The Bathers Way
If you do one thing in Newcastle, make it the Bathers Way — a roughly 6 km coastal path that strings together the city's beaches, its two grand ocean baths, the moving ANZAC Memorial Walk and a run of clifftop lookouts. Largely flat and paved, it's an easy, spectacular way to experience the whole coast in a single walk. Here's what to expect and how to tackle it.
From Merewether to Nobbys
The walk runs between Merewether Ocean Baths in the south and Nobbys Beach by the harbour in the north — about 2 to 3 hours one way with stops. Along it you pass the surf of Merewether and Bar Beach, climb to the clifftop through King Edward Park, cross the striking Memorial Walk bridge, drop to Newcastle Beach and its ocean baths, and finish at gentle Nobbys. You can walk the whole thing or just a section — both ends are well served by transport and cafés.
The Memorial Walk & the baths
Two highlights stand out. The ANZAC Memorial Walk — a 450 m clifftop path whose 160 m bridge is lined with steel silhouettes of WWI soldiers — honours both the ANZAC centenary and the region's steelworkers, with views that stretch up and down the coast. And the two heritage ocean baths, at Newcastle Beach and Merewether, invite a swim in grand seawater pools carved into the rock. Add the convict-era Bogey Hole and you're walking through Newcastle's whole story.
Tips for the Bathers Way
Go early morning for cooler air, softer light and the best chance of a calm swim in the baths. Wear sun protection and carry water — much of the path is exposed. Allow extra time to stop at the beaches, lookouts and cafés, and in whale season (May–Nov) bring binoculars. The walk is largely pram- and bike-friendly, though there are a few steps, so check access if that matters for your group.
The Bathers Way: your questions
The Bathers Way is a roughly 6 km coastal walk linking Merewether Ocean Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach by the harbour in the north. It's largely flat and paved, following the clifftops and beaches, and takes about 2 to 3 hours one way at an easy pace with stops — or as long as you like, given the beaches, baths and lookouts along the way.
A lot for one walk: the beaches (Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar, Newcastle and Nobbys), the two heritage ocean baths, the clifftop ANZAC Memorial Walk with its steel soldier silhouettes, King Edward Park, the convict-carved Bogey Hole, and sweeping ocean lookouts (great for whale-spotting in season). It's the single best way to take in Newcastle's coast.
It runs between Merewether Ocean Baths (south) and Nobbys Beach (north). You can walk it in either direction, or tackle just a section — the stretch from Newcastle Beach over the Memorial Walk to Merewether is a popular shorter option. Public transport, cafés and car parks at both ends and along the way make it easy to start and stop where you like.
Yes — most of the Bathers Way is a wide, paved, largely flat shared path, suitable for families, prams and cycling, with a few sets of steps in places. The Memorial Walk bridge and clifftop sections are a highlight for all ages. Wear sun protection and take water, as much of the route is exposed to the sun and sea breeze.
In season, absolutely. The clifftop lookouts along the walk — especially around Strzelecki Lookout, the Memorial Walk and Nobbys — are excellent land-based whale-watching spots during the migration from May to November. Bring binoculars and scan the horizon for the spouts and splashes of passing humpbacks.