Horseshoe Beach: Newcastle’s only dog-friendly beach

Horseshoe Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in Newcastle. At the mouth of the Hunter River, dogs are allowed off-leash at Horseshoe Beach, and the water is usually calm enough for safe swimming.

Where is Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle?

Horseshoe Beach is a beach in Newcastle, New South Wales. It is at the mouth of the Hunter River in Newcastle’s East End. Horseshoe Beach is on the western side of the narrow spit that becomes Nobbys Head – on the opposite side from Nobbys Beach.

Newcastle’s only dog-friendly beach

Horseshoe Beach is most notable as the only dog-friendly beach in Newcastle. It is designated as a leash-free location, 24 hours a day, meaning dogs are welcome to run along the sand and have a splash in the water.

9 cool Newcastle experiences you need to book in advance

An Adventure boat cruise along the Hunter coast – with thrills and scenery.
A mobile phone-based scavenger hunt – explore the city differently.
An architecture and street art walking tour – see all the best murals.
A whale-watching tour – get close to the migrating humpback whales.
A two hour city highlights tour by bus – get orientated when you first arrive.
A scenic helicopter flight – see the spectacular coastline from above.
A three hour craft beer and food-matching tour – get a taste of the drinking and dining scene.
A food, drink and history walking tour – hear stories and indulge at the same time.

Can I go surfing at Horseshoe Beach?

You can certainly try surfing at Horseshoe Beach, but you’re not likely to get very far. This beach is essentially a river beach rather than an ocean beach, with both Nobbys Head and the breakwall providing substantial protection from the ocean swells.

Is Horseshoe Beach a safe swimming beach?

Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle, is not patrolled by surf lifesavers. However, with the water being pretty calm, it’s usually safe enough to swim in.

What you do need to look out for, however, are passing boats from the port, and kayaks. Essentially, don’t swim so far out that you find yourself in a shipping lane.

Parking at Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle

Another thing in Horseshoe Beach’s favour is that it is pretty easy to park your car there. The East End Beach parking area is just behind the beach, and parking is free for two hours.

Horseshoe Beach in Newcastle, NSW. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Other beaches in Newcastle

Horseshoe Beach is primarily of interest to dog walkers. Anyone coming this way to swim or surf is likely to go to Nobbys Beach instead.

But the best way to enjoy Newcastle’s beaches is the 6km Bathers Way walk from Nobbys Beach to the Merewether Ocean Baths. This goes past Newcastle Beach and Bar Beach along the way, and you can tackle the short but visually impressive Newcastle Memorial Walk along the way.

Other attractions in Newcastle worth investigating include the Blackbutt Reserve and Newcastle’s museums.

Newcastle offers plenty of activities, including adventure boat cruises along the coastline, architecture and street art walking tours and whale watching cruises. For a big menu of Newcastle tours and experiences, explore here. To fix up one of Newcastle’s best accommodation options, book here.