Beaches, Pools & The Lake
Want to go swimming in Lake Macquarie? Check out our guide to patrolled beaches, baths and public pools.
Whatever the season, in Lake Macquarie there is always somewhere you can head into or onto the water. Whether that is one of our glorious beaches, our baths or our public pools, Lake Macquarie has so much to offer. If you want to go swimming in Lake Macquarie this is the guide for you. Find out where to go in our comprehensive guide to beaches, pools and the lake.
Patrolled beaches in Lake Macquarie
Our local beaches are patrolled through spring school holidays to autumn school holidays. Always check that there are lifesavers present before you head in for a swim and make sure you swim between the flags.
Blacksmiths Beach
Access off Gommera Street, Blacksmiths
Blacksmiths Beach is home to the Belmont Swansea Surf Life Saving Club. Known locally as a great place to swim, this is an ideal spot to take your family. This beach is more protected for swimming than the others in the area. With Granny’s pool situated near the break wall, a safe place for toddlers and young children to swim or paddle, this is a popular destination. Read our review of Blacksmiths Beach, Blacksmiths Breakwall & Grannies Pool.
At Blacksmiths Beach there are toilets, BBQ’s, picnic tables and indoor and outdoor showers. There is also a fantastic playground opposite the beach that is great for a play after your swim.
Caves Beach
Access off Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach
Caves Beach is home to the Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club. This beach is named after the sea caves that you can explore at low tide. If you go through the caves you will find a sheltered cove full of rock pools for the kids to search for fish, crabs and sea stars. Another popular beach with families, this is a great place for a surf or for playing in the waves.
At Caves Beach there are toilets, indoor and outdoor showers, BBQ’s, picnic tables and a kiosk that serves food and drinks.
Just up from Caves Beach is a magnificent coastal walk to Pinny Beach. You’ll also discover a hidden slice of paradise at Spoon Rock Bay, which has a perfect sheltered beach to explore. Please note this beach is not patrolled.
Catherine Hill Bay Beach
Access off Flowers Drive, Catherine Hill Bay.
Catherine Hill Bay Beach is home to the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club. This beach is situated in the historic town of Catherine Hill Bay that was named after a schooner that ran aground here in 1867. A few years later coal was discovered and the miners cottages that you can still see were the first buildings erected. The beach still has the jetty, where the coal was loaded onto ships, that makes for an interesting and unusual backdrop to photos.
At Catherine Hill Bay Beach there are toilets, BBQ’s and a small kiosk.
Redhead Beach
Redhead Beach is home to the Redhead Surf Life Saving Club. This beach is a great for swimming, surfing or fishing. The rips can be strong here so make sure you swim between the flags. There is a 100 year old shark tower on the beach that gives great photo opportunities. Redhead Beach can be a great place to watch whales migrating during May to November.
Behind the beach is a wooden boardwalk that takes you on a bush walking track that leads all the way down to the ducks. This walk is called Owens Walk, Redhead. There is also an amazing playground called Webb Park where the kids can have a play.
At Redhead Beach there are toilets, indoor and outdoor showers and a kiosk and if you head to Webb Park there are BBQ’s and picnic tables
Belmont Baths on Lake Macquarie
In 2018 Belmont Baths was reopened to the public as a safe bathing area in Lake Macquarie. Belmont Pool is a fully netted swimming enclosure that allows you to take a dip in the lake. There is a jetty you can jump off or if you prefer, a ramp that you can walk along to get in the water. This ramp is suitable for wheelchair users. There is no charge for access to Belmont Pool.
On the lake-front there are indoors and outdoors showers, toilets and picnic tables that are sheltered from the sun. A short stroll along the lake are BBQ’s and a childrens play park. Close by are cafes and shops.
Public pools in Lake Macquarie
There are several public pools dotted around the lake for you to enjoy.
Charlestown Swim Centre
Dickinson Street, Charlestown.
Charlestown Swimming Pool is a local council facility that is open year round. At Charlestown there are two outdoor heated pools, one that is 25 m and the other, 50 m. There is also a fenced toddler splash pool and a learn to swim pool.
Facilities include a seat style pool lift, showers, a changing room and toilets. There is also a kiosk where you can grab your coffee. With free BBQ’s on site you can cook up some lunch while your family enjoys a day out.
Morisset Swim Centre
Kahibah Street, Morisset.
Morisset Swimming Pool is open between September and March. At Morisset there is a 25 m outdoor heated pool, a 15 m outdoor heated learn to swim pool and a wading pool.
Facilities include an accessible change room, toilets and showers and a kiosk is on site.
Speers Point Swim Centre
Park Road, Speers Point
Speers Point Swimming Pool is open during the summer season. At Speers Point there is an outdoor 25 m and outdoor 50 m pool as well as a toddler wet play area.
Facilities include an accessible change room, showers and toilets. There are picnic tables under shades and a free BBQ for you to cook up some lunch. There is also a kiosk that serves food and drinks.
Swansea Swim Centre
Channel Street, Swansea.
Swansea Swimming Pool is open during the summer season. There are two pools, an outdoor heated 50 m pool and a shaded outdoor 15 m learn to swim pool. There is also a toddler wet play area.
Facilities include a seat style pool lift, accessible change rooms, toilets and showers. There are also free BBQ facilities and a kiosk on site. A large grassy area at the back of the pool gives you somewhere to lay out a picnic blanket while you eat your lunch.
Toronto Swim Centre
Corner Awaba Road and Carleton Street, Toronto.
Toronto Swimming Pool is independantly owned and has a 25 m indoor heated pool and a 15 m heated learn to swim pool. The centre also has an indoor spa/hydrotherapy pool.
You’ll enjoy an on-site cafe, which can cater for parities, a very accessible change room, shower and toilet.
West Wallsend Swim Centre
Edden Street, West Wallsend.
West Wallsend Swimming Pool is open year round. It has an indoor heated 25 m pool.
Facilities include a seat style pool lift, accessible changing rooms, showers and toilets. There is also free BBQ facilities and a kiosk on site.
