Merewether Beach

Merewether Beach is one of Newcastle's most iconic and beloved beaches, a long, golden stretch of sand on the city's coast renowned for its excellent surf. A magnet for surfers and beachgoers alike, it's a quintessential part of Newcastle's celebrated beach culture, with the famous Merewether Ocean Baths at its southern end.

The appeal is that combination of reliable surf, a wide sandy beach and a great setting on the scenic Bathers Way coastal walk, with the historic ocean baths, cafes and the foreshore all close by. Whether you're surfing, swimming, walking the coast or simply soaking up the seaside atmosphere, it's a beautiful spot that rewards a whole day.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 700 reviews, it's an enduring favourite. The beach is free and open year-round, but surf conditions, patrol flags and parking vary, and it gets busy on warm weekends and over summer, so it's worth checking conditions before you go — and taking sun protection and swimming between the flags when the beach is patrolled.