Discover the ANZAC Memorial Walk: A Must-Visit Attraction When You Visit Newcastle
- WCP Media
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
When you visit Newcastle, few experiences compare to walking the spectacular ANZAC Memorial Walk. This breathtaking 450-metre clifftop walkway stands as one of Newcastle's most iconic attractions, offering unparalleled views and a deeply moving tribute to Australia's military heritage.
A Living Memorial with Stunning Views
The ANZAC Memorial Walk opened in April 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli, making it a relatively new but already beloved addition to Newcastle's landscape. This impressive structure serves a dual purpose – honouring the brave men and women who served their country while providing visitors with some of the most spectacular coastal views in New South Wales.
Perched high above Memorial Drive on Strzelecki Headland, the walk connects Strzelecki Lookout to Bar Beach, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Newcastle's coastline, the city skyline, and the expansive Hunter Valley. The engineering marvel uses 64 tonnes of stainless steel in its construction – a deliberate choice that honours Newcastle's steel-making heritage, which began in the same year as the Gallipoli landing.
What Makes This Walk Special
The Memorial Walk features striking steel silhouettes of soldiers along its 160-metre cliff-top bridge, creating a powerful visual reminder of sacrifice and service. Perhaps most moving of all, the walkway is inscribed with nearly 4,000 family names, representing almost 11,000 Hunter Valley men and women who enlisted during World War I. For many locals, this creates a deeply personal connection to the memorial.
The walk forms an integral part of the Bathers Way, a scenic six-kilometre coastal route that connects Newcastle's iconic beaches from Merewether Ocean Baths in the south to Nobbys Beach in the north. This makes the Memorial Walk not just a destination in itself, but a gateway to exploring Newcastle's stunning coastline.
Planning Your Visit Newcastle Experience
Getting There and Parking
The Memorial Walk is easily accessible whether you're driving or using public transport. For drivers, parking is available at Strzelecki Lookout (though spaces are limited) or at the larger Bar Beach car park. Street parking along Memorial Drive provides additional options.
Public transport users can take bus route 21, which connects the Memorial Walk with Newcastle CBD, The Junction, and Hamilton Station. For cruise ship passengers docking at Newcastle's port, the walk is about a 40-minute scenic coastal walk from Queens Wharf, or a short taxi ride costing around $20.
Opening Hours and Accessibility
One of the best features of the Memorial Walk is its accessibility – it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with illumination after dark creating a magical nighttime experience. The walk is wheelchair accessible from the Strzelecki Lookout entrance, with pram access extending to the Trip Point lookout. However, note that the connection to Memorial Drive involves 138 stairs.
The Memorial Walk is free to visit and doesn't require tickets or reservations. However, dogs are not permitted on the Memorial Walk itself, though they can use the alternative footpath along Memorial Drive.
Best Times to Experience the Walk
Newcastle's mild coastal climate makes the Memorial Walk pleasant year-round, but different seasons offer unique experiences:
Summer (December-February): Perfect for early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid peak sun, with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C
Autumn (March-May): Mild and comfortable with fewer crowds – ideal for photography
Winter (June-August): Cool but clear, offering crisp air and excellent visibility for those panoramic views
Spring (September-November): Pleasant weather with blooming flora and refreshing sea breezes
Photography enthusiasts particularly love sunrise and sunset visits, when the golden light creates stunning backdrops for the memorial silhouettes and coastal views.
Connecting to Newcastle's Broader Attractions
When you visit Newcastle, the Memorial Walk serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the region's many attractions. The Bathers Way connection means you can easily walk to:
Nobbys Beach and Lighthouse: Newcastle's historic lighthouse and popular swimming beach
Newcastle Ocean Baths: Art Deco swimming facility right on the coast
Merewether Beach: Renowned surfing beach and site of major competitions
King Edward Park: Beautiful parkland with additional walking tracks
The city centre is just a short distance away, offering world-class dining along Darby Street, cultural attractions like the Newcastle Museum, and the vibrant Honeysuckle waterfront precinct with its array of restaurants and bars.
Why the Memorial Walk Should Be on Your Newcastle Itinerary
For visitors planning to visit Newcastle, the ANZAC Memorial Walk represents everything that makes this coastal city special – stunning natural beauty, rich history, thoughtful urban design, and deep community connection. It's simultaneously a place of reflection, a feat of engineering, and one of the best vantage points on the NSW coast.
The walk typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, but most visitors find themselves lingering to take in the views, read the commemorative inscriptions, and capture photos of the dramatic coastline. Whether you're interested in military history, love spectacular views, enjoy coastal walks, or simply want to experience one of Newcastle's newest landmarks, the Memorial Walk delivers on all fronts.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To truly appreciate what the Memorial Walk offers, consider starting at Strzelecki Lookout in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is at its best. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and perhaps some water, especially during warmer months.
The Memorial Walk's location makes it easy to combine with other activities – you might start with breakfast in the city centre, walk the Memorial Walk and Bathers Way, enjoy lunch at one of Bar Beach's cafes, and spend the afternoon exploring Newcastle's beaches or cultural attractions.
When you visit Newcastle, the ANZAC Memorial Walk isn't just another tourist attraction – it's a chance to connect with Australia's history while experiencing some of the most beautiful coastal scenery the country has to offer. This thoughtfully designed memorial proves that the best attractions honour the past while celebrating the natural beauty that makes Newcastle such a special destination.
The ANZAC Memorial Walk is located at 24 Memorial Drive, The Hill NSW 2300. For more information about Newcastle's attractions and planning your visit, explore the many experiences this vibrant coastal city has to offer.
