Susan Gilmore Beach — Attraction in Newcastle-Maitland

Susan Gilmore is NOT a safe beach for swimming! It is named Susan Gilmore after a ship which was wrecked there in the 1880's. It is 100 metres of sand bounded by rocky outcrops at either end, and there are strong currents and rips running into deep water off each platform. It was closed to the public for decades because it's so dangerous, and it is now clearly designated by the Council signage as a NON-SWIMMING beach. It is pretty if you like secluded places with hardly anyone around, but it's usually unpopulated for a reason. By all means go there to look at fossils or have a paddle, but don't even think about swimming here when there's a surf lifesaving club on patrol at Bar Beach only 200...

This is one of those 5 star beaches, especially when the tide makes you clamber your way down the thin mountain track to the base. Many people bring their dogs or go there for a little private tanning. I feel like I always see locals here but it is a great place for a little peace and quiet, especially when Bar Beach is full of everyone from a hundred km's away and you don't appreciate their company. Truly though it can depend on the tide for how many people meander in, since it is accessible from Bar Beach...

Beautiful and peaceful little beach around the corner and away from the crowds of Bar Beach. Isolated and unpatrolled so don't swim unless it's very low tide or do swim if you are open to ending your days. Brilliant scenic walk along the rock platform North from here leads to an array of rockpools. Not suitable for children due to large rocks that have to be climbed over. Do not attempt to walk all the way to the Bogey Hole, although it looks close it is extremely dangerous and rescuers would struggle...