Newcastle Beaches 

Newcastle boasts some of Australia's best surfing beaches. All year round you can expect great surfing conditions. These have proved a fertile breeding ground for several world champions - among them, Mark Richards, Matt Hoy and Luke Egan.

Enjoy a surf at Merewether, Dixon Park, or any one of the other inner city beaches and you may find yourself sharing a wave with one of our champions who still call Newcastle home.

THE HARBOUR: Wave Description: A death defying wave which can see you dodging scrap metal and concrete lumps, but has an awesome and consistent barrel section. Best Conditions: Big NE swell , S-SW wind and any tide if it's big enough. Getting There: Follow all the signs into town, it will be pretty obvious from there.Dangers: One of Newcastle's most dangerous waves due to its crazy takeoff and hideous barrel. Plus: Only the very experienced or extremely stupid take on this wave when it's big.

THE WEDGE: Wave Description: An extremely sucky left breaking off Nobby's side of the breakwater. Best Conditions: Big, clean NE swell and NW winds. Getting There: Get to Nobby's lighthouse and you're there! Dangers: On low tide, the rock reef which creates the hollow barrel gets ridiculously shallow causing many horrific wipe outs, especially when it's solid.Plus: Similar set up to the Harbour and a favourite with the locals, so watch out!

NOBBY'S REEF: Wave Description: A selection of shifting peaks over a shallow reef.Best Conditions: S-E swell, NW wind, mid tide. Getting There: Follow Hunter Street until the end, where you take a left on Nobby's Road. You shouldn't have too much trouble from there.Dangers: The shifting peaks and the way they pitch at times can leave you severely out of position. Take the time to watch some of the locals and how they negotiate the rip. Plus: You'll find the competition pretty hot around here, as this break is a favourite with the locals.

NOBBY'S BANK: Wave Description: A hollow lefthander that's the closest thing we have to pipeline. Very heavy at times. Best Conditions: Works on an easterly swell with NW to Southerly winds. Getting There: Follow Hunter Street into town and turn into Nobby's Road.....no problem!!Dangers: A fleet of body boarders to dodge and a sucky, sandy barrel. Plus: Watch out for the shore break when it's big.

THE GROPER: Wave Description: A right hand reef break which only works in big swell but can handle up to 12ft. Best Conditions: Big southerly swell and NW to SW winds.Getting There: Located at the Southern end of Nobby's Beach, right near the surf club. Dangers: When it gets big it's only for the brave hearted.

COWRIE HOLE/ FLAT ROCK: Wave Description: A perfect right hand reef break if all the conditions are in your favour. Best Conditions: SE swell, NW-W wind, mid-tide.Getting There: Just next to the Soldier Baths swimming pool on the Esplanade. Dangers: Hardcore locals and a razor sharp rock ledge.Plus: There is also a hollow right that breaks further out called Flatrock. The name says it all. Breaks in swell ranging from 3ft to 10ft plus (only for the brave!). The wave sucks up and produces a super hollow right hander that carries through to the Cowrie Hole when the swell is big enough. Can be a fairly lethal wave.

NEWCASTLE BEACH: Wave Description: A selection of beach breaks, with a left in the northern corner that is the most consistent. Best Conditions: NE-SE swell, NW-W wind (protected in NE too). Works on most tides if there is enough swell.Getting There: Newcastle Beach is right in the heart of the city. If you can't find this, then God help you and your future surf trips!Dangers: Being in the heart of the city makes it a summer playground for hundreds of beach goers, which can cause some carnage in the line-up. Plus: Newie beach is home to the famous pro surfing contest Surfest, which attracts some of the world's best surfers to Newcastle.

Further Information

SOUTH NEWCASTLE BEACH: Wave Description: Right and left hand beach breaks which can go off if the banks are good. There is also a long breaking right hander in the southern corner which can handle large swell.Best Conditions: NE-S swell, NW-W wind, works well on most tides. Getting There: Same as Newcastle beach, just down the other end.Dangers: Watch out for the rip in the southern corner, and if it's over 8ft the paddle out will probably kill you! Plus: Skateboard ramps and the road to King Edward Park make South Newie popular all year round.