The Bogey Hole in Newcastle is a rock pool cut by convicts around 1820 for the commandant, James Morisset, below King Edward Park. Enlarged in 1884 and on the NSW State Heritage Register, it is free, wave-washed and best visited in calm seas.
Key facts
- Type
- Natural pool
- Facilities and access
- Access from King Edward Park
- Cost
- Free
- Lifeguards
- No
- Best time to go
- Calm days, low to mid tide
- Water quality
- GoodNewcastle Beach, 0.8 km away. Sampled 24 Oct. Source: NSW Beachwatch.
- Town
- Newcastle, NSW
What it's like
The pool is cut into a wave-washed rock shelf at the foot of the cliffs south of Newcastle Beach. The sea pours over its outer wall, so it is an exciting swim on a calm day and a dramatic sight in a big swell. Many people come just to watch the waves from the park above.
Convicts cut the first, smaller pool around 1819 or 1820 for Commandant James Morisset's private use, and it was known as the Commandant's Baths. It was enlarged to about seven times its size in 1884. It was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register in 2003, the same year rockfalls from the cliff closed it until stabilisation work was finished in 2004.
When to go
Only on calm days, ideally at low to mid tide. In heavy swell waves wash right across the pool and the platform, and it can be dangerous. Early mornings are quiet.
Getting there and facilities
Walk down from King Edward Park, off the Bathers Way coastal walk below Shepherds Hill, by a path and steps. There are no facilities at the pool itself.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards. The rocks are slippery and the outer wall takes waves without warning, so keep away from the edge in any swell.