Beaches
The eastern side of Lake Macquarie borders the Pacific Ocean. The water is crystal clear and the sand is golden making the beaches a hotspot for surfers and swimmers alike. You can surf great waves in the heritage listed township of Catherine Hill Bay, have a day out with the kids at Blacksmiths Beach where there are kids activity areas, BBQ facilities and a protected rock pool, or walk the expanse of Nine Mile Beach which has a patrolled beach at either end.
Beaches to the North
Catherine Hill Bay
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Home to a heritage listed township that was once a coal mining town, this stunning beach is popular for fishing, swimming and surfing, and also has an unusual icon being a large coal mining jetty that has been recently decommissioned. The beach is patrolled in summer.
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Caves Beach
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Caves Beach, one of Australia’s most pristine beaches, derives its name from the network of sea caves located at the southern end of the beach which can be explored at low tide. Caves Beach also has well-maintained BBQ facilities and picnic area. The beach is patrolled in summer.
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Blacksmiths Beach
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Blacksmiths Beach, located at the southern end of Nine Mile beach, is popular with families as it is known to be safe for swimming. The breakwall, which acts as a border between the beach and Swansea channel, is a favorite with walkers and fisherman. The beach is patrolled in summer.
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Redhead Beach
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Redhead Beach, located at the northern end of Nine Mile beach, is renowned for its stunning cliffs, rocky outcrops and shark tower. Whilst the beach is ideal for surfing and fishing, Blacksmiths Beach is regarded as a safer option for children to swim. The beach is patrolled in summer.
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Beaches to the South
Lakes Beach
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Lakes Beach is regarded as one of the areas better surfing beaches. It stretches for 8 kilometres, becoming Budgewoi Beach then Birdie Beach. Here you will find the boundary between Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah, where the two lakes almost meet leaving a narrow channel with boat ramps on opposite ends of the channel. BBQ facilities and a footbridge to a small island are features. The waters of the channel are calm and shallow, ideal for family groups and anglers.
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Canton Beach
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Is located on the southern side of Toukley and the northern shore of Tuggerah Lake. The lake is an ideal swimming spot for children. The foreshore at the western side of the head is backed by some pleasant parkland where there are picnic and BBQ facilities. Paddleboats, canoes, sail boards, and catamarans can be hired here.
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Norah Head
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Norah Head is famous for its lighthouse, which opened in 1903. Awaiting you above the 96 stairs of the lighthouse are panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean where whales may be sighted during their migration. Tours operate on weekends, as well as Tuesday and Fridays during school holidays. Soldiers beach, just south of the lighthouse, is patrolled during summer months.
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