• May 2021 - City develops concept design for Newcastle Ocean Baths pool upgrade following community feedback
• March 2021 - Preliminary design for Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 1 shows improvements to access and safety
• December 2020 - Principal design consultant appointed for Newcastle Ocean Baths pool upgrade