Cool off in One of the largest ocean pools in the southern hemisphere in Merewether Ocean Baths

The Merewether Ocean Baths are one of, if not the most popular swimming spots in the Newcastle, New South Wales. Sheltered from the waves and it’s ability to cater to all types, it provides a safe swimming spot for families with young children and experienced swimmers.

It’s situated within close proximity to beachside kiosks, cafes and pubs (all located within walking distance), it ticks all the boxes for most beach lovers.

History of the Baths

Built in 1935, the baths have undergone a series of upgrades and improvements, with the most recent being in 2014.

In 1936, the pool was deepened to make the bottom even. Years later, it had more rock removed as the council required rock for a road project, which the baths were able to provide.

In the years prior, the bath were filled by the tide, with the smaller pool being filled by overflow. The addition of a pump house meant that it was able to be filled and emptied when required.

Features

The ocean baths are made up of two large pools. Unlike Newcastle Ocean Baths, there is a shallower pool with a sandy bottom, suitable for children.

This pool is incredibly popular with local families with young children. It has a corner filled with sand, which is perfect young toddlers to play in, while also being shallow enough that they can splash around safely nearby.

The pool gets deeper the further you go towards the eastern pool, making it suitable for older children also.

The larger pool on the eastern side is one of the largest ocean pools in the southern hemisphere. The pool measures in at 100 metres by 50 metres.

The southern end is fitted with diving blocks and is popular with locals lap swimming. This pool is around 1.8m deep in some areas and more suited to confident swimmers.

Both pools are surrounded by concrete paths and are equipped with ramps, making access easy for children and adults alike.

Getting there

The baths are located off Henderson Parade, Merewether.

Parking can be a little tricky during busier times as there is limited parking available on Henderson Parade. There are a couple of disabled parking spaces closer to the baths on this street.

Alternative areas to park are along Frederick Street. To get to the baths from here you will need to walk down a steep set of stairs. While the view from there is stunning on the walk down, it’s not ideal with young children or for those with mobility issues.

There is another car park on Watkins Street, however this is a little bit more of a walk, albeit it’s mostly flat. This may be more suitable for those with children and is pram and beach cart friendly.

The path will also take you past Merewether Surf House or Blue Door Cafe if you’re wanting to stop by and get something to eat after your visit.

All parking near the baths is free.

Best time to visit

The Merewether Baths are open all year round and patrolled during warmer months.

The lifeguard hours for 2023 can be found below:
24 September 2022 to 23 April 2023 – 9am to 5.30pm
24 April 2023 to 23 September 2023 – 8am to 4.30pm

The baths are suitable to swim at during most tides, however during certain weather events they can become unsafe and may be closed in such cases.

The baths are closed once a week for maintenance and cleaning. This generally occurs on a Thursday though is subject to change if weather or surf conditions aren’t favourable.

Cleaning schedules can be found on the Newcastle Council website.

Amenities

The pavilion building located at the baths houses showering (with access to hot showers), toilet and change room facilities, which close at 7pm daily. The Merewether Surf Club also has toilet facilities.

There are a couple of sheltered tables available along the promenade area, though aside from this, shade is limited.

There is room along the sandy section of the children’s for a few beach umbrellas, though this area fills up very quickly.

There are unsheltered picnic tables available on the southern side of the pavilion.

Merewether Surfhouse is a short walk up the hill, which is a beachside kiosk, bar, cafe and restaurant.

Blue Door Kiosk is just off John Street for snack type meals, açai bowls, coffee and it’s locally renowned Coco-Whip.

The Beaches Hotel is a renovated art-deco pub on Frederick Street, offering views over Merewether Beach, pub style meals and live music.

Things to do nearby

Newcastle Bogey Hole: All You Need To Know About The Iconic Rock Pool

Merewether Ocean Baths: Newcastle’s Favourite Ocean Pool

Newcastle Canoe Pool: The Former Map of the World Pool

Newcastle Memorial Walk: A Walk To Remember

Take in the stunning Coastal views from the Newcastle Anzac Memorial Walk

The Newcastle Memorial Walk, is a spectacular coastal walk located in the Newcastle beachside suburb of Bar Beach.

Funded by the Newcastle Council and BHP Billiton, the Memorial Walk links Newcastle’s Strzelecki lookout with the existing six kilometre coastal walk around Newcastle’s most popular beaches.

