Beaches and swim spots
Beaches and swim spots
Lake Macquarie has patrolled beaches that are popular with surfers and swimmers alike.
- Explore the sea caves at low tide at CavesBeach
- Surf great waves and relax at the beach in the heritage listed township Catherine Hill
- Have a day out with the kids at BlacksmithsBeach
- Walk the long expanse of NineMileBeach
Blacksmiths
One of Lake Macquarie’s top swimming beaches, Blacksmiths is protected by a breakwall that offers excellent access for fishing in Swansea Channel. Nearby is the Grannies Pool, a small, shallow inlet perfect for wading and splashing around with toddlers.
Patrolled: Yes
Facilities: Picnic/BBQ, playground, car park, toilets, showers
Catherine Hill Bay
With its historic coal-loading jetty and rock platforms, Catherine Hill Bay is arguably Lake Macquarie’s most photogenic beach. Northern ‘Catho’ is great for surfing, whilst the southern end is patrolled. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities.
Patrolled: Yes
Facilities: Picnic/BBQ, car park, toilets, showers
Caves Beach
A long, sandy beach popular with families, named for the sea caves located at its southern end. Kids will love running through the caves and exploring the rock pools on a low tide. Caves Beach is patrolled and offers several good surf breaks along its length.
Patrolled: Yes
Facilities: Picnic/BBQ, playground, car park, toilets, showers
Dudley Beach
Part of the Glenrock State Conservation Area, Dudley Beach is secluded, surrounded by bushland and small cliffs at either end.
Patrolled: No
Facilities: Picnic tables, car park
Ghosties Beach
A truly unspoilt beach, Ghosties (located in the Munmorah State Conservation Area) can only be accessed via a walk along Moonee Beach. Those who make the journey will be rewarded with great surf, sea caves and complete seclusion – one’s own private beach for the day.
Patrolled: No
Facilities: None
Glenrock Lagoon
The northernmost beach in Lake Macquarie, is part of the Glenrock SCA and features a small lagoon and point break for surfers.
Patrolled: No
Facilities: None
Little Beach
Little Beach is a lovely patch of sand located directly south of Swansea Channel. The abundance of rocks makes for great snorkeling opportunities, there is also access to Swansea Channel for those who want to fish.
Patrolled: No
Facilities: Picnic/BBQ, toilets, car park
Moonee Beach
An untouched beach that is part of the Munmorah State Conservation Area, access is via a 10-minute walk through the bushland. Moonee is a well-known surfing spot and a beautiful place for a peaceful stroll on the sand.
Patrolled: No
Facilities: None
Redhead Beach
Located at the northern end of a 15km stretch, Redhead is a popular family beach known for its iconic red rocky headland and wooden shark tower. The beach is patrolled and also offers good surfing conditions.
Patrolled: Yes
Facilities: Picnic/BBQ, playground, car park, toilets, showers
Pinny Beach
Part of the Wallarah National Park, Pinnys is a small, pristine bay accessed on-foot only, via the Caves Beach Coastal Walk.
Patrolled: No
Facilities: None