About

The Newcastle Ocean Baths are well known for their architectural Art Deco features and vast bleacher seating. Carved into the rock platform along the Newcastle coastline. The Baths have a strong community, historical and cultural significance. Located on the east coast of Australia.  

History and Construction

Built in 1922, the Newcastle Ocean Baths have been a significant part of the city’s history and culture. Originally designed to provide safe swimming for the public in an era when swimming in the open ocean could be dangerous due to strong currents and tides, the baths are considered a heritage site and a symbol of Newcastle’s seaside identity.

The design of the baths is often described as art deco, and the complex still features original architecture that reflects that era, with its distinctive curved lines and concrete structures.

Layout and Features

The baths feature a large rectangular pool, which is separated from the open ocean by a protective rock wall. This makes it an ideal spot for safe, relaxing swimming.

One of the standout features of Newcastle Ocean Baths is the panoramic ocean view. Swimmers can enjoy the vastness of the Pacific Ocean while having a safe and protected place to swim.

Renovations and Modern Touches

Over the years, the baths have undergone a number of renovations to modernize the facility while maintaining the historic elements. The pools were resurfaced, and the baths now have amenities like showers and changing rooms, as well as a café that overlooks the water. These updates have made it a popular destination not just for locals but also for tourists. 

Local and Tourist Attraction

The baths are not only a local favorite but also draw tourists to Newcastle. Its picturesque location makes it a prime spot for photography, and it’s part of the broader coastal lifestyle of the region.