New South Wales · Attraction
The Bathers Way
Six kilometres of pure coastline
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The Bathers Way is Newcastle's signature coastal walk, tracing six kilometres of clifftops, beaches, and ocean baths between Merewether Baths in the south and Nobbys Beach in the north. Well-formed paths pass six beaches, two ocean baths complexes, and a succession of lookouts above the Pacific Ocean. The route is steeped in the history of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples and takes in convict-era sites, wartime relics, and the modern Memorial Walk bridge.
Beginning at Merewether Ocean Baths, the track winds north through the suburbs of Merewether, The Junction, and Newcastle East, climbing to Strzelecki Lookout before descending to Newcastle Beach and Nobbys Beach. The path is well-signposted and sealed for most of its length, making it accessible for a wide range of abilities, though the Strzelecki Lookout section involves a notable hill. Along the way walkers pass Bar Beach, Dixon Park Beach, Susan Gilmore Beach, and Newcastle Beach.
Historical highlights along the route include the convict-hewn Bogey Hole ocean pool, Fort Scratchley on its clifftop above Newcastle Beach, and the Newcastle Memorial Walk bridge with its steel soldier silhouettes. Cafes and kiosks are dotted at several beach stops, making it easy to break the walk into sections.
The full one-way route takes around two and a half hours at a comfortable pace, or it can be walked in shorter sections from multiple entry points. Sunrise and early morning are particularly popular with photographers and joggers, when the light turns the sandstone cliffs gold above an often-glassy sea.
Scenic views