The walk is popular amongst tourists for it’s stunning 360 degree views of the city and equally as popular with many locals using it for cardio exercise due to it’s stair cases and the steep incline leading up to the walkway from Bar Beach

Significance of the Memorial Walk

The ANZAC Memorial Walk was officially opened on the 24th of April 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing in Gallipoli.

The walkway honours Australian soldiers that fought in World War I with steel silhouettes of soldiers featured along both sides of the top section of the walk.

The silhouettes are marked with the names of 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women that served during World War I.

Secondly, the bridge is constructed from 64 tonnes of stainless steel, which pays tribute to the history of Newcastle as a city and it’s steel making background.

The 100th year anniversary of BHP’s Newcastle Steelworks opening coincidently also coincides with the 100 year anniversary of ANZAC landing in Gallipoli.

More information can be found on the Newcastle Council website.

Strzelecki Lookout Section

This section of the walk can be accessed from the lookout car park. This part is approximately 160 metres long and leads to a viewing platform with bench seating before meeting up with the second section which is predominately stairs.

This section of the walk is flat, making it accessible for prams and wheelchairs to walk the length and make a return loop to the car park.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on the walkway at any time.

Bar Beach section

This section is made up of a stairways and ramps which brings you down onto Memorial Drive, towards Bar Beach.

The walk down the stairs from this section offers stunning cliffside views of the ocean and the coastal landscape.

This section is not too hard to manage on the way down, though for those with mobility issues or young children, it’s not the easiest of walks on the way back up.

Getting there

The memorial walk is located on Memorial Drive.

If travelling by car, you’re able to park in the Strzelecki Lookout car park and access the top of the walkway from there.

From this starting point, the walk will be mostly flat before heading down stairs downhill.

Alternatively you can park in the Bar Beach car park.

While this is a nice walk, it is a very steep walk to get to the staircase.

Once on the staircase it is hard work getting uphill, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or younger children.

When is the best time to visit?

Any time of day is a great time to visit. Although it is particularly spectacular early in the morning or late in the evening when the light is soft.

The walkway is accessible 24 hours a a day and is equipped with lighting for those that may wish to experience it after dark.

Amenities nearby

Cooks Hill Surf Club has a number of amenities available for those visiting the walk.

Toilets and showers are located at the surf club, as well as a takeaway shop and tables and chairs.

Things to do nearby

Newcastle Memorial Walk: A Walk To Remember

Newcastle Canoe Pool: The Former Map of the World Pool

Newcastle Bogey Hole: All You Need To Know About The Iconic Rock Pool

Merewether Ocean Baths: Newcastle’s Favourite Ocean Pool

Cool off in the crystal clear water at Naru Beach in Lake Macquarie

Situated on the shores of Lake Macquarie, Naru Beach Reserve is a hidden gem surrounded by white sands, clear water and nearby uninhabited sand islands.

The popular swimming spot offering shallow swimming areas which are sheltered from the strong currents of the Swansea Channel, making it ideal for young children and families.

Despite it’s popularity amongst locals, there is ample space on the sandy shores to spread out and take in the stunning beauty of the area.

Swimming at Naru Beach

The northern edge of the sand is relatively shallow, making it great for young children to swim, or for floating around.

It’s important to supervise children and be mindful that as you venture into the deeper water you can come across strong currents.

Like many parts of Lake Macquarie, blue ringed octopus have been spotted in the area so it is important to supervise your children and keep an eye out for them while swimming.

Getting to Naru Beach

Naru Beach can be found at the end of Naru Street in Marks Point.

As you come towards the end of Naru Street, you will approach an unsealed road.

Following the bumpy dirt road right towards the end, you will come to a small parking area. You’re able to park in this area and walk down onto the sand.

If you continue to follow the road past the entry to the sand, you’ll come across Marks Point boat ramp. There is additional parking here.

The access road is quite narrow and during the summer holidays there can be cars parked along it, making it quite difficult to access.

Nearby amenities

There are no amenities or picnic facilities on site at Naru Beach so it is important to plan ahead prior to visiting.

There is some shade along the trees however it’s advisable to bring your own shade shelter.

Marks Point boat ramp is at the end of Naru Street.

Things to do nearby

Swansea Boardwalk – A 5 minute drive further south and you’ll find the new Swansea boardwalk. A winding trail through the mangroves that provides stunning views over the lake. Swansea is another great swimming spot, though has more weeds and rock than Naru. The calm waters make it great for snorkelling and stand up paddle boarding. You can find out more here

Caves Beach – 10 minutes away is Caves Beach. A popular beach with large sea caves that are accessible during low tide.

