Newcastle Ocean Baths Secures Place in NSW’s State Heritage Register

22 March 2025

Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, City of Newcastle Councillor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Assets and Facilities Rob Dudgeon with Members of Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths.

newy.com.au – Newcastle’s Ocean Baths have officially been added to the NSW State Heritage Register, cementing their legacy as a cultural, architectural and social icon of Newcastle.

This long-anticipated recognition, acknowledges the complex’s more than 100 years of history and its vital role in shaping beach culture across New South Wales.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths first opened to the public in 1913, during a period of rapid urban growth and modernisation in the city. The baths represented a turning point in the way public bathing was approached in NSW. Under the Police Act 1838, gender segregation in public bathing was strictly enforced. However, a 1911 funding offer from the then Minister of Public Works came with a groundbreaking condition: the baths must support mixed-gender bathing. This progressive move mirrored changing social attitudes and signalled a broader shift towards inclusivity and safer recreational swimming options.

Officially opened in 1922, the baths were lauded as a technical marvel for their time. The scale of the excavation required to build the pools in a hazardous coastal environment made the facility one of the most ambitious of its kind. The iconic curved bleacher seating, originally designed to shield bathers from strong ocean swells, was restored during the first stage of recent upgrades and remains a distinctive feature of the complex.

Architecturally, the site is notable for its striking Art Deco pavilion, constructed during the 1920s and 1930s, echoing the design aesthetic common among beachside facilities of that era across the state. Alongside the main baths and canoe pool, the entire precinct is now considered one of the largest and most significant ocean bath complexes in New South Wales.

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said the listing reflects the baths’ deep connection to the community and their role in NSW’s broader coastal identity.

“The listing of the Newcastle Ocean Baths on the State Heritage Register reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting and celebrating the rich history of NSW,” she said. “These baths not only showcase our beach culture and love for swimming, but also our evolving social attitudes, including the historic move to mixed-gender bathing.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the complex represents more than just a popular swimming spot. “This recognition proves the Newcastle Ocean Baths are more than just a local treasure—they’ve become a must-see for all of NSW,” she said. “They blend history and recreation in a way that continues to capture the essence of life in the Hunter.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp noted the deep local pride in the baths, saying: “Every Novocastrian has a story involving the Newcastle Ocean Baths. By listing the complex on the State Heritage Register, we’re ensuring this beloved place is safeguarded for future generations.”

City of Newcastle has long acknowledged the site’s importance, having listed it as a heritage item under the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan since 2012. Executive Director of City Infrastructure Clint Thomson welcomed the State Government’s decision, affirming that Newcastle remains committed to revitalising the complex while preserving its historic integrity.

“Our project team, guided by heritage architect Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, developed design concepts that respected the existing local protections as well as anticipated the requirements of a State Heritage listing,” he said. “We’re progressing towards Stage Two of the revitalisation, which will be informed by technical studies, community consultation, and expert heritage advice.”

Stage Two will go through a formal development application process, including Heritage NSW assessment. City of Newcastle aims to commence construction within the current Council term, with upgrades expected to address key features such as seating, shade, change room layouts and roof design.

Rob Dudgeon, Executive Manager of Assets and Facilities, said the most recent round of community feedback had been vital. “People have a wide range of views, and we’ve listened. The design has evolved to reflect that input.”