Blacksmiths Beach: Swim at Lake Macquarie’s Family-Friendly Beach

Take your kids for a swim at Blacksmiths Beach in the Lake Macquarie region. Blacksmiths Beach is located at the southern end of Nine Mile Beach and considered the most family-friendly section of the nine miles. Blacksmiths Breakwater provides a bit of a shelter to this stretch of beach.

Home to the Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club, Blacksmith Beach is patrolled from the September/October school holidays through to April.

With it’s wide sandy beach and nearby indoor and outdoor showers, it’s a great spot to swim with kids. The headland in the distance? That’s Redhead Bluff.

If the kids get tired of the beach, head to the nearby playground. Just make you stop for a selfie at the famous Blacksmiths mural on the side of the surf lifesaving club.

Don’t want to pack a picnic? Cross the road to the takeaway food shop located across from the beach car park and pick up some food there.

If you have smaller kids, walk around to Granny’s Pool, a tidal pool that’s perfect for under 5s. You can also walk down the beach to Blacksmiths Breakwater and spot the boats entering in and out of Swansea Channel.

If you have a 4WD, Registered 4 Wheel Drive vehicles are permitted within Belmont Wetlands State Park for 4WD Access to Nine Mile Beach. Permit Sales are now only available online. Sales of these permits have funded self-composting, waterless toilet blocks at the park entry and at Third Creek. This block provides toilet cubicles to cater for the large number of day visitors that gather around this popular area. 

For those thinking of camping on the beach. Although camping at Blacksmiths Beach was permitted in the past, there is currently NO camping permitted within the Park.​ The Park’s plan of management is currently under review with all aspects of camping both on the beachfront and within other areas of the park under consideration. Visit the Belmont Wetlands State Park website for more information.

Good to Know

Patrolled: Yes from the September/October school holidays through to April. More information about patrols can be found on the Lake Macquarie City Council website.
Toilets & Showers: Yes
Shade: Shaded areas near the Surf Life Saving Club
Parking: Lots of free parking spots near Surf Life Saving Club
Picnic Area: Shaded undercover tables
Kiosk: No. Takeaway shop across the street
Disabled Accessibility: Yes
Nearest Playground: Blacksmiths Playground is located near the Surf Life Saving Club.

You’ll find more family-friendly spots in 15 of Newcastle’s best beaches & ocean baths for kids.