Grannies Pool – Another great location for young children to swim in sheltered waters. Unlike Naru Beach, swimming at Grannies Pool is impacted by the tide so would recommend swimming during higher tides. You can find out more here

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Swansea Boardwalk: Explore Pirrita Island’s Nature Reserve

Grannies Pool: Blacksmiths Beach Secret Swimming Hole

Naru Beach: Lake Macquarie’s Hidden Swimming Spot

The Ultimate Guide to Norah Head Rock Pool

Norah Head Rock Pool is a man made ocean pool located on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The pool sits within Cabbage Tree Harbour (also known as Cabbage Tree Bay) and is made up of large boulders, which provides a barrier to protect the area from waves.

The area is a popular spot for locals and visitors to the area with the pool providing a protected and safe environment for young children to swim.

The neighbouring bay is suitable for older children and more confident swimmers with it’s shallow water and small waves.

In addition to this, the area is a popular amongst nature lovers with a number of walking trails and rocky shelves to explore along the coastline.

Getting there

The rock pool is located at the bottom of Bald Street. There are a number of parking areas nearby though some make accessing the rock pool easier if visiting with small children or those with mobility issues.

There is a car park at the bottom of Bald Street near the boat ramp. It is only a very short walk to the rockpool from here, however on warmer days this car park fills up very quickly. There is ramp access from there onto the sand for wheelchairs, prams or beach carts.

There is another car park towards the top of Bald Street which is the next closest area to park, however the walk down to the pool is quite steep and may be tricky to navigate for some, especially on the way back up if towing a beach cart or pushing a pram.

Alternatively, you are able to park along Bush Street Reserve near the cafe. You are able to walk down Bald Street from there, which is incredibly steep or there are a set of stairs which leads down to where the public toilets are and onto the sand.

Best time to visit

Norah head is a great spot to visit year round. For swimming, it’s best to visit when the tide is high. If visiting during low tide and there’s minimal water in the pool, there is the neighbouring bay which is still a great spot to swim.

We’ve visited during the winter and although the water is a little chilly, it’s a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy a lazy afternoon while soaking up the winter sun.

Amenitites and Facilities

The area is well serviced with nearby amenities and facilities.

There are two public toilet facilities one at the pool itself and another located at the top of the hill off Bush Street next to the cafe.

There is a boat ramp at the bottom of Bald Street for those launching boats for a day on the water.

There are a number of cafe and takeaways options a short walk away with ‘Norah Head Beach Haus‘ being the most conveniently located at the top of the hill along Bush street.

If wanting to stay for a few nights, there is a caravan park located a short walk away – Norah Head Holiday Park

Things to do nearby

A little further towards the East, you’ll stumble across Norah Head Lighthouse, which is worth exploring if in the area. You’re able to experience panoramic views of the ocean from the heads. You’re able to access it via the nature trail along Bush Street, or by car. There is a small car park nearby.

It’s worth spending some time exploring the nearby rockshelves below the lighthouse. From here you’re able to access Lighthouse Beach by following the sand towards the East. Alternatively, you can access it via a short walk down there from the top of the headland.

During whale watching season, Mazlin Reserve is a stunning spot to sit and take in the views of the migrating whales.

You may also be interested in

Norah Head Rock Pool: Where Rocky Shores Meet Crystal Clear Waters

Mount Ettalong Lookout: Experience The Best Views Over The Central Coast

Newcastle Ocean Baths Neighbour – The Historical Canoe Pool

The Newcastle Canoe Pool is located next to the Newcastle Baths towards the North of Newcastle Beach and is an iconic landmark in the Hunter Region.

Now a popular swimming spot for young children, the ocean pool has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900’s.

Constructed on the same rock platform as the baths, the pool was excavated to be around 1 metre in depth towards the southern end to protect it from high seas.

History of the Young Mariners Pool

Constructed in the late 1930’s, the Canoe Pool looked very different to how it does currently.

Formerly known as the Young Mariner’s Pool, it was known for its concrete map of the world that was large enough for children to swim around and jump off. It was commonly referred to by locals as the ‘Map Pool’ or ‘Geographical Pool’.

Countries of the commonwealth were red and the remaining countries were green. Around 20cm of the concrete map was seen above the water line.

