Caves Beach a national treasure

Lake Macquarie’s Caves Beach has been ranked among the 10 best in Australia, making it one of only two from NSW to secure a spot on the 2025 list.

The Bay of Fires in Tasmania claimed the No. 1 position, Woolgoolga—near Coffs Harbour—placed second, and Norfolk Island’s Emily Bay Lagoon ranked third. Caves Beach surpassed many well-known stretches of sand to achieve ninth place.

Tourism Australia’s official “beach ambassador,” Brad Farmer, who compiles the annual Best Australian Beaches list, described Caves Beach as “truly wondrous to explore on a low tide.”

“About 90 minutes north of Sydney, the area is rich in brilliant beaches, from historic Catherine Hill Bay and Ghosties north towards a continuous swell of surfing beaches,” he said.

Dudley Beach secured 11th place in 2022, making Lake Macquarie the only LGA in Australia to appear on the list more than once in recent years.

Mayor Adam Shultz expressed his pride in the recognition, stating that being included twice in four years was a great honour.

“It’s definitely exciting and a massive accolade, but for anyone like me who has grown up in Lake Macquarie, it’s not all that surprising,” he said.

“While other beaches north and south might get more attention, locals have known for generations how amazing ours are. Caves is such a standout because it’s unlike any other patrolled beach on the NSW coast. It’s such a family-friendly spot, and there are so many other activities right on its doorstep.”

Once described as “a local’s secret,” recent visitor numbers suggest Caves Beach is gaining widespread recognition. Over December and January, more than 112,000 people visited the beach—marking the first time its numbers have surpassed those at Redhead Beach.

Lake Macquarie City Council manager of leisure services, Brad Sutton, reported that nearly 400,000 visitors attended the city’s five patrolled beaches during the two-month peak period.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in visitor numbers at Caves Beach over the years, particularly with Sydneysiders coming up for weekends away and longer holidays,” he said.

“It is such a quick trip for anyone living north of the Harbour Bridge, and I think a lot of people would rather make that trip north than tackle the crowds and hassles of beaches in Sydney.”

Read more in our Autumn Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.