Caves Beach

Located only 40 minutes south of Newcastle, Caves Beach is a relaxed southern suburb of Lake Macquarie.  Named after the network of sea caves to the south of the beach, it is a great place to relax and explore the coast. If you want to explore the cave, make sure you go at low tide because at high tide, the cave is flooded, and access is cut off.  You can check this on the internet.  During the week we have found it to be quiet, but on a sunny weekend, it will be crowded, with people swimming and exploring the cave.

If you want to swim in the ocean, check that a lifeguard is on duty in the tower and swim between the flags to be safe.

Near the lifeguard tower is a steel sculpture, Norfolk 2019 by Kelly-Ann Lees, which reflects the seed cones dropped by the Norfolk Pines which are found in the area.

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The Caves

Entering the cave is not dangerous.  There are no warning signs and access is free. You can walk through the cave and out the other side to a rock platform.  The cliff here also has some smaller caves to look at.  The platform itself is quite interesting, with rock pools with algae growing in them.  Be careful of your footing because the rocks can be slippery. Remember to check the tides, because the cave and rock platform are flooded at high tide.

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Food and Refreshments

There is a kiosk next to the beach selling snacks and cold drinks during the week.  Not far before the entrance to the carpark, you will find cafes and restaurants, if you want something more substantial. The beach area near the surf house also has barbecues and picnic area, along with a change house and toilets.

Caves Beach to Pinny Beach The Wallarah Coastal Walk

For some excellent views of the coast and to see some nice beaches, there is a walking trail from Caves Beach to Pinny Beach. The trails are rough in places and there are steps to climb, but it is generally an easy three kilometer one way walk. Along the way, lookouts let you look over beaches and rock platforms. Small trails also allow access to the beaches, which is a great way to extend your exploring of the area.

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Spoon Rocks

Originally built by a mining company for coal transportation, the breakwater’s shape is how this Spoon Rocks received its name. The spoon shape is visible on your way down the track to the beach.

The mining venture, with Silver Valley Minerals, didn’t proceed after it’s construction. However, the breakwater remains and provides protection from the swell at the beach. Although the water looks inviting, Spoon Rocks Beach is not patrolled, so swimming is not advised.

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Pinny Beach

Located in Wallarah National Park, the Coastal Walk passes through locked vehicle gates. Designed to stop cars accessing the National Park, not people on foot, it’s safe to go past them. The views over the beach are amazing, but this was the end of our walk, so after a break for a snack, we returned to Caves Beach.

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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