Years later, another large area was constructed towards the north rocks, which became the Canoe Pool. This area was constructed after the City Engineer, Mr. L.J. Price suggested the idea to allow the possibility to cater to the crowds and to appeal to older children. This large area catered to a range of other water sports, such as canoeing or sailing.

The concrete map was said to be broken up and removed by Newcastle City Council as it posed as a safety risk and was continually filled with sand during large swells. Though many locals still believe sections of it may still remain which have been uncovered over the years by large waves.

All that exists today is the Canoe Pool, which has been developed into being a much larger pool with the removal of the young mariners pool and its map.

Photo credit to the Newcastle City Library’s for the historical photos – Hunter Photo Bank

Getting There

The Canoe Pool is located on Shortland Esplanade, next to the ocean baths. The road through there is one way, which means you need to access it via the roundabout at Nobby’s beach.

There is a small parking area located at the baths itself, or there is additional parking along Shortland Esplanade. Both areas fill up very quickly during the summer months and school holidays.

Keep and eye out for dolphins when visiting

A couple of time when we’ve visited the Canoe Pool, we’ve spotted dolphins catching waves nearby. We were lucky enough during out visit to capture some photos with our drone!

Facilities

There are toilet and shower facilities nearby at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

There is a small beach kiosk located inside the Ocean Baths building also, and as an alternative, you will find all of these same facilities at Newcastle Beach or Nobby’s Beach, both are a short walk away.

More information can be found at Visit Newcastle

Things to do nearby

Merewether Ocean Baths: Newcastle’s Favourite Ocean Pool

Newcastle Bogey Hole: All You Need To Know About The Iconic Rock Pool

Newcastle Memorial Walk: A Walk To Remember

Newcastle Canoe Pool: The Former Map of the World Pool

Experience the Magic of Ladies Well In Barrington Tops

If you’re after a day trip to a picturesque location, this is one to add to the list. Ladies Well (or Ladys Well) stands at the foot of Barrington Tops. Located in the eastern portion of Chichester State Forest, New South Wales, it earns fame as a beloved and popular swimming hole during the warmer months.

Surrounded by lush forest, you truly feel as though you’re in another world which makes for an amazing escape from the busy hustle and bustle of life.

Swimming at Ladies Well

There are two main areas that are suitable for swimming.

There is the top area of the waterfall, surrounded by granite boulders, it has a small area you can sit on the edge of the water. This area appears to be quite shallow and would eliminate the need to climb down any rocky areas.

The other area is the lower section which involves a little climbing from what we could see. This area is smaller in size compared to the top swimming area.

There is another smaller pool on the lower level that you’d also be able to take a dip in, though it is quite smaller.

This area would suit small children, due to the size and it being significantly shallower than the other two areas.

The waters of the Allyn River are crystal clear and absolutely freezing.

While we visited on a cold, winter’s day, though the water is known for being freezing cold in summer also.

The sun warmed rocks in summer would have you believing otherwise!

Getting there

Chichester State Forest lies north of Upper Allyn, approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney.

The majority of the drive is a sealed road with the last few minutes of the trip being a dirt road.

We found that the dirt road was suitable for our 2WD SUV even in some light, drizzly rain, but I’d encourage you to keep an eye out for potholes as some of them are quite big!

Once you are in the national park area, you’ll come to a fork in the road with a sign which will direct you to various camping areas and attractions.

Directly across from the parking area is the access point to the top area of the waterfall.

There is a small path to the right through some trees (which was mostly grown over at the time we visited) that leads down to the lower section of the swimming hole, or you’re able to climb down another rock area to get down there.

We did find some other tracks that seemed to lead to there, however, a lot of tracks were overgrown and we were unable to find any alternate access points.

There may very well be alternate access points, though given we visited during winter, any worn paths were overgrown. The paths may be more obvious during summer months when there is people visiting more frequently.

Prior to heading off

Heading up towards Chichester State Forest, you will cross a number of causeway crossings along the Allyn River in the later part of the drive.

These causeways can become flooded after periods of rain, which can block traffic from heading in and out of the area, particularly the last causeway which is the deepest.

This was actually our second attempt to head out there, as the first time we drove out there we were blocked from crossing the final causeway prior to reaching the camping areas. We watched a 4×4 drive through it with no issues, though it was a little too deep to handle for our SUV.

Prior to heading out there, it’s recommended to check for any updates on Google Maps to see if the road has been blocked off due to flooding.

