by Janelle (
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I like to participate in life rather than be a spectator. Music, dancing, theatre, travelling, food, cycling and walking are some of my passions. Writing is an enjoyable pastime that allows me to share my experiences.
A leash free area in King Edward Park (image JW)
Take your furry family member for a scenic walk around the coast of Newcastle. Dogs are welcome on all of the shared pathways, including The Bathers Way, as long as they kept in control and their owners clean up after them. Along the way, there are plenty of dog waste bins and water fountains have dog bowls attached.
Looking towards Nibbys Beach (image JW)
Newcastle City Council has a
brochure that outlines off leash areas and the conditions of use. The grassy area at the top of King Edward Park is great if you have a woofer who enjoys chasing and returning balls. You can then continue downhill via the stairs or roadway to Shortland Esplanade, where you will pass Newcastle Beach, the child-friendly Canoe Pool and the Art Deco Newcastle Ocean Baths on the way to Nobbys Beach.
Interesting carvings on the breakwall (image JW)
Macquarie Pier, now known as Nobbys Breakwall, celebrated its
200th birthday in 2018 and the historic wall makes for an interesting 1.5km walk full of ocean and city sights. During high tide and rough seas waves crash over the point so you will need to take care. Near the end, there is a series of sculptures that depict historic elements of the area, as you retrace your steps, you will see the vista of Nobbys Beach overlooked by Fort Scratchley and dog-friendly Horseshoe Beach on your right.
Horseshoe Beach (image JW)
Finish up and cool off on the adjacent
Horseshoe Beach which is very popular with people seeking to give their dogs some off-leash exercise and possibly a swim. Positioned on Newcastle Harbour near the Pilot Station, it is usually protected from big swells. Shortland Esplanade and Nobbys Breakwall are wheelchair accessible and both have parking nearby.
You'd be barking mad if you didn't give your dog a chance to put his best paw forward on this scenic and interesting walk!
