Newcastle’s blessed with a string of long-stretching sandy beaches, perfect for strolling, swimming and surfing all year round.
Families can take a splash in one of the many ocean baths, patrolled beaches and rock pools dotted along the coastline, with plenty of parking for easy access. Let the kids run wild while you sit back and take it all in!
Here are some of our best beaches for kids in Newcastle:
For a day of fun in the sun (no matter what the time of year), Nobbys Beach is a must. With its spacious walkways, many amenities and close proximity to Nobbys Lighthouse, it’s the perfect place to spend the day.
Lifeguards are on patrol year round and Swell at Nobbys keeps beach-goers fueled with great coffee, all-day breakfast buns, and hot chips.
Hot Tip: Keep the kids busy with a surf lesson at Philippa Anderson’s Surf School, just make sure to book as spots fill up quickly!
Nobbys Beach, Newcastle
The Canoe Pool next to Newcastle Ocean Baths is one of the best beaches for kids in Newcastle.
The clear, sandy water makes it the perfect spot for building sandcastles and splashing around in the shallows - and has parking close by so you can pack everything you need and settle in for the day.
The Canoe Pool, Newcastle © Destination NSW
A trip to Newcastle wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Merewether Ocean Baths. Featuring two pools; its sandy family-friendly shallow pool and the main 100m wide swimming pool...It’s the perfect spot to spend the day with the family.
When it’s time for lunch, head to Merewether Surfhouse. Set over three levels, get bang for your buck on the ground level with cheap and tasty pizzas and gelato - the kids will love it!
Merewether Ocean Baths, Newcastle
Neighbouring Bar Beach is renowned for its rock pools. Take the kids exploring to find shells and sea life, or splash and run around in the shallows.
It’s patrolled year round, and has a fantastic roped off swimming area the whole family can enjoy.
If the windy or wet weather means that the beaches are off limits, take a visit to Lambton Pool.
It’s a kid's paradise with a giant waterslide, inflatable obstacle course, shallow kids pools, and plenty of playing space.
There’s a café and BBQ and picnic facilities on site - perfect for picnics and celebrations.
Redhead Beach, located a short drive south, is the ultimate kid’s playground where you can explore the many caves and rock formations that the area is renowned for. Adults can take a well-earned coffee pit stop at Redhead Surf Life Saving Club that overlooks the beach and the historical Shark Tower.
Hidden away on the shores of Lake Macquarie you’ll find Naru Beach. This small, well-protected stretch of sand can be found at the end of a dirt road at Marks Point. The calm, shallow waters make this a fantastic spot for families.
Grannies’ Pool, a small lagoon near Blacksmiths Beach is well protected and perfect for family fun in the sun. Local fact…the pool takes its name from the many grandparents that have frequented the area when teaching their grandchildren how to swim.
