It's fair to say that certain beaches in Newcastle attract certain types of personalities. If you're new to Newcastle and not across our beach culture we've put together this guide to help you find your perfect patch of sand.

The Adventurer = Stockton Beach
Noun; Likes to take risks and step out of the square.

Let’s face it unless you live in Stockton the likelihood of you driving there to go to the beach is pretty slim, however, if you’re the adventurous type it’s the perfect playground.

With some of the biggest sand dunes on the East Coast, the fascinating Tin City, heaps of room to spread out, an abundance of adventure activities, and some serious surfing for those who dare, Stockton Beach has its plusses for the right personality.

The Animal Lover = Horseshoe Beach
Noun; Pretty self-explanatory.

If you’re a self-confessed dog lover this inner-city beach is for you. It’s fair to say Newcastle has quite an obsession with dogs, so it’s no surprise that dog owners have a beach dedicated to their fur babies.

Sitting at the mouth of the harbour it’s not necessarily a place humans choose to take a dip at but the dogs, and occasionally even horses, love it! Be warned though, on hot days it gets busy.

The Doer = Nobbys Beach
Noun; A person who acts rather than merely talking or thinking.

If you’re the type of person who goes to the beach with the purpose of doing something, Nobbys ticks all the boxes. It’s where your family picnics spill onto the beach, the kids learn to surf, it’s perfect for some SUP or more serious surfing out at the reef and the competitiveness of beach volleyball takes on a life of its own.

If you get sick of the sand take a walk along the Breakwall, up to Nobbys Lighthouse or just hang out at the picnic tables and order yourself something delicious from the Swell Kiosk.

The Misfits = Newcastle Beach
Noun; a person whose behaviour or attitude sets them apart from others in an uncomfortably conspicuous way.

Over the years Newcastle Beach has built the reputation of being the hang-out of ‘rebellious teenagers and out-of-towners’. But between the Canoe Pool, the Ocean Baths, Cowrie Hole for the surfers, the more secluded South Newcastle, and multiple cafes, the Newcastle Beach scene is fast broadening its clientele.

The Nudist = Susan Gilmore
Noun; a person who engages in the practice of going naked wherever possible.

If you like getting your gear off, for the purposes of achieving the perfect tan - that is zero swimmer marks - then this is your beach. Super secluded and almost to-hard-to-get-to Susan Gilmore, named after an American ship, that ran aground back in the 1880s, has long had the reputation as being Newcastle’s official nudist beach.

The Practical Beach Goer = Bar Beach
Noun; shows concern for what is practical.

If your visits to the beach usually involve lugging a truckload of stuff, mostly for the kids, taking the easy option is important. With its kiddie-friendly swimming area, a kiosk that covers all dietary requirements ie. hot chips, ice cream, and smoothie bowls, and the added advantage of having the biggest car park in Newcastle, Bar Beach is the practical person's choice.

The Laid-Back Beachie = Dixon Beach
Noun; Sociable and good at carrying others away with their enthusiasm. Boredom is unknown.

Dixon Parkers love to get active and social all at the same time, they’re a laid-back bunch with a general vibe of whatever goes. Getting active is just as important as grabbing a coffee and bacon & egg roll and catching up on the lawn.

The Active-Wearer = Merewether Beach
Noun; One who takes their athleisure attire as seriously as their fitness regime.

Welcome to the Bondi (or Venice Beach) of Newcastle, where getting fit blurs with looking hot! Whether it’s running, swimming, some spontaneous yoga or just getting the guns out whilst sipping your coffee and chowing down on a poke or acai bowl, Merewether is where it’s at.

This is where all those in their activewear hang out, with more people strutting their stuff along John Parade than enjoying a dip in the ocean. You can’t help but enjoy the people watching in this neck of the woods.

The Chilled Nature-lover = Dudley Beach
Noun; People who appreciate the simple joys in life. 

For those who like to avoid the hectic and appreciate the natural things in life. Frequented mostly by locals, and those who fish, Dudley Beach also attracts the odd backpacker keen to check out the rock pool and blowhole action.

One thing to note, Dudley Beach isn't patrolled so only get wet if you know what you're doing in the waves.