Nobbys Head & Nobbys Beach
Nobbys Head
A lighthouse headland at the harbor entrance. A long breakwater runs out to the lighthouse, where you can watch giant coal ships enter the port and see the beach at sunrise.
Nobbys was originally a small island off the port. Between 1818 and 1846, convicts built a breakwater to connect it to the mainland. The lighthouse at the headland, in operation since 1858, is still working. Along the breakwater and the headland trail, you can get close to giant bulk carriers sailing into the Port of Newcastle, one of the world's largest coal-export ports. The end of the north breakwater is a popular spot for fishing and watching the sunrise. Nobbys Beach on the south side has lifeguard patrols and suits swimming and beginner surfing. The lighthouse area is normally closed, but it opens to visitors on some Sundays. The headland trail is free.
Opening hours
Beach open all day; lighthouse open some Sundays
Nearby sights
- Fort Scratchley
- Newcastle Ocean Baths
- Bathers Way
- Stockton Ferry & Stockton Beach
- Honeysuckle & Queens Wharf Foreshore
- Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle
- Bogey Hole
- King Edward Park