The Bogey Hole – Newcastle’s Historic Ocean Bath

The Bogey Hole: A Historic Ocean Bath by the Sea

Cut directly into the rock below Shepherds Hill, The Bogey Hole is one of Australia's oldest and most unique ocean baths. Built by convicts for Commandant James Morisset around 1819, it's still one of Newcastle's most iconic swimming spots: a place where history meets the raw energy of the Pacific Ocean. For more NSW ocean pools, see Bermagui Blue Pool on the South Coast or Wylie's Baths in Coogee.

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Unlike modern ocean pools, The Bogey Hole feels wild and elemental. Waves crash over the rock ledge, filling the pool naturally with seawater, while the sandstone walls and hand-cut steps remind you of its convict origins.

You'll find The Bogey Hole in Swim New South Wales, our guide to the state's best swimming spots, from heritage ocean pools to rainforest waterfalls.

Bogey Hole History: From Commandant's Bath to Public Pool

Originally known as the "Commandant's Bath", the Bogey Hole was later opened to the public. Its name is said to come from an Aboriginal word, bogey, meaning "to bathe". In 1884 the council enlarged and deepened it to roughly the shape you swim in today.

Over two centuries it has become part of Newcastle's identity: a place for sunrise swims, photography and quiet reflection. Listed on the State Heritage Register, it's a living link between Newcastle's convict past and its coastal culture today, so please don't damage or mark the rock.

Can You Swim at the Bogey Hole?

Yes. It's free and open to the public, but it's a wild ocean bath, not a supervised pool.

• Conditions: The Bogey Hole is directly exposed to the ocean, so conditions can swing from calm to powerful with the tide and swell.
• Safety: Always swim within your ability. Stay away in rough seas, when waves wash right over the pool's edge. The pool is shallow in places, so don't dive in.
• Best time: Early mornings are usually calmest and offer the best light for photos.
• Getting there: Foot access only, via a steep staircase down from King Edward Park. There are no amenities at the pool.

Check Newcastle City Council's beach cam for conditions before you head down, and see Visit NSW for visitor information.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring reef shoes: the rocks can be slippery.
• Arrive early to enjoy the pool without crowds.
• Pack out all rubbish, as there are no bins or facilities at the pool.
• After your swim, walk up to Shepherds Hill Lookout for panoramic views.
• The Bogey Hole is photogenic year-round, but sunrise and late afternoon offer the best light.

The Bogey Hole FAQs

Who built the Bogey Hole?

Convicts cut the Bogey Hole into the rock platform around 1819 for Commandant James Morisset. It was later opened to the public and enlarged in 1884.

Is the Bogey Hole free?

Yes. It's a free public ocean bath with foot access only, via a steep staircase from King Edward Park.

Is the Bogey Hole safe to swim?

On calm days it's a great swim, but waves wash over the edge in big swell. Check conditions first, swim within your ability and stay out when the sea is rough.

Are there toilets at the Bogey Hole?

No. There are no amenities at the pool itself.

More Ocean Baths in New South Wales

If you love the Bogey Hole, don't miss these other heritage ocean pools:

• Wylie's Baths: a timber-decked tidal pool in Coogee, built in 1907.
• Bermagui Blue Pool: a deep-blue ocean pool tucked under Bermagui's sea cliffs.
• Fort Scratchley: Newcastle's historic fort, just along the foreshore.
• NSW Ocean Pools Guide: the best tidal pools and rock pools across the state.

Final Thoughts

The Bogey Hole isn't just another swimming spot. It's a living relic of New South Wales' past, shaped by convicts, claimed by locals and loved by swimmers for more than 200 years. Whether you visit for a sunrise dip or to photograph its rugged beauty, it's one of the most authentic ocean baths in Australia.

For more swimming spots, from ocean baths to secluded waterfalls, grab a copy of Swim New South Wales.