We would also strongly encourage that you do not drive through flood water, especially when there is a current.

Can you camp at Ladies Well?

There are multiple camping areas within close proximity. The closest campground we found was Old Camp, which was only a short walk from the swimming hole.

During our search for Ladies Well, we actually stumbled across another swimming hole which we thought was it. It was located right near the Old Camp camping area and was very similar, having its own waterfall.

Other areas where you’re able to camp are Dobbie Rim Campground, Upper Allyn Park and White Rock Campground. All of which would be suitable for a relaxing weekend getaway in nature.

All camping areas are accessible without the need for a 4×4 vehicle.

There are a few places close by that are worth exploring if you choose to camp there. Peach Tree is a short drive up the road and has picnic facilities as well as a short walking trail.

Ladies Well photos

More information about Ladies Well and nearby events can be found at Visit NSW

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Shepherd’s Lookout: A Scenic Escape in the Heart of the ACT

Newcastle Bogey Hole: All You Need To Know About The Iconic Rock Pool

Newcastle Canoe Pool: The Former Map of the World Pool

Norah Head Rock Pool: Where Rocky Shores Meet Crystal Clear Waters

Shepherds Lookout stunning views of the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River

Nestled in the beautiful Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Shepherd’s Lookout in Canberra offers visitors a breathtaking vantage point to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of the region.

Named after nearby property owners, Shepherd’s lookout features panoramic views of the Murrumbidgee River and the picturesque Brindabella Ranges. The powerlines visible in the distance mark the border between New South Wales and the ACT.

Evidence has shown that this beautiful area was once inhabited by Ngunnawal aboriginal people, with many stone tool scatter sites being discovered over the years. The river would have provided the local people with access to water as well as fresh yabbies and fish.

Shepherd’s Lookout is a must-visit destination that showcases the undeniable beauty of the ACT landscape. This scenic gem, located in Woodstock Nature Reserve, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking an escape from bustling city life.

Getting to Shepherd’s Lookout

The scenery is so picturesque and serene, it feels as though you’re miles away from town, but in reality, you’re only 30 minutes away from Canberra’s city centre and a few minutes away from the residential area of Holt.

To get to the lookout heading from Holt, follow the road along Stockdill Drive until you get to a small parking area on the right-hand side.

The lookout is easily accessible for most, with the walking trail starting from the car parking area and heading straight up towards the viewing platform which is around 250m walk.

The lookout platform is situated on a steep part of the hill that overlooks the Murrumbidgee River and offers panoramic views of the Brindabella Ranges and New South Wales & ACT border.

Are there other walking trails?

There is a short walking track from the car park on Stockdill Drive. The track from here is approximately 250m to the top of the lookout (500m return).

Around half of the track is sealed, however, as you get around halfway up the hill the track becomes a dirt path. It’s a relatively easy stroll and suitable for most fitness levels.

For the return walk you can go an alternate way which leads you through more narrow bush track through the trees.

We opted for the same path as we had our son with us and it was a lot easier to manage. The track via the trees is a longer walk back to the car parking area.

There are a few other walking tracks available to those wanting to explore the Woodstock Nature Reserve area.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit would be during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and you can appreciate the stunning views. Sunrise or sunset would be beautiful. 

If planning on doing the longer walk, I would recommend going during Spring or Autumn, not when the weather is really hot.

Uriarra Loop

For those that are after more of an adventure, there is a trail from the lookout down to the Molonglo River. There is a small wooden bridge across the river that takes you onto the Uriarra Loop trail. To my knowledge, this walk is around 9kms return

We didn’t do the Uriarra Loop walk this time, though we did drive down to Uriarra Crossing and it was beautiful. This is on my list to do next time I’m visiting the area in the next month. The landscape in the area is just stunning.

Are you able to take your dog to Shepherds Lookout?

The lookout walk itself is dog friendly, as are the picnic areas along the Uriarra Loop. Dogs are not permitted on any of the walking trails from the lookout down to the Uriarra Loop.

There are signs that show the areas where dogs are permitted.

Facilities

At Shepherd’s Lookout itself, there are no amenities or facilities. If you want to spend the day near the river, there are amenities at some of the picnic areas along the trail. Toilets can be found at the Uriarra East picnic area which you’ll pass on the Uriarra Loop trail.

More information can be found at Parks ACT

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Newcastle Bogey Hole: All You Need To Know About The Iconic Rock Pool

Newcastle Canoe Pool: The Former Map of the World Pool

Ladies Well: Chichester State Forest Secret Swimming Hole

Explore Kingsley Beach and it’s stunning coastal landscape

The southern parts of Port Stephens are lined with a rocky coastline and hidden bays. While some parts aren’t easily accessible, Kingsley Beach is one of the easiest to get to although it is not overly well known!

Where is Kingsley Beach located?

Kingsley Beach is in the Port Stephens region in the small coastal town of Boat Harbour, which is about a 15 minute drive from the main area of Nelson Bay.

Boat Harbour itself is one of the more secluded and quieter areas of Port Stephens, so it comes as no surprise that a lot of people haven’t heard of Kingsley Beach!

The beach itself is located just of Kingsley Drive and has it’s own small car park area. Just near the access path, there are some signs you’re able to read with maps and information about the area.

The access path leading down to the beach has a number of stairs, followed by a suspended walkway over some native plants.

The suspended walkway leads down to a small platform with a wooden bench seat. A very convenient spot to sit and remove shoes before heading down onto the sand! The area beyond the platform is a wooden walkway down onto the sand.

(At the time, underneath this had been washed out and eroded, which made it tricky to walk down without getting your feet caught in it.)

What are the main features and attractions?

The beach itself is hidden away from the more popular areas of Port Stephens making it a really private and secluded part of the Bay. It’s a great spot to visit to avoid the holiday crowds.

The surrounding area is largely untouched, making it the perfect spot to sit and relax in nature while take in the stunning rugged landscape and ocean.

During the time we visited, we noticed that there is some stairs being constructed at the southern end of the beach, leading over the headland towards Little Kingsley Beach.

Previously, the only way to access that area was through a bush trail via Fishermans Bay. This staircase will make the area much easier to access and should provide some beautiful views from up the top.

We look forward to exploring this further once it’s opened to the public in the near future.

What amenities and facilities are available?

Amenities and facilities are limited at Kingsley Beach, however there are some nearby.

There are public toilets, barbeque facilities and picnic tables available at both ends of Boat Harbour Beach. There is also a small playground on the northern end of the bay.

Nearby accommodations or camping options

Accomodation and camping options in Boat Harbour itself is limited, with most hotels being located in the busier parts of Nelson Bay and surrounding areas. The most commonly available accomodation in the area is private beach homes or airbnb’s.

The closest camping option would be in Anna Bay at Birubi Beach Holiday Park or some of the other nearby caravan parks.

There are an abundance of hotels, motels, airbnb’s and beach homes available in nearby towns in the area.

Nearby areas worth exploring

There are a number of other nearby attractions worth exploring if time permits.

• Depending on the time of year, just around the corner from Kingsley Beach is Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout, which provides stunning up close views of whales migrating during the cooler months.
  
• Boat Harbour Beach is also worth checking out, especially if you have young children. With it’s small waves and relatively shallow water, it’s a great spot for kids to have a splash and swim without the stress of them being knocked over by large waves.
  
• North of Boat Harbour Beach is a new coastal walking trail over the headlands through Tomaree National Park to Morna Point. We are yet to explore this, but could see other people walking across some of the bridges along the track from the southern side of Boat Harbour Beach and can’t wait to check it out.

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Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout: The Best Spot To See Whales Without A Boat

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Whale watching near Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

With plenty of rocky headlands, Boat Harbour offers some of Port Stephen’s best land based views of whales migrating each year. So much so, that a whale watching area has been constructed off one of the headlands for locals and tourists to enjoy up close views to these stunning creatures as they pass by the Port Stephen’s coastline.

This headland gets you up close to the whale watching action, without needing a boat or venturing out on whale watching cruises.

Boat Harbour

Boat Harbour is a small coastal suburb located around 15 minutes from Nelson Bay in Port Stephens. The area is somewhat of a local secret compared to some of the more popular locations around the bay, such as Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay.

The suburb features rocky headlands and a small bay with calm, shallow waters which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing and snorkelling in the summertime.

During whale season it is one of the best land-based whale watching spots.

Whale season in Nelson Bay

Port Stephens whale watching season runs between May and November each year as they make their way up and down the Eastern Coast of Australia during their annual migration.

In the winter months the whales migrate north to warmer waters. During this time they are often closer to the land and easier to see.

As they migrate back down south towards the end of whale season, they are usually further out to sea and harder to see from land.

The most common whale species seen migrating along the Port Stephens coast are the Humpback Whale and the Southern Right Whale.

