Bathers Way, King Edward Park

Thanks for having your say on the concept plans for the Bathers Way extension into King Edward Park.

The Bathers Way links Newcastle's beaches from Merewether Ocean Baths to Nobbys Beach. It is 6km long and forms part of the Great North Walk from Queens Wharf by Newcastle Harbour to Circular Quay in Sydney.

We have prepared a concept design for one of the last remaining sections of the iconic Bathers Way shared path through King Edward Park. The King Edward Park section will extend from the previous works at The Terrace carpark, through King Edward Park, connecting to Shortland Esplanade and through to South Newcastle Beach.

It is important to note that the concept plan presented was a refinement of the previous 2014 plans and was only modified to reflect current thought, as well as incorporating current heritage, native title, engineering, ecological, and safety requirements.

King Edward Park holds enormous significance to Newcastle with its sweeping ocean views, much-loved gardens, and importance to Newcastle’s traditional custodians.

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas via the online feedback form or on the interactive concept plans. Read the detailed Consultation Report or Summary Engagement Report to find out what we heard.

Concept plan rendered imagery

Click on the concept images to expand the view.

Render 1: Amenities

Render 2: Bathers Way Rotunda Lawn

Render 3: Bogey Hole (view 1)

Render 4: Bogey Hole (view 2)

Render 5: Hairpin Bend

Render 6: Lookout

Render 7: Main Entry

Render 8: Main Lookout

Thanks for having your say!

We're committed to providing genuine and meaningful opportunities for your to share your voice and have your say.

Between 18 June and 5 August 2024, we invited the community to help shape the Bathers Way extension into King Edward Park by:

Viewing the concept plan
Reading the frequently asked questions
Speaking to the project team at our We love our coast event on Thursday 18 July 2024 at our Digital Library (12 Stewart Ave, Newcastle West):
- Business leaders and operators forum, 11am to 1pm
- Community forum, 2pm to 6pm
Visting our pop-up events throughout the consultation period (see the events widget on this page for details)
Contributing to and joining the conversation on the interactive concept plans (now closed) and sharing your ideas, thoughts and opinions
Providing feedback via the online form (now closed).

The consultation period has now closed.

Next steps

We will continue to work within the project's guiding principles to complete the Bathers Way.

The detailed design phase will explore the results of the community consultation and technical studies to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.

We are already exploring how we can:

Incorporate Heritage NSW feedback on the design.
Optimise the greenspace where it can be incorporated, particularly in the Rotunda Lawn area.
Assess current and future park facility demands through relevant studies, ensuring an informed approach as the project moves into detailed design.
Develop a First Nations landscape interpretation and public artwork(s) project in collaboration with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders to reflect the heritage, historical significance, and unique character of the area with engagement of local artists.

We will continue to keep the community updated as planning progresses.