Once you’re heading along the windy road surrounded by bush as you travel into Catherine Hill Bay, you begin to get a flavour for the place. Catherine Hill Bay is the oldest continuous settlement in our Lake Macquarie area. You can still see the original miner’s cottages and the site of the original pub when you visit. The current pub building is believed to have been there for about 100 years. Catherine Hill Bay has a feeling of the past about it. Although you have only travelled a few kilometres from home, on entry into Catho, you’re instantly taken back to settler times.
History
Catherine Hill Bay was established in 1865 when the land was first purchased to serve as a base for coal mining for the town that was once called Cowper. In 1867, the schooner Catherine Hill ran aground and the town was renamed to commemorate this. By 1873, coal was being shipped all over the world. In 1875, our oldest local pub was built – now known locally as The Catho.
The town itself has many cottages that are now heritage-listed, along with the pub. Although traditionally a quiet town, a new residential development has started to change the landscape on one side. There were only 162 people listed as living here in the 2016 census, which will change significantly since then.
Enjoy the beach
The beautiful beach at Catherine Hill Bay is bordered by headland and bush with golden sand and clear water. The coal loader, which sits at the end of the beach, frames it perfectly. This coal loader has been rebuilt twice. It has survived storms, bushfires and even an attempt to blow it up! It’s now disused and combines the area’s industrial past with the beautiful beach it sits on.
Catherine Hill Bay beach is popular with surfers, bodyboarders and families. The ocean provides consistent waves that work both left and right for the surfers. With a lifeguard service operating on the beach between October and April, this is one of Lake Macquarie’s four patrolled beaches.
What will you see?
Wander along the beach when the tide is low and the kids can search the rock pools. Look out for sea snails, crabs and small fish hiding under rocks. As you walk toward the coal loader you can still find evidence of the rusted chains that once moored boats to the beach.
When you gaze out to the ocean you’ll see the coal ships lining up to take their turn at the docks in Newcastle. Sometimes you might be lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins surfing the waves.
The surf life-saving club sits just behind the beach and has a kiosk where you can get a drink or something to eat. There are two lookouts with amazing views over the ocean, First Lookout and Second Lookout both situated along Northwood Road.
Catho Pub
When you finish at the beach, head over to Catho Pub. They have a large pub garden, mostly shaded, where your family can enjoy coffee and cake, or a drink and a bite to eat. Enjoy the classic Aussie pub feel in the bar area where you’ll find an assortment of drinks, including cold beers. There’s regular live entertainment while you relax. This is the perfect spot to hang out before you head home.
Visiting Catho
To get to Catherine Hill Bay take the Pacific Highway from Lake Macquarie. Turn onto Flowers Drive and follow it into Catherine Hill Bay.
On the other side of Catho is Moonee Beach and the gorgeous Ghosties Beach Cave. It’s another amazing place to see.
Catherine Hill Bay is one of Lake Macquarie’s hidden treasures so add it to your list of places to visit. It’s only a short drive and you’ll appreciate the unique coastal landscape and natural beauty. A must for every Lake Mac family.
Want to check out somewhere else? Find all our local reviews in our Out & About section.
