A narrow channel of shimmering blue water flows between low rock walls at this secluded and little visited part of Catherine Hill Bay Beach. In the right conditions, the Hales Bluff rock channels make for a wonderful place for a short swim or float in beautiful clear water. The walk to reach the rock channels is easy - as long as you visit at low tide - and offers the chance to walk under the historic Catherine Hill Bay Coal Loader Jetty.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Hales Bluff Rock Channels.
Safety warning - A note on tides and swell
The Hales Bluff Rock Channels can only be visited on a low tide, with a slight swell. Unlike rockpools which are cut off from the ocean - like the nearby Catherine Hill Bay rockpool - the rock channel is not cut off from the water. This means you need very good conditions or a swim here could become dangerous.
Even on a slight swell you should watch the current and waves and be prepared to turn back if necessary. If there are big waves coming into the main beach at Catherine Hill Bay, then don’t visit the rock channels.
You’re looking for a low tide with slight swell and calm water to the eye, if you don’t have this, then don’t attempt it. You can feel whether the water is calm when you step into the very start of the channel, so if it feels like there is a strong current you should just enjoy the beach instead.
Though the main part of Catherine HIll Bay Beach is often patrolled, this area is not, so you have to exercise increased caution.
The walk to the Hales Bluff Rock Channels
The stats
Distance: 1.5km return
Elevation gain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Catherine Hill Bay Car Park
Summary: The walk to the rock channels is flat and easy, provided you go at low tide. There is a small amount of rock hopping required to get around some boulders on the beach, but it’s otherwise straightforward. You could go barefoot, but might find it easier to have shoes for the short rocky section.
Getting to the rock channels
From the main car park at Catherine Hill Bay Beach, head down onto the sand and then right, towards the jetty. You’ll cross the sand and 250m later, arrive at a rock platform beside the jetty.
After a very short walk along the rocks you’ll head directly under the jetty. There’s a short sandy section before you need to walk behind the large boulders blocking your way on the beach.
The red cliff wall here is pretty incredible and it’s fun to see the jetty from below.
You will then have a 300m walk along the beach before you reach the end of the sand and you will see the rock channel ahead of you - when you can go no further without walking around the rock wall.
There is likely to be few rock fishers nearby, but it’s otherwise a very quiet spot.
Swimming at the Hales Bluff Rock Channels
As long as you have the aforementioned great conditions, then Hales Bluff is a glorious place for a dip. It shimmers blue in the sunshine and the narrow channel of water between the rock walls is very picturesque. The channel splits in two, with the right arm offering sandy access to the water.
From here you can just walk in. You can’t swim far because it opens out to the ocean, but you can have a little swim or float.
I would not venture towards the edge of the rock channel, even in perfect conditions, because there are powerful currents at Catherine Hill Bay and this part of the beach is not patrolled.
It’s a beautiful spot and feels lovely and secluded as it’s cut off from the main beach.
When you’re ready to leave you simply retrace your steps back to the car park, making sure to leave plenty of time to cross over to the main beach around low tide.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Getting to the Hales Bluff Rock Channels
The closest car park to the start of the walk is the main car for Catherine Hill Bay Beach in the Lake Macquarie region. You can see it here on Google maps. It’s around 125km and a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney and 35km and a 40 minute drive from Newcastle.
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