At the southern end of Merewether beach is 1.5 km of rocky coast consisting of a wide rock platform backed by steep cliffs rising to 50 m. The Merewether rock pool occupies the northern section, with two rock-fronted beaches to the south. The first is The Gulf (NSW 246). It was a popular men's swimming spot until 1907, when the sewer outlet was installed, and much of the then 200 m long beach filled with rock. It now unsuitable for recreational activities, though its flat rock platforms are a popular fishing spot.
The second is (NSW 247), a 700 m long high tide sand beach fronted by a mixture or rock flats and two sand patches, drained by two permanent rips. The Newcastle Sewer Treatment Works is located immediately south of the beach and the treated sewer discharged into the surf. This is a hazardous and polluted beach unsuitable for swimming, surfing or fishing.
Beach Length: 0.5km
General Hazard Rating:
10/10
Patrols
There are currently no services provided by Surf Life Saving Australia for this beach. Please take the time to browse the Surf Safety section of this website to learn more about staying safe when swimming at Australian beaches.
Click here to visit general surf education information.
SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.