Did you know you can check out all these fabulous things around town when the tide is either high or low?

From exploring caves to adventuring out to otherwise secluded islands, there is so much you can check out during specifically high or low tides, and with it being summer we thought, what better time to do some exploring and make the ultimate list of where and what you can explore during high or low tide.

1. Rockpools & Caves
Caves Beach

If you haven’t been to Caves Beach before then firstly, you should absolutely make a visit just to check out the stunning beach. However, if you make a journey out during low tide you can spend the day exploring the multitude of caves and never-ending rock pools.

Take the kids searching for crabs and other aquatic life as well as collecting all the beautiful seashells.

2. Fraser Beach 
Munmorah State Conservation Area

This place is hidden off the beaten track but is well worth the trek to get there. The little oasis that is Fraser Beach is nestled in the equally impressive Munmorah State Conservation Area, but it’s the rockpools and deserted beaches that we’ve come to check out.

Insider Tip – Pack some reef shoes if you’ve got them, walking over the rocks was not fun for our feet!

3. Walk out to Shark Island
Port Stephens

We’ve all done the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, but have you ever noticed the view out over the Shark Island (hint: it’s the one with the lighthouse)? Well, during low tide you can actually venture out to the island on foot! But visitors must be incredibly cautious, as the Fingal Spit can be incredibly dangerous.

It is essential for visitors to check the tide times and plan to ensure a safe trip there and back. If you’re keen to check out the island but don’t think it’s worth the risk of walking out, you can book a boat trip with Imagine cruises here.

4. Naru 
Marks Point

Got yourself a paddleboard or kayak? Drive through the back streets of Marks Point, wind through the bushy parkland and park the car right by the sandy shores of Naru. If it’s low tide around the lake you can almost walk to some islands. So, if you pack the paddleboard or kayak, you can set up shop in the middle of the lake!

5. Burwood Beach to Merewether Ocean Baths
Glenrock State Conservation Area

Ever walked from Burwood Beach around the headland to the Merewether Ocean Baths or vice versa? If not, why not make a day of it and start off at the Yuelerbah Carpark and make your way through to Glenrock Lagoon before taking a dip in the ocean. If the tides low, you can walk all the way through to the baths. Maybe take a pit stop at the Merewether Surfhouse Café or Blue Door Kiosk with a caffeine pick-me-up before making your way back. Keep an eye on that tide though!

6. Susan Gilmore 
Bar Beach

If you frequent the Anzac Memorial Walk, Bar Beach or just know your city, this one should come as no surprise. Access the beach by walking around the wide from Bar Beach. Susan Gilmore’s 100m strip of beach offers visitors a quiet break from the otherwise overpopulated Bar Beach.

7. Granny Pool
Blacksmiths

Situated on Blacksmiths Breakwall, this little gem is perfect for toddlers or young ones learning to swim. With its very shallow waters, protected area, and almost non-existant population, it’s a perfect spot to cool off without the hassle of dealing with hundreds of people. When the tides come in, the granny pool fills up just enough for both adults and kids alike to enjoy a splash around.

8. Figure 8 Pool
Royal National Park

Spend a fair bit of time on Instagram? You’ve surely seen the insta-famous figure 8 rock pools that sit on the outskirts of the city at Sydney’s Royal National Park near Burning Palms Beach. The hike to the Insta-famous spot is not for the faint-hearted, the 6km walk is two hours each way along a very rocky, steep, narrow and slippery track. Check out the risk forecast here and PLAN AHEAD.

9. Surfs Up
Across Newcastle

Ok, I confess I’m probably the least qualified to write anything about surfing so I’m going to keep this one short. I heard (well, I read a lot on google) that King Tides generally mean for good surf, soooo here’s me passing on that information to those of you surfers out there. Go do your surfing thing!

10. Groper Rock
Nobbys

If the tide is really low, you can walk out to the famous local spot; Groper Rock! Take a quick pic then walk back to the Groper Bar at Nobbys Beach Surf Life Saving Club to enjoy an beverage or two!