Nobbys Beach, Newcastle: Swimming, surf lessons & parking

Nobbys Beach in Newcastle is home to a surf school and a famous lighthouse walk. Parking is free for a limited time, and swimming can be hazardous.

Where is Nobbys Beach, Newcastle?

Nobbys Beach, Newcastle, is in the city’s east end. It is the northernmost beach in the city itself, and stretches along a spit by the mouth of the Hunter River towards Nobbys Lighthouse on Nobbys Head. It is the other side of the spit from Horseshoe Beach, and arguably the most popular beach in Newcastle.

Is Nobbys Beach safe for swimming?

Swimming at Nobbys Beach is best done between the flags. This is a fairly exposed beach, which can be hit by big swells. There are also rips and reefs, which keep the surfers happy, but can make life difficult for swimmers.

Nobbys Beach is, however, patrolled by surf lifesavers, which adds a degree of safety. The Nobbys SLSC is at the southern end of the beach.

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.

Learning to surf at Nobbys Beach

Nobbys Beach in Newcastle is a popular place for beginners’ surf lessons. If you’d like to have a go yourself, the Philippa Anderson Surf School is based at Nobbys Beach, offering 80 minute lessons for from $50.

Is Nobbys Beach dog-friendly?

No. Dogs are not allowed on Nobbys Beach. They are, however, allowed off-leash on Horseshoe Beach opposite.

Parking at Nobbys Beach

There is free parking at Nobbys Beach, both on Nobbys Road and in the East End Beach car park. However, if you go over a two hour time limit, there are charges.

Nobbys Beach walks

The walk along the Breakwall to the Nobbys Head Lighthouse is one of Newcastle’s classic walks. The other is the 6km Bathers Way. This ends at the Merewether Ocean Baths, taking in several sights along the way. These include the Canoe Pool by Newcastle Beach, the Bogey Hole ocean pool and the Newcastle Memorial Walk near Bar Beach.

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.