Getting to the Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout

Finding the whale watch lookout is really easy. As you head into Boat Harbour down Blanch Drive, you follow that road straight down into Noamunga Street, where you will find a gravel car park leading up to the headland and whale-watching platform.

Accessing the whale watching platform

From the car park on Noamunga Street, there is a gravel path to the top of the headland. Along the path there are a number of areas where you’re able to stop and watch the passing whales from different angles.

There is one area that has small concrete stools where you’re able to sit and look out towards the southern headland. Another area towards the end of the headland has two log seats. Whales aside, the area provides some stunning views of the Port Stephens coast.

You’re able to walk over to the furthest point of the headland across the rocks. The walk up is quite uneven and a little steep in the last part, so children may need some assistance. From there you’ll be able to get as close as possible to the passing whales.

While we were there, the whales were around 100-150 metres away from us.

During the time we were there, the sea was relatively calm so accessing different areas of the rocks was somewhat safe.

While you are positioned high up if you’re remaining on the headland, I’d still urge visitors to please exercise caution when heading anywhere near the ocean on rocks.

A lifesaving ring is located on the rock platform in the unlikely event anyone is swept off the rocks.

When is the best time of day for whale watching?

You are able to see whales during whale season at any time of the day, however we have found the best time to see them is earlier in the morning when the ocean is calmer and they are easier to spot in the softer light.

We chose to visit during the morning, arriving around 11:00am and we spotted around 20 whales during the time we were watching – although they were tricky to photograph!

You may also be interested in

Kingsley Beach: Discover Boat Harbour’s Hidden Beach

Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout: The Best Spot To See Whales Without A Boat

The new Swansea boardwalk provides uninterrupted views of Swansea Channel and Lake Macquarie.

Swansea’s new boardwalk is well worth checking out. The winding boardwalk takes you along the edge of the lake and through the mangroves of Pirrita Island nature reserve in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales.

There are a number of spots to stop along the way to appreciate the local flora and fauna, including a viewpoint where you have uninterrupted panoramic views of the lake.

There is a bridge-like area in one spot where the water from the mangroves flows back into the lake. We were able to watch fish swimming around and later saw a man feeding the fish bread from this area – which would be a fun activity for kids.

This was the area we stopped to watch the fish

Accessibility

Something that is really fantastic about the new boardwalk is that it’s wheelchair and pram friendly, making it accessible for most people’s needs.

Both ends of the boardwalk have ramp access and even the viewing platform at the Northern end, known as Miner’s point, also has a ramp.

If accessing the boardwalk with a wheelchair or pram, it’s best to access from the foreshore reserve at the rear of the caravan park. From there, you’re able to access the ramp straight from the car park.

If coming from the other direction towards Miner’s Point, there is a gravel path that may be an issue for wheelchairs and some prams with smaller tyres. This gravel path had water over it in some sections on the day we visited due to rain the night before.

The new addition of the boardwalk helps connect the foreshore reserve to the channel walkway, creating a new outdoor fitness trail.

Where is Pirrita Island?

Pirrita Island is located in the northern peninsula of Swansea channel in Lake Macquarie. The area was formerly known to locals as Coon Island, named after the first resident to live there who was a local miner and would return home covered in coal.

In 2021, Lake Macquarie city council began the process to rename the area to something that was more respectful and sensitive towards indigenous communities.

The new name “Pirrita” comes from the Awabakal word, meaning oysters from the mangrove tree.

Getting there

The boardwalk is located in the foreshore area directly behind the Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park. It’s a short walk or bike ride from the caravan park and can be found at the northern end of the car park.

If accessing by car, if you head towards the caravan park down Channel Street, you’re able to follow a small road down past Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park where you’ll come across the foreshore reserve. Heading up towards the north of the car park, you’ll find the access ramp to the boardwalk.

You are able to access the areas via the north western edge of the channel as well. This would mean instead of following the small road past the caravan park, you turn right beforehand at the small white bridge. There you’ll find a car park, picnic tables and a gravel path that will lead you along the channel and down towards the other end of the boardwalk.

Facilities at Pirrita Island

Pirrita Island has undergone many improvements over recent years as the popularity of the Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park has increased.

The area behind the caravan park is a popular spot for swimming in the warmer weather and has access to picnic tables, toilets and outdoor showers for rinsing off after a swim.

The North Eastern side near the channel has picnic and barbecue facilities.

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