Surging tide
1 / 16

Susan Gilmore Beach

4.6
·416 reviews·Bar Beach, Australia

A tranquil coastal gem offering stunning sunrises, peaceful shores, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a serene escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Spectacular sunrises await

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Surging tide

Susan Gilmore Beach

Best Time

Early mornings

Spectacular sunrises await

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil coastal gem offering stunning sunrises, peaceful shores, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a serene escape.

4.6
(416 reviews)

"A nice, quiet beach if you want to escape the crowds on Bar Beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

The downhill path is steep and slippery; wear shoes with good grip.

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Parking is generally plentiful, making access easier.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 416 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Memorial Walk Views

Memorial Walk Views

Northern end of the beach

Stunning panoramic views from the Anzac Bridge, offering a unique perspective of the coastline.

Reddit
Sunrise Serenity

Sunrise Serenity

Eastern horizon

Witness breathtaking sunrises painting the sky and sea with vibrant colors.

Instagram+1
Dog-Friendly Shores

Dog-Friendly Shores

Designated areas

A welcoming spot for your furry friends to enjoy the sand and surf.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Terrain

Accessing Susan Gilmore Beach can be tricky. The 'pathway' down is steep and slippery, best for those with good balance. Consider the cliff-top car park for easier access, though it leads to a rough track. Reddit

Embrace the Quiet

Looking for a peaceful escape? Susan Gilmore Beach is your spot. It's a great alternative to the busier Bar Beach, offering a more serene coastal experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Spectacular sunrises await
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Escape the weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Gentle surf for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The key to growing old gracefully? Just keep living! #SBBR #sammysbeachbarrum #cocktails
@sammysbeachbarrum
14K likes • 398.5K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

The downhill path is steep and slippery; wear shoes with good grip. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Parking is generally plentiful, making access easier. Reddit

It was a beautiful day! #susangilmorebeach 🎶 @u2
christian__sullivan
7 likes • 80 views
Dreamy morning at Susan Gilmore Beach . . . . #sunriseonthebeach #susangilmorebeach #newcastlensw #Australia #seascape #oceanlife #morningswim
jtchittham
83 likes • 473 views

🐶 Dogs Welcome

This beach is dog-friendly, perfect for a walk with your pet. Reddit

🌊 Check Swim Conditions

Be aware of red flag days; swimming may not be permitted. Reddit

Coming in 🔥 over Susan Gilmore Beach
mattyb_fpv
46 likes • 648 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

The downhill path is steep and slippery; wear shoes with good grip. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Parking is generally plentiful, making access easier. Reddit

🐶 Dogs Welcome

This beach is dog-friendly, perfect for a walk with your pet. Reddit

🌊 Check Swim Conditions

Be aware of red flag days; swimming may not be permitted. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning seascapes and sunrise shots. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(416 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love Susan Gilmore Beach for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning sunrise views, and dog-friendly nature, offering a serene escape from busier spots. While the water is cold and access can be challenging due to steep, slippery paths, the beautiful scenery and nearby Memorial Walk make it a worthwhile destination for many.

"The downhill “pathway” is for confident people with balance. Slippery & steep.
All in all the view is beautiful."

Saeid Sartawy

"Nice beach, although the highlight for me is the Memorial Walk, which runs across it. Starting to the north and going across the Anzac Bridge, you'll get gorgeous views!

Ample parking and a nice cafe (Swell). Unfortunately, we visited on a red flag day (no swimming) but still enjoyed the walk."

Stacey Trock

"A nice, quiet beach if you want to escape the crowds on Bar Beach.
Dog friendly, just around the cliffs from Bar Beach or accessible from the cliff top car park down a rough track."

Helen Bennett

What People Like

Peaceful and quiet
Beautiful sunrise views
Dog-friendly environment

What People Dislike

Cold water
Steep/slippery access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Susan Gilmore Beach is accessible via a steep and slippery downhill path, best suited for those with good balance. Alternatively, use the cliff-top car park which leads to a rougher track. Reddit It's located near Bar Beach, offering a quieter alternative. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available near Susan Gilmore Beach, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

Due to the steep and rough terrain, accessing Susan Gilmore Beach with a stroller can be challenging. The downhill path is slippery, and the cliff-top access involves a rough track. Reddit

Unfortunately, Susan Gilmore Beach is not easily accessible for wheelchairs due to its steep and uneven access paths. Reddit

From Newcastle city center, you can drive towards Bar Beach and then follow signs for Susan Gilmore Beach. Public transport options might require a walk from the nearest bus stop due to its slightly off-the-beaten-track location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Susan Gilmore Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. Access is free for all visitors. Reddit

Susan Gilmore Beach is open 24/7, as it is a natural public space. However, facilities like cafes may have specific operating hours. Reddit

No booking is required to visit Susan Gilmore Beach. It's a public beach accessible to everyone at any time. Reddit

The main restriction is related to swimming conditions. On 'red flag' days, swimming is not permitted for safety reasons. Reddit Also, be mindful of the slippery rocks if walking out on the bar. Reddit

Yes, Susan Gilmore Beach is accessible at night, but be aware that lighting may be limited, and safety precautions should be taken. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming (weather permitting), sunbathing, walking along the shore, and exploring the nearby Memorial Walk for stunning views. It's also a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural scenery. InstagramReddit+2

The water at Susan Gilmore Beach can be extremely cold, but many find they get used to it. Reddit Always check the conditions and heed any safety warnings, as swimming may be restricted on certain days. Reddit

While specific facilities are not detailed in all sources, nearby Bar Beach often has amenities. It's advisable to check local council information for the most up-to-date details on facilities directly at Susan Gilmore Beach. Reddit

The Memorial Walk is a significant feature running across the northern end of the beach, offering spectacular views of the coastline and the Anzac Bridge. It's a popular spot for visitors. Reddit

Susan Gilmore Beach is generally a nice, quiet beach, especially when compared to the more popular Bar Beach. It's a good option if you want to escape the crowds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a nice cafe called Swell located nearby, offering convenient dining options. Reddit Some reviews also mention good fish and chips. Reddit

Absolutely! There are good shady picnic spots available, making it a perfect place for a family picnic. Reddit

You can find typical beachside cafe fare, including good fish and chips. Reddit Swell cafe is a popular nearby option. Reddit

Information on food trucks is not readily available, but the presence of a cafe and the general beach atmosphere suggest casual dining options are common. Reddit

While not explicitly stated for the beach itself, the nearby cafe, Swell, would likely offer a range of beverages. Reddit One TikTok mentions a bar, Sammy's Beach Bar Rum, though its proximity to Susan Gilmore Beach specifically isn't detailed. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Susan Gilmore Beach offers fantastic opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise Instagram+1 and sunset. The Memorial Walk provides dramatic coastal vistas,Reddit and the natural landscape is perfect for seascapes and wildlife shots. Instagram+1

Yes, drone footage of Susan Gilmore Beach reveals stunning aerial views of the coastline, waves, and surrounding landscape. Instagram+2

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive seascapes and sunrise. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. For drone enthusiasts, a GoPro or similar action camera is ideal. Instagram+1

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Instagram+1 Stormy afternoons can also provide unique, moody shots. Instagram

Yes, Susan Gilmore Beach is dog-friendly, so you'll have opportunities to capture adorable photos of dogs enjoying the beach. InstagramReddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Susan Gilmore Beach (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide