If you are visiting Newcastle and looking for a walk, check out the Bathers Way Coastal walk. The walk is stunning, stretching from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach, hugging the coastline and offering magnificent views.
Bathers Way Coastal Walk at a glance
Distance: Approx 5.5 km one way or about 11 km return
Duration: 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours (return)
Track: Excellent paths, well formed and maintained. Good sign posting. Some parts are suitable for wheelchairs.
Australian walking track Grade: 2
Start: Nobbys Beach
Finish: Merewether Beach
Nearby trails: Yeularbah Walking track
Bookings/Permits: Not required
Other information: Picnic and toilet facilities available at surf clubs along Bathers Way. Parking (some free) is available at the trail head. Arrive early to secure parking on weekends and in school holidays.
Information on how walking trails are graded can be found here.
The Trail
Bathers Way Coastal Walk includes ANZAC memorial walk, Strezlecki Lookout, the Bogey Hole and King Edward Park. All are worth stopping at for at least a few moments. They afford magnificent views of the coastline and are great for whale watching, picnics overlooking the ocean or a quick swim.
The walk is part of the Great North Walk between Sydney and Newcastle (first leg in a southerly direction, the last leg if you’re completing the walk in a northerly direction). More information on the Great North Walk can be found here.
A large pod of dolphins frequent the area and can be often seen surfing down waves, feeding on mullet or if you’re really lucky you can see them leaping through the air. From May to November southern right whales can be seen migrating along the coastline.
At various times of the year, surfing competitions are held at Merewether, Newcastle or Bar Beaches.
There are a number of cafes along Bathers Way Coastal Walk serving magnificent coffee, tea, juices and smoothies. Stop for a quick (or long) brunch at one of the surf clubs, or have a picnic lunch at King Edward Park, Newcastle or Merewether Baths.
Getting there
Newcastle Beach is easily accessible from the centre of Newcastle. There are excellent rail and bus services from most suburbs and a light rail service that runs to from Newcastle Interchange to Newcastle Beach. There is adequate parking at Nobbys beach (some free parking). If you plan on visiting on the weekend, arrive early to get a park.
Other great hiking and walking trails
Soldiers Point circuit walk
There is one word to describe this walk. Ok, there are probably more, but the first word that comes to mind is stunning. Following the coastline around the peninsula, the walk traverses beaches, small pathways and the rocky shore of the point. Soldiers Point circuit walk at a glance
Tomaree Coastal Walk
Tomaree Coastal Walk will be a stunning 20km walk from Tomaree Head to Birubi Point in Tomaree National Park. The walk is currently being constructed and is due for completion in 2022. In the meantime, you can complete two sections of the hike, commencing at Tomaree Headland and finishing at
Hunter Wetlands National Park walking and hiking trails
Hunter Wetlands National Park is located a short drive from Newcastle, NSW, AU. The park is a great place to wander through the mangroves, fish, cycle or birdwatch. There are a number of short out and back walks that can be combined into a longer hike. Hunter Wetlands National Park
Godwins walking and hiking trail
Godwins trail is located in Myall Lakes National Park, roughly between Booral and Bulahdelah. We set out on this hike not really knowing what to expect. The hike firstly meanders through the bush and then steadily climbs up and down valleys towards Booral Road. Godwins trail at a glance
Bucketts Scenic Walk
Bucketts Way Scenic Walk is a steep 2.2km out and back walk located just outside of Gloucester, NSW, AU. The walk is maintained by the Lions club and passes through farmland before ascending the Buccan Buccans (the Buckett Mountains). Bucketts Scenic Walk at a glance Distance: 2.2km return Duration: 1
Treachery Headland walk, Seal Rocks
We have been spending quite a bit of time exploring the walking and hiking trails on the Barrington Coast this year. Recently we spent some time at Seal Rocks, staying at Treachery Camp. There are a few walks available in the area, but none more stunning than the Treachery Headland