Newcastle Ocean Baths listed on the State Heritage Register

29 Apr 2025

Iconic Newcastle destination recognised for its heritage significance.

By Charlotte Anlezark, National Trust (NSW) Senior Conservation Officer.

This March, the beloved Newcastle Ocean Baths were approved for State heritage listing. The Baths have been a stalwart destination for Novocastrians for over a century; a place for fitness, leisure, socialising and of course first swimming lessons. The listing acknowledges the deep value of the place for both locals and greater NSW.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths have been added to the State Heritage Register. (Image supplied)

A brief history of the Newcastle Ocean Baths

1900s

Planning discussions begin to establish a new ocean bath in Newcastle. Sufficient funding to build the baths is not secured until almost a decade later.

1910s

Excavation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths begins. By 1913, the Baths are open to the public, however the associated facilities have not been constructed.

1920s

Original pavilion finalised, and the baths are officially opened. A few years later, the pavilion is remodelled in current Art Deco style.

1930s

Upgrades and additions are made, including an Olympic section, bleacher seating and Canoe Pool.

1940s

Baths fall into disrepair during WWII. Post war refurbishment project is undertaken to upgrade the facilities.

1950s

Brick northern and southern clubrooms built.

1980s

Various upgrades to facilities. Damage occurs during the 1989 earthquake. Newcastle Ocean Baths heritage listed on the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan.

1990s

Large scale repairs after earthquake. Newcastle Ocean Baths listed on the National Trust (NSW) Register.

2010s

Demolition of northern clubrooms due to structural damage.

2020s

City of Newcastle commits funding for restoration efforts. Newcastle Ocean Baths listed on the State Heritage Register.

Current

Extensive refurbishment works to the Newcastle Ocean Baths have been underway over the last few years, with Stage One (repairs to the pool area) completed in 2022. Plans for Stage Two are currently being finalised, this stage focuses on the future of the pavilion facilities.

Proposed changes to the Newcastle Ocean Baths also allowed the community to consider what is important about this place. The Baths had been listed on the City of Newcastle Local Environmental Plan since 1987, as well as the registers of the National Trust and Institute of Australian Architects. Consequentially, the Baths were nominated by the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths to the State Heritage Register in 2024, with the National Trust Newcastle-Hunter Branch providing assistance with the application.

The Newcastle Ocean Baths continue to be a popular destination for locals. (Image supplied)

The Newcastle Ocean Baths Complex was approved for listing on the State Heritage Register in 2025 for its historic, aesthetic and representative qualities. The statement of significance describes:

The Baths are of State heritage significance for demonstrating changing social values and morality as a very early example of government funding being contingent on providing mixed bathing. The Baths are an icon of Newcastle, and a place for intergenerational recreation.

The National Trust listing notes: The Newcastle Ocean Baths presents an impressive 300 foot semi-curved 1928 Art Deco façade to the promenade encircling the beaches from Newcastle South and Newcastle, to Nobby’s in the north. The sweeping curve of this imposing early Art Deco Newcastle Ocean Baths building is erected on a prominent seaside rock shelf which imparts landmark qualities to these Baths.

In 1981, the Newcastle Post described the site as the ‘World’s biggest backyard pool’.

The National Trust the listing of this culturally significant place on the State Heritage Register.

Find out more

The National Trust (NSW) has been campaigning to protect NSW’s built, cultural and natural heritage for over 75 years. Find out more about our advocacy work.