The Amazing Photographers of Newcastle's Ocean Pools
When I set out to swim a lap in all of the ocean pools scattered along the Aussie coastline, I wasn’t really sure how things would pan out. I began researching, reading books and looking at websites, planning my next move. I ended up wasting away countless hours gazing at photos of ocean pools from all over the world.
I decided that I would love to try and share images that show the pools at their best. I could never achieve that with my fleeting visits, so I decided to ask the experts. Local swimmers who visit their neighbourhood pool regularly, and enjoy sharing the beauty of their favourite hangs with the world.
Newcastle locals have been so accommodating, and I am so thankful to all the individuals who have allowed me to share their images. I think that Newcastle has some of the most beautiful ocean pools I’ve ever seen, and I hope you love looking at these pictures as much as I do. I have to admit that the hardest part was choosing which photos to use, I genuinely love them all and find looking at them absolutely enchanting. If you love what they have to offer, and would like to see more please give them a like and a follow on their socials.
Steve is a local at Newcastle Ocean Baths, and his images feature on our Newcastle Ocean Baths, Canoe Pool and Merewether Ocean Baths pages. You can follow him on Instagram at @stevefromnewy
Born and bred in Newcastle, Steve’s association with the baths goes back to his childhood. He learnt to swim in the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
He recalls “my first swim club was the Police Boys who swam on Saturday morning. Our treat as kids after swim was a Pluto pup from the shop before we’d travel home to Charlestown. My heart is with Newcastle. For it holds my memories.”
Now Steve is busy creating new memories with a small group that he describes as eclectic, who swim and wade all year round.
“I came back to the baths trying to get fit and started taking photos of the pool and the beach for my daughter who was at college in Missouri. “
These days he enjoys trying to tell a story with a photo and uses his iPhone, “you can put it in places the big boys won’t put their cameras.” Thanks Steve, love your work!
Ashley Berry of Berry Sweet Photography
Ashley Berry was born and raised in Newcastle. Ashley is the woman behind Berry Sweet Photography and her photos feature on our Bogey Hole and Merewether Ocean Baths pages.
Her parents wanted a change of scenery, so they ended up moving to the outskirts of Gunnedah back in 2000.
Ashley has been back in Newcastle for almost 3 years now. These days she can share her love of the ocean with the next generation.
“I frequent Merewether Ocean Baths with my 5 year old daughter. She loves that she can play in the sand and also in the water without the waves. I’ll get in if it’s hot enough. “
I asked Ashley which of the ocean pools in the Newcastle area is her favourite, “I cant choose just one, lol. They’re all equally as good as each other. I love the view of looking out at the horizon, it makes me feel free.”
I always like to ask people if a song reminds them of their favourite ocean pool, their relationship with that pool or how that pool makes them feel. I love Ashley’s response “I always find the song Island in the sun by Weezer plays in my head”. If you know the song, you’ll definitely get the vibe. Thanks to Weezer for these inspirational lyrics
“When you’re on a holidayYou can’t find the words to sayAll the things that come to youAnd I wanna feel it too”.
Thanks so much Ashley! Newcastle, I’m coming for ya!
Tracey Keogh is a talented photographer whose photos feature on our Newcastle Ocean Baths and Black Head Rock Pool pages. Thanks so much Tracey! Make sure to give her Insta a follow at @traceyb678
She swims at different ocean pools in the Newcastle area, but probably favours Newcastle baths the most.
“I love to be out taking photos at sunrise or sunset and will swim afterwards. I love the ocean and feel my nervous system align and calm when I am there…”
Her soundtrack for the baths, Here comes the sun by The Beatles. Perfect.
Ursula is a relative newcomer to the ocean pools of Newcastle and has only been using the pools for 5 years now. She loves to take amazing photos when she is at the pools or beaches as the sun comes up.
You can follow her on Instagram @sunrise_newcastle. I am actually quite mesmerised by her images and keep promising myself that I will start getting to the water for sunrise!
Her photos feature on our Newcastle Ocean Baths, Merewether Ocean Baths and Newcastle Bogey Hole pages. She describes herself as a walker, and tells how she kept walking past everyday, heard the laughter from the water and how it drew her in.
“I decided I wanted to be part of the laughter. So I swam 1 day a week and then 2 days and now I do 3 days, public holidays and full moon.”
When asked which of the Newcastle ocean pools is her favourite, she replied “I love to photograph the Bogey Hole, but not so much for swimming. Too unpredictable, big waves coming over. The rocks are sometimes slippery. Very good for the young ones. Bit of a walk to get there.”
Her soundtrack to the pools (and I’m going out on a limb here, but I think this mostly refers to the Bogey hole), is anything classical with cymbals in time with waves crashing!
Even though she’s not a long time swimmer, Ursula makes the most of every moment in the water, and loves that it is a place where everyone knows your name. Thanks so much for sharing!
Stephanie Bamford is another lady who takes amazing photos of the ocean pools of Newcastle. Her images feature on our Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Baths. You can follow her on Instagram here.
When quizzed about what song reminds her of the baths, she couldn’t name one in particular, “it’s just usually what I hear on the way to the pool
. That’s what used to happen when I was younger and swimming training.”
Newcastle Ocean Baths are her favourite of the ocean pools in the Newcastle area. “They envelop you when you walk through the entrance so you can’t leave without getting in for a swim.”
“The sunrises there are the best. The stars before dawn are amazing (backstroke kicking is a must) and, I think they call it the blue hour , before dawn is worth the early alarm awakening! Everyone is welcoming too, not like Merewether.”
A bit of a cheeky dig, this just shows what great camaraderie there is between all the folk who call these ocean pools home. Thanks so much Stephanie for sharing your photos and your insight.
Darren Carberry
Darren Carberry has been swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths for 25 years. We’ve featured his image as the header on our page for Newcastle ocean Baths.
He enjoys taking photos and sharing on the Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths Facebook page. Truth be told lots of people who swim at the baths share their photos here. I’m grateful that this Newy crew let me join from afar to admire their beautiful baths.
After retiring years ago, Darren likes to take photos of the baths when he’s there to keep everyone up to date with what’s happening with rebuilds and progress at the pool.
I love the way he describes Newcastle pool, “the old girl keeps me company n me her n all swimmers early morning. Don’t know what I’d do with out the old girl”.
Darren is one of those legends who swims all year round. When I asked him about his sound track to the pool, his response was priceless. “A song? Have to have a think about that but I guess the best song would be early morning talking n laughter from all the Dawn swimmer’s n sunflowers can’t help but smile 
”
I think Darren sums up what swimming at your local ocean pool is all about. Thanks so much!
Photos of Newcastle Ocean Baths
Thankyou so much to all the wonderful photographers of the Newcastle ocean pools for letting us share their images. Showing off these beautiful ocean pools at their very best is an absolute privilege for us. It’s also been really nice getting in touch with the locals who call these pools home. The best part is hearing about you and your relationship with the pools and the special bond you share with your fellow swimmers. We look forward to getting up there and having a swim and a coffee with all of you in the new year!
