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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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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Grannies Pool: Blacksmiths Beach Secret Swimming Hole

Grannies Pool at Blacksmiths Beach – A Complete Guide

Tucked in away from the road Grannies Pool (or Grannys Pool) is a little hidden gem and crowd favourite swimming spot for local families in the Lake Macquarie area.

This small tidal pool is located in Blacksmiths Beach just off the Swansea Channel and is protected from the strong currents by the rock breakwall, making it an ideal spot for swimming, particularly for those who are not confident swimmers or who prefer calmer waters.

The area is loved by local families as it provides a safe environment for young children to swim where they aren’t exposed to currents, waves or deep water.

The pool is large enough to accommodate a good number of people, even on busier days, and there is plenty of room to swim or just float around.

History

The history of Grannies Pool (Granny’s Pool) dates back to the 1940s when a group of elderly women, affectionately known as the “Grannies,” began swimming in the pool on a regular basis. Over time, the pool became known as Grannies Pool, and the name has stuck ever since.

Best time for visit

The best time to visit for a swim is if you can time your visit around there being a higher tide, it’s probably best, as during low tide there isn’t a lot of water to swim in.

You’re able to check the tides on the weather app Willy Weather.

Getting there

If you’re driving to Grannies Pool, you’ll want to head down Gommera Street towards Blacksmiths Beach. Head straight through the roundabout and follow the road around to the right and you’ll notice a left-hand turn after the public toilets. Head down there and you’ll make your way into a small parking area.

Once in the car park, there are three paths from the parking area that leads down towards the pool. Two of them are sand, which takes you through some coastal vegetation, leading you out to the pool.

The third access path is a purpose-built concrete path that provides accessibility for wheelchairs, which also comes in handy for beach wagons and prams.

Grannies Pool is a short walk or bike ride from Blacksmiths Beach Caravan Park.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Grannies Pool itself, but there are public toilets and a picnic area located nearby.

Toilets are a short walk away and are pictured on a map below. Just a little further north you’ll also come across the Blacksmiths Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, which also has other facilities available.

Unlike some of the other swimming areas in Lake Macquarie, there isn’t a lot of shelter from the nearby trees. There is a lot of room to set up a sun shelter, so it’s advised to bring one if you want to escape the sun.

Accessibility

As touched on previously, there is an accessibility ramp from the car park that leads onto the sand, almost to the water during high tide. This makes the area accessible for people in wheelchairs, as well as offering a pram and beach cart-friendly path for families.

Parking

Parking at Grannies Pool is very limited. There is a small car park directly near the pathways leading down towards the sand. Given the small amount of parking available, it can be extremely difficult to get a parking space during peak holiday periods and weekends during the summer.

Alternatively, you’re able to park at the Surf Lifesaving Club at Blacksmiths Beach, or there is some parking along some of the surrounding streets.

Other things to do nearby

Blacksmiths Beach

Not far from Grannies Pool you’ll find Blacksmiths Beach. This beach is patrolled from October through til April and is incredibly popular in the summertime due to it’s close proximity to the caravan park.

Across from the surf club there is also a small playground.

Blacksmiths Breakwall

A short walk to the north you’ll find the Blacksmiths Breakwall. It’s a 350m walk to the end of the breakwall. From the end of the breakwall you’re able to see the opening to the Swansea Channel. Over towards the South East you’re able to see Green Island.

The breakwall is a popular spot for land based fishing, though can be dangerous during periods of high swell.

Swansea Boardwalk

If you’re keen for a bit of a walk, or bike ride the new Swansea Boardwalk is worth checking out. You’re able to walk along the channel at Blacksmiths, across the Swansea bridge and along the channel towards Pirrita Island. There you’ll find the new boardwalk through Pirrita Island Nature Reserve. There are some amazing views to be seen of Lake Macquarie.

You’re able to read more about the boardwalk here

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