In line with the latest Public Health Order the beaches are open, as well as the Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the Bogey Hole.
City of Newcastle is committed to keeping the community safe at our beaches and baths this summer. We all have a role to play, so here’s how you can contribute to the safety of yourself and others throughout summer:
Keep your distance - Stay 1.5 metres, or approximately a towel length apart from others.
Look out for our COVIDSafe Beach Marshals - During busy periods such as weekends and school holidays, additional lifeguards will be onsite as COVIDSafe Beach Marshals to patrol our beaches and baths, to educate the community about requirements under the Public Health Order, monitor crowd sizes and promote water safety.
Keep groups under 20 people - Group sizes must stay under 20 people, in line with the Public Health Order, and all group members must ensure they can physically distance with people outside their own household.
Avoid crowded areas and peak times - If you notice an area is already crowded, consider another beach or leisure option, and try to avoid peak times of the day.
Stay safe around the water - Swim between the red and yellow flags, put your hand up if you get into trouble, never swim alone, and if you are unsure ask a lifeguard.
Make decisions in the best interest of yourself and others - Make sure you stay home if you are unwell and download the COVID Safe app.
To view more details regarding lifeguard patrols at our beaches click here.
Remember red flags are a visual signal that the beach is closed for swimming.
Social distancing and public health order guidelines must be adhered to at beaches.
Refer to our neighbouring council websites for the latest updates on beaches in Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.
Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths are open, subject to the regular maintenance and cleaning schedule.
City of Newcastle is committed to keeping the community safe at our beaches and baths this summer. We all have a role to play, so here’s how you can contribute to the safety of yourself and others throughout summer:
Keep your distance - Stay 1.5 metres, or approximately a towel length apart from others.
Look out for our COVIDSafe Beach Marshals - During busy periods such as weekends and school holidays, additional lifeguards will be onsite as COVIDSafe Beach Marshals to patrol our beaches and baths, to educate the community about requirements under the Public Health Order, monitor crowd sizes and promote water safety.
Keep groups under 20 people - Group sizes must stay under 20 people, in line with the Public Health Order, and all group members must ensure they can physically distance with people outside their own household.
Avoid crowded areas and peak times - If you notice an area is already crowded, consider another beach or leisure option, and try to avoid peak times of the day.
Stay safe around the water - Swim between the red and yellow flags, put your hand up if you get into trouble, never swim alone, and if you are unsure ask a lifeguard.
Make decisions in the best interest of yourself and others - Make sure you stay home if you are unwell and download the COVID Safe app.
To view more details regarding lifeguard patrols at our beaches click here.
Social distancing and the Public Health Order guidelines must always be adhered to when using the Ocean Baths.
Yes, City-owned swim centres are now open for the summer season. To view opening hours click here. Cashless transactions are preferred.
Social distancing and public health order guidelines must be adhered to when using the swim centres.
City of Newcastle has opened skateparks, playgrounds, barbecues, shelters, sports grounds and exercise equipment, as well as Blackbutt and Richley Reserve.
The community can use public spaces to exercise or gather in small groups, however social distancing must be practised.
It is recommended that outdoor equipment, such as playgrounds and outdoor exercise facilities, is used cautiously and that hands are washed afterwards.
Blackbutt and Richley Reserve playgrounds, walking trails, open spaces are open as is the boardwalk and animal enclosures with strict one way foot traffic flow and social distancing measures in place. All public programming, such as animal feedings, are temporarily suspended.
As we continue to do all we can to further limit the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, we urge people to use public space in a way that keeps everyone safe by:
- Practising social distancing (1.5m between people)
- Limiting gatherings to 20 people (including members of the same household) practising social distancing within the group
- Practising good handwashing hygiene
- Staying at home if you have the mildest symptoms
Public barbecues and shelters are open in line with the latest Public Health Order.
Dog owners are encouraged to walk their pets at fenced, off-leash dog parks, which are open.
Please remain 1.5m from other people and stay at home if you have even the mildest of symptoms.
Outdoor exercise is permitted under the latest Public Health Order.
People need to adhere to restrictions in terms of gatherings and social distancing when exercising. It is ok to exercise alone, or with a group (limited to 20 people including members of the same household), as long as you adhere to social distancing rules.