Discover the Magic of Caves Beach
Tucked away on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie, where the cliffs meet the sea and hidden tunnels whisper with the tides, lies one of New South Wales’ best kept secrets-Caves Beach.
If you’ve been dreaming of a coastal escape that combines natural beauty, adventure and a touch of mystery, Caves Beach should be at the top of your list. Known for its stunning sea caves, golden sands and laid-back vibe, this slice of paradise offers more than just a pretty view – it invites you to slow down, explore and reconnect.
I’ve been visiting Caves Beach and Lake Macquarie for years. I’ll show you everything you need to know for a perfect escape to Caves Beach – from tide-timing tips to hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Getting Here
Caves Beach is located 90minute drive north of Sydney, 30minute drive from Newcastle or a 45minute drive from Newcastle Airport.
Flying
Newcastle Airport has direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Gold Coast and Melbourne and Perth. If you fly, make sure you book your taxi, Uber or airport transfer in advance.
Driving from Sydney
When driving from Sydney, head up the M1 towards Newcastle. Keep an eye out for the dinosaur at Somersby on the motorway. Just after the Caltex Service Centre, take the Doyalson link road exit and continue around the lake until you reach the roundabout before Swansea. You will see McDonalds on the right. Turn left to Caves Beach.
Driving from Coffs Harbour
When driving south from Coffs Harbour, follow the M1 south. After crossing the Hunter River at Hexham, turn left and head towards Newcastle past Ozzie the Mozzie, then turn right down the Newcastle bypass.
Public Transport
Catch the Newcastle train from Central Station to Cardiff Station. From there, jump on bus line 29 to Belmont. Change buses just after Livingstone St, Belmont to bus line 14 which will take you right to the shops at Caves Beach.
Use Trip Planner | transportnsw.info for timetable information.
Where to Stay
There are many accommodation options in Lake Macquarie. Here are some options for different budgets.
Caves Beach – Caves Beach Bar and Bungalows
Caves Beach – Caves Cottage
Holiday Park – Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park
Things to do
Explore the Sea Caves at Caves Beach
Caves Beach is absolutely gorgeous sandy surf beach. It is patrolled from September to April. The surf lifesaving club has a cafe and there is free parking available at the top of the hill before you walk down to the beach.
“Where are the caves?” you ask. When you arrive at the beach, turn south and walk down the beach along the cliffs. There you will find a network of sea caves are best explored at low tide. You can go right inside the caves, some of the caves form tunnels that you can walk right through. When I was there, the sea was very calm and I found a cave that I could swim through. Take care and do so at your own risk.
There are also lots of rockpools to explore and tidal pools to swim in.
If you walk north, you will get to dog friendly Hams Beach.
Whale Watching
Caves Beach is located on the famous humpback highway. They pass the coast from May to November. You can see the whales from the cliffs or join a whale watching discovery cruise which departs from the Chalmers Street Jetty on the oceanside of the Swansea Channel. Look out for whales, dolphins and sea lions as you cruise along the coast.
Book your 2hour whale watching discovery cruise.
Look out for spouts, spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and if you are lucky, breath-taking breaches where the 40 tonne mammals launch themselves skyward in a display of pure power and joy.
If you are lucky, you might see the white whale, Migaloo.
Fishing
It’s home to 80 different fish species including mulloway, bream, dusky flathead, tailor, squid, luderick, sand whiting, yellowtail kingfish and Australian salmon.
Make sure you have your fishing licence (kids under 18 do not need a fishing licence) Recreational fishing licence | Service NSW and Get the FishSmart app | Service NSW. It shows you where you are and where the marine parks are, and the legal size and number of each species for sustainable fishing.
Try these popular fishing spots to cast a line.
Swansea Channel – target dusky flathead, bream, whiting and luderick. In the cooler months there can be huge schools of Australian Salmon. Actually, you can catch absolutely anything here. Once I caught an enormous octopus, it chased me all around the tinny. The kids thought it was hilarious!
Belmont Bay – there is a boardwalk and pier that you can fish from. You can catch bream, flathead and snapper.
Shingle Splitters Point is great for shore fishing for flathead and whiting.
Wangi Wangi is located on the west side of the lake and has several jetties to catch flathead and bream.
Caves Beach is known for luderick, bream and drummer. Remember to keep your eyes on the ocean when rock fishing.
Hike the Coastal Walking Track
The Coastal Walking Track connects Caves Beach to the headland just south of Pinny Beach. This 5km return Grade 4 track provides spectacular views over the coastline and ocean, great for catching a glimpse of the whale migration. The walk takes 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on how many whales you see. Be advised that the track is not well maintained. Take plenty of water and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Meander through the Markets
The Homegrown Markets are held at Speers Point Park on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month featuring over 120 stalls. You’ll find everything from gifts, artworks and fashion through to homewares and produce.
Warners Bay Markets are held along the foreshore promenade on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. Check out this link for dates
Pelican Foreshore Markets are held on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9am – 1pm at Pelican Foreshore Park. It has over 100 stalls with growers, produces and artisans.
Watch the Swansea Bridge Open
A fun thing to do with kids is to watch the Swansea Bridge open to let the boats pass through. Up until June 2025, the bridge would open at scheduled times. Now the boats have to pre-book an opening time. So, it’s a bit of a lottery if the bridge will open, but if it does, it is on the hour.
Kayaking
A really great way to explore the waterway is by kayak. Paddling a kayak allows you to get up so much closer to the wildlife and the slower pace allows you to really absorb the tranquility. Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures based in Swansea hires kayaks, but don’t just go for any old kayak, get one with a see-through bottom. Now you can see everything below the water too.
Kayak Tour and Hire – Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures
Learn to Surf at Blacksmiths
Just over the Swansea Channel is Blacksmiths Beach where you can learn to surf with Newcastle Surf School. They cater from beginners to more advanced surfers wanting to learn more skills. Surfing is a great was to be one with the ocean and once you ride your first wave, you’ll be hooked. Why not give it a go?
From its stunning sea caves and coastal walks to the peaceful charm of its surrounding village, Caves Beach is the kind of destination that leaves you refreshed, inspired and already planning your next visit. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this hidden gem on the NSW coast delivers it all.
If this post has you dreaming of salt air and seaside strolls, don’t forget to leave a comment with your favourite beach escape, save this post for future travels, or share it with someone who needs a little coastal inspiration.
