Beach Days

Australia’s sixth largest city, Newcastle boasts some of Australia’s best beaches. Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether and Stockton Beaches are all within 5 km of the city centre. All six beaches are patrolled and offer your family a safe place to swim and relax. Alternatively you can enjoy the protection of the ocean baths at Newcastle and Merewether. The following are details of the beach & baths patrol and opening hours.

Newcastle Beach
Patrolled: 7.00 am to 5.30 pm 24 August 2009 to 9 May 2010

Stockton Beach
Patrolled: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm 24 August 2009 to 9 May 2010
8.00 am to 4.30 pm 3 July 2010 to 18 July 2010

Bar Beach & Nobbys Beach
Patrolled: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm 24 August 2009 to 1 November 2009
7.00 am to 5.30 pm 2 November 2009 to 21 March 2010
9.00 am to 5.30 pm 22 March 2010 to 9 May 2010
8.00 am to 4.30 pm 10 May 2010 to 22 August 2010
 
Dixon Park Beach & Merewether Beach
Patrolled: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm 24 August 2009 to 1 November 2009
7.00 am to 5.30 pm 2 November 2009 to 21 March 2010
9.00 am to 5.30 pm 22 March 2010 to 9 May 2010

NOTE: Beaches are patrolled on Sundays by Surf Lifesaving Clubs from 9.00am to 5.00pm 4 October 2009 to 25 April 2010.

Ocean Baths

Merewether Ocean Baths
Merewether Baths are open all year round (subject to maintenance and cleaning). Merewether Ocean Baths are patrolled by Lifeguards 8.00 am to 4.30 pm from 3 August 2009 until 14 August 2009 whilst Newcastle Ocean Baths is closed for Maintenance. Then it will resume normal patrol hours of 9.00 am to 5.30 pm from 3 October 2009 to 18 April 2010.

Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle Ocean Baths is cleaned every Wednesday during winter months. Cleaned every Thursday from 8 October 2009.

Newcastle Baths 
Lifeguard Hours
9.00 am to 5.30 pm 24 August 2009 to 9 May 2010
8.00 am to 4.30 pm 10 May 2010 to 22 August 2010

Baths Open
6.00 am to 9.00 pm During Day Light Saving
6.00 am to 4.30 pm Winter months 11 May 2010 to 21 August 2010
6.00 am to 6.00 pm Rest of the year

If your are in the Lake Macquarie area, Redhead, Blacksmiths, Caves Beach & Catherine Hill Bay are all great patrolled beaches to visit. The times patrolled are similar to those in the Newcastle area, but check with each club for clarification.
 

Stockton Beach

An excellent patrolled swimming, surfing and fishing beach. With so much to see and do across the Harbour, why not take a ferry or a drive to see what Stockton Beach and the surrounding areas have to offer. Stockton’s Sand Dunes –Stockton Beach, has some of the biggest, legally drivable, dunes in the country, ideal location to 4 wheel drive (permit required) 4WD and quad bike tours also available.

Harbour Sights

Newcastle is built around a large working harbour, the entrance to which is guarded by Nobbys Lighthouse and Breakwall. The adjacent foreshore area is the perfect place to watch the busy harbour traffic while enjoying a drink or meal in one of the harbour side cafes, bars or restaurants.

The large expanse of grassy parklands on the harbour’s edge is perfect for a relaxing family picnic. Mingle with the hundreds of Novocastrians who flock to the foreshore each weekend for recreational activities such as kite flying, roller blading, jogging or bike riding.

Fort Scratchley

Undoubtedly Newcastle’s most spectacular vantage point, Fort Scratchley Historic Site is a unique nationally significant site that has unrivaled panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean, north to Nobbys Lighthouse, Headland and the Harbour, south across Newcastle Beach and Ocean Baths and is located on Nobbys Road, Newcastle.

The Fort grounds are open 6 days a week, Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday) from 10am to 4pm. There is free general admission for self guided tours and paid guided tours of the site and the amazing underground tunnels are available at set times, group bookings are also available by appointment.

There is so much to do at Fort Scratchley Historic Site; enjoy a stroll to soak up the history, take in the breathtaking views, enjoy dolphin or whale-watching with a picnic or immerse yourself in history and undertake a guided tour of the site through the amazing underground tunnels.

Newcastle’s Famous Tram

All Aboard! Newcastle’s Famous Tram is a novel and nostalgic way to visit the historical city of Newcastle during weekdays and the Hunter Valley Vineyards on the weekends. Everything about Newcastle’s Famous Tram is unique. Built from scratch in 1994, the tram is a genuine replica of the original Newcastle working tram, which was in service in 1923.

Newcastle’s Famous Tram operates weekday tours of Newcastle, exploring the beauty of the city and beach areas, as well as providing commentary on the history and current changes to the city lifestyle. Pick up points are outside Newcastle Railway Station (Watt St) and the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Wharf Rd).

Outdoor cinema under the stars

During summertime, Newcastle Councils ‘Live Sites’ host a free outdoor cinema at King Edward Park. So get out and enjoy those summer nights with the family and take a picnic blanket, dinner and some nibbles along with a bottle of wine for the parents. Keep a look out for upcoming dates during summertime on our “Events Calender”.

Heddon Greta Drive – In Cinema

Heddon Greta, a great place for families to go and enjoy a low budget meal and movie together.

Gates open at least 30 minutes before first movie and 5-10 minutes before subsequent movies. You will need an FM car radio or a portable FM radio with reliable batteries in order to hear the sound. If you wish to sit outside your car remember to bring a "portable" FM radio. Bring some chairs, beanbags or blankets for your comfort if required. Remember to bring some warm clothes, as the night can get chilly at times. 4WD and larger cars must not position themselves in the first 4 rows as this can interrupt the line of sight of the people parked behind you. Dispose of rubbish thoughtfully, especially glass bottles or containers! Either use the bins provided or take the rubbish home with you.

Address: - Off Heddon Street, Heddon Greta 2321 (Near Kurri Kurri)

Price: - $20 per vehicle per movie (a vehicle consists of up to 8 people)

Westfield Kotara

Westfield Kotara is Newcastle's leading fashion destination boasting stores such as Veronika Maine, Country Road, Oroton, Sportscraft, Witchery, Guess and Swarovski. Anchored by David Jones, the centre has over 230 speciality stores and with a dedicated kid's precinct and the biggest toy shop in the region, Toys'R'Us. Free parking is available and it is located at the corner of Northcott Drive and Park Avenue, Kotara. Westfield has somethinng for everyone!

Centre Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 9.00am to 5:30pm
Thursday 9.00am to 9.00pm
Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm
Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm

Walka Recreation & Wildlife Reserve, Oakhampton Heights

Walka Water Works is a popular family picnic and recreation area in the Maitland district. The complex includes a pumphouse which is National Trust listed. The lake area has over 300 species of birdlife, is great for canoeing and sailing and many walking trails surrounded the lake. On Sundays there are miniature train rides. There is a childrens playground; picnic and barbeque facilities are also available.

Contact: - 02 49349700 / Email: - mcc@maitland.nsw.gov.au

Edgeware Miniature Train Rides

A trip to the miniature railway makes for a great family day out, the trains usually run on Wednesdays or Sundays (weather permitting) other than last Sunday of the month.

On the last Sunday of each month, except December, a community day is held in which the drivers donate their own time to provide train rides to the public. Run times are between 1pm and 4pm with a 20 minute break for the drivers at 2:30pm.

Edgeworth Miniature Train Rides are located on Velinda Street, Edgeworth, Newcastle.

Contact for bookings and enquiries – 49587171 / Email: - stationmaster@lakemacquarielivesteam.org.au

Whale and Dolphin Watching

A chance for families to experience the amazing migration of Humpback Whales also spot dolphins, seabirds and seals on this 3 hour cruise which operates directly from Newcastle Harbour, Honeysuckle Drive, Lee Wharf. Cruises are between May and late Oct on weekends and during school holidays (Weds & Fri) complimentary morning and afternoon tea also available.

Contact Nova Cruises bookings and enquiries: - 0400381787 / www.novacruises